FAQ > Software Evaluation

The purpose of the GHGMI software evaluation program is to ensure commercial carbon accounting and reporting software produces data of sufficient quality, when applied by competent professionals, to manage greenhouse gases (GHG). In doing so, GHGMI supports the development of the GHG software marketplace and improves the quality and functionality of GHG software products on the market. We view GHG software as an important tool for GHG professionals, and as such, this program supports the Institute’s larger mission of professional development of tomorrow’s carbon management experts.

GHGMI’s software evaluation process entails a technical review, comprising an initial evaluation and annual updates. Currently, we assess GHG software functionality for corporate-level GHG emissions inventories by assessing compliance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard using a tailored evaluation and testing protocol.

Software providers may also obtain ad-hoc evaluations of recently added or improved/unique functionality or the software’s compliance with a specific GHG program.

During the evaluation process, GHGMI plays the part of a typical customer using the software product. We review functionality by applying a software evaluation protocol and checklist comprised of over 100 detailed questions and tests. We document the results of our review in a Software Evaluation Report for the software supplier, and a Software Evaluation Summary, for potential users and stakeholders at large.

Evaluation and review typically take between 10-12 weeks, depending on the timeliness of communication and schedule coordination.

GHGMI’s evaluation and testing protocol:

• Addresses compliance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.
• Is applicable to functionalities relevant for corporate-level GHG inventories. It does not currently evaluate the functionality necessary for other types of GHG accounting frameworks (e.g., value chain or product “carbon footprint) or for the performance of mitigation and financial analysis.

The GHGMI evaluation protocol applies a case study of a hypothetical company to test the functionality and performance of GHG software. The evaluation and testing protocol does not:

• Address software or reporting requirements for a particular company. The needs of GHG software users can vary significantly. Before selecting a particular software package, users are advised to complete company-specific requirements.
• Evaluate the functionality necessary for reporting frameworks beyond the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

Our review is designed to provide independent expert feedback to software developers and to stimulate improvement.  Software providers use our evaluation process and reports to:

• Identify GHG methodological shortfalls and opportunities for improvement
• Identify distinct advantages
• Develop priorities and inform product roadmaps
• Communicate with stakeholders including customers, GHG registries and assurance providers

A number of the software providers we assessed agreed to have their Software Evaluation Summary published on our website.  The summaries document the main outcomes of the review process and include highlights and comments.  As a potential buyer, you can use the summaries to obtain unbiased technical information about GHG software products.  While the summaries provide unbiased technical information, they do not rank software packages and providers, or assess their ability to address your specific requirements.  Potential buyers of GHG software are well-served to include the companies evaluated by GHGMI on a short list of potential suppliers. But you are strongly advised to engage with software providers directly, to discuss and assess how each package/provider would meet you specific needs.

When you communicate to customers, potential customers or other stakeholders you may:

• Share the Software Evaluation Summary or the full Software Evaluation Report
• Use the following statement  “[name of software/service] functionalities have been tested and evaluated in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute’s Software Evaluation Test Protocol”
• Include GHGMI’s Software Evaluation logo in you commercial communication

Make sure that you read, fully understand and comply with the program terms and conditions, as specified in your contract and summarized here.