Market Insight: What Product Leaders Need To Know About Carbon Management Software Trends In 2025-26

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Executive Summary

In hindsight, the coming two years may be judged either very challenging – or very inspiring – for developers of carbon management technology. Opportunities for selling standalone carbon management software on its own look set to fall, while the importance of robust carbon management in larger platforms and contexts is increasing. Further, new regulations and AI-driven capabilities will generate waves of innovation and excitement. This report provides insights for technology strategy teams on adapting their product strategy goals and roadmaps for carbon management functionality during these two exciting years. 

Table of contents

Summary for decision-makers
Two years will make or break carbon management vendors

New carbon management market dynamics have solidified
Regulations and downstream pressure will drive spend; voluntary commitments will not
Plot carbon management product strategy and positioning against immediate commercial needs
Top-tier security, AI, integrations and enterprise data management are table stakes
Functionality that enhances competitiveness and compliance is a differentiator
As market positioning, standalone carbon management has a limited runway

Table of figures

Figure 1. Carbon management functionality has entered its fourth (and possibly final) phase
Figure 2. Enterprise-ready carbon management encompasses five key functionality areas
Figure 3. Large spenders on carbon management software have tended to be American or European
Figure 4. Four in 10 firms have already stopped dealing with a supplier due to its emissions  
Figure 5. Big spenders will focus on emission reductions and mandatory reporting functionality over the next two years
Figure 6. Carbon management capabilities support many software platform visions

About the author

Ryan Skinner

Research Director, Net Zero & Climate Risk
Ryan is the Research Director for the Verdantix Net Zero & Climate Risk practice. He guides the research team to develop compelling research at the intersection of net zero strategies, carbon management, climate risk and technology. Prior to joining Verdantix, Ryan was a principal analyst at Forrester Research, where he initiated the research into ESG data and analytics offerings. He also has extensive experience of helping software companies with their messaging, positioning, market and technology strategies. Ryan studied at Duke University, the University of Manchester and the University of Oslo, and speaks Norwegian fluently.

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