Benchmark of ESG software: 110 software vendors analysed

‍The benchmark conducted by AdVaes comes at a time when organisations' expectations in terms of sustainability, regulatory compliance and performance are undergoing profound change. It focuses specifically on CSR/ESG software vendors that specialise in assessing the environmental impact of IT and digital services, carbon accounting, and CSR/ESG reporting and management.

Organisations that understand the strong links between CSR/ESG, economic performance and resilience are no longer reluctant to incorporate this issue into their strategy. Of course, budgets still need to be allocated (and are still insufficient) and a larger number of organisations need to be convinced in order to generate a market for software. Calls for tenders from large companies and the public sector are stimulating this market. There is a gradual trickle-down effect. There is also demand from investors.

The use of ESG/CSR software is inevitable, however, with the rise of expectations for transparency, traceability and non-financial reporting. However, disparities in adoption highlight that organisational maturity, sectoral constraints and economic realities remain key variables. CSR/ESG software vendors must therefore adapt their offerings to take into account differences in maturity between organisations, the varying timelines for obligations or expressed needs, and the diversity of expectations.

Having a study that examines the tools available on the market also helps consolidate what has been learned and prepare for future projects. This benchmark helps organisations with this exercise. Its objective is to provide a structured and up-to-date overview, while offering practical insights into the solutions available on the market. It aims to better understand customer satisfaction levels, analyse the specific functionalities of the software and identify underlying trends in a rapidly evolving market.

By helping to clarify the offering, compare approaches and distinguish between software vendors on the basis of solid and robust criteria, AdVaes aims to support the professionalisation of CSR/ESG. This benchmark, unique in its approach, is a useful reference point for all players in this ecosystem.

👉 To access the benchmark report, complete our online form.

1. Market overview: a rich ecosystem

AdVaes has identified more than 110 ESG software vendors active on the French and European markets, whose analysis highlights several structuring trends: 44% are startups created less than five years ago, 62% are of French origin in France, confirming the existence of an active national ecosystem, although many solutions also come from other countries such as the United States (14%), Belgium, Germany, Canada, or even Switzerland or Sweden. This mix reflects both the emergence of innovative local actors and a desire to expand internationally. In terms of functional origin, 79% are natively positioned on ESG, while 21% come from other worlds (IT optimisation, ERP or data management). Regarding the main purpose of the solutions, 46% focus on environmental measurement and assessment (specialised offer focused on carbon measurement or environmental indicators), while 48% are dedicated to ESG reporting and strategic management.

2. HR trends: +18% of jobs created between 2022 and 2025

HR data analysis highlights contrasting dynamics between initial workforce acceleration, temporary downturn and recovery. Between 2022 and 2023, the growth in the workforce of these software vendors was particularly strong (+36%), reflecting a phase of expansion driven by the rise of regulatory requirements and the growing interest in extra-financial management and impact assessment solutions. This dynamic then subsided between the end of 2023 and May 2024 (+7.6%), before increasing again over the period from May 2024 to April 2025 (+10.9%). This evolution suggests that the software vendors analysed are entering a phase of consolidation, rationalisation of recruitment and gradual balancing between national and international development in 2025..

3. Customer satisfaction: high but...

‍Overall satisfaction is high, with 74% of C-level executives surveyed satisfied or very satisfied with the software selected for evaluation. However, the net promoter score (NPS = 15) remains moderate, due to a significant proportion of detractors (24%), revealing room for improvement in certain aspects of the solutions or for certain software vendors.

The results highlight an overall good level of satisfaction with the human and support aspects. The availability and responsiveness of technical teams and the quality of support and training each received an average score of 4.1 out of 5, indicating that the best-performing software vendors have been able to build close relationships with their customers and effectively support the deployment of their solutions. These two criteria are now strengths and markers of reliability for users.

On the other hand, satisfaction with perceived return on investment (ROI) remains more moderate, with an average score of 3.4 out of 5, no doubt reflecting the difficulty of directly measuring the economic impact of ESG software, especially in a context where the benefits are often diffuse, indirect or linked to regulatory obligations.

4. Differentiating criteria: from interoperability to security

AdVaes' analysis shows that organisations are turning to CSR/ESG software vendors capable of structuring and ensuring the reliability of their sustainability initiatives. In 2025, the market will be characterised by a wide variety of functional, technical and strategic approaches, clearly defining the differences between software vendors, particularly those specialising in CSR/ESG reporting and those dedicated to environmental impact assessment or carbon footprinting.

The assessment grid structured by AdVaes compares software vendors on 9 main criteria. For software vendors specialising in CSR/ESG reporting and management, comparative analysis highlights disparities in functional coverage, technical integration, data management and the level of support offered. One of the priorities of these software vendors is to invest in interoperability, automation and data quality. Beyond that, they must make progress in formalising their commitments: SLAs, RTO/RPO, ISO certifications, auditability.

For software vendors specialising in the assessment of the environmental impact of IT and/or on the carbon footprint, the analysis shows that the differences in maturity, coverage, methodologies and support are sometimes significant, which implies increased vigilance from the initial stages of selection. The analysis reveals that some highly specialised solutions have an unparalleled level of sector expertise.

The guarantees offered in terms of trust, the availability of solutions, and the protection and security of data remain a major differentiator for all software vendors analysed.

5. 2028 Trends: AI at the heart of future developments

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is a real trend both for the ESG software vendors analysed and for the C-Levels customers interviewed. More than 50% mention a major contribution of AI to improve data quality, automate the collection of useful data, recommend levers of action and model (materiality, impact assessment, carbon footprint, etc.). AI is becoming a differentiating lever to enrich the functionalities and reliability of the solutions.

In practice: how to access this report and take advantage of it?

1. Buyers & C-Levels: secure your choices with factual comparison and user feedback.
2. Software vendors: identify your strengths, fill your gaps and guide your CSR/ESG roadmap.
3. Investors: identify software vendors with high potential for innovation and internationalisation.

👉 To access our benchmark report, complete our online form.

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AdVaes thanks the software vendors who completed its assessment grid as well as the 60 C-Levels who responded to the satisfaction survey. Special mention for AppyUser, BlueKanGo, Ekyo, OxygenIT by ScaleDynamics and Resilio who supported this benchmark and agreed to have their assessment report published.