Carbon accounting has moved from the margins of corporate responsibility to the center of business strategy. With global greenhouse gas emissions required to fall by 43% by 2030 to meet the 1.5°C goal—and atmospheric CO₂ levels already at a record 420 ppm—regulators, investors, and customers are demanding accountability that spans the entire value chain. For most companies, Scope 3 emissions account for over 70% of their total footprint, and in sectors such as aviation, this figure rises to 90–95%.
Our Carbon Reporting Readiness Survey highlights the gap between ambition and readiness: nearly 50% of firms find Scope 3 reporting highly challenging, 47% cite limited expertise, and 44% point to tool costs as a barrier. Most still rely on ERP extensions (31.6%) or spreadsheets (24.6%), while only 10.5% use AI or automation. This leaves carbon reporting fragmented and compliance-driven rather than strategic.
Yet, technology is changing the equation. Platforms like Bharat Carbon leverage AI, IoT, and MRV systems to deliver up to 95% greater accuracy, 70% fewer errors, and 50% faster reporting cycles, while enabling firms to benchmark performance, model net-zero pathways, and unlock financing opportunities.
The business case is already evident. Sixty percent of surveyed firms report stronger customer trust, and 47% note an improvement in investor confidence. More than half rated the business value of carbon reporting 4 or 5 out of 5, signalling its evolution from a regulatory obligation into a source of competitive advantage. As India pursues its 2070 net-zero goal and introduces mandatory schemes like the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, carbon accounting will become the backbone of corporate resilience. Companies that embrace credible measurement, transparent reporting, and digital innovation today will not only meet disclosure mandates but also secure capital, build trust, and lead in the global low-carbon transition.
