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Ready to Measure Your Impact? Start Here.
This is your practical toolkit for measuring, managing, and reporting on ESG performance. Whether you need to calculate your carbon footprint, assess social impact, or prepare for ESG reporting, you'll find actionable tools below.
**Looking for frameworks and standards instead?** → [Visit Frameworks and Standards page](/resources/frameworks-and-standards)
Quick Navigation
I need to:**
- [Measure my carbon emissions](#carbon)
- [Calculate environmental impact](#environment)
- [Assess social impact](#social)
- [Evaluate governance practices](#governance)
- [Report on ESG performance](#reporting)
- [Screen investments for ESG](#investment)
- [Check my company's ESG rating](#ratings)
Carbon & Climate
For Organizations
**GHG Protocol Calculation Tools** (FREE)
Industry-leading calculators for measuring your greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
**What you can calculate:** Direct emissions, purchased electricity, supply chain emissions, employee commuting, business travel, waste, and more.
**Best for:** Companies beginning GHG inventory, ESG reporting, carbon offset projects.
**African relevance:** Essential for African companies seeking green financing, carbon credits, or export certification.
[Access GHG Protocol Tools →](https://ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools-and-guidance)
**Cross-sector tools:** Covers all industries
**Sector-specific tools:** Oil & gas, waste management, agriculture, aluminum, cement, steel
**Country-specific tools:** Some tools available for specific national contexts
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**Carbon Footprint Calculator (individuals & small businesses)** (FREE)
Simple calculators for estimating personal or small business carbon footprints.
**Options:**
- [Nature Conservancy Carbon Calculator](https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/) (Personal)
- [Carbon Trust SME Calculator](https://www.carbontrust.com/) (Small Business)
**Best for:** Individuals, startups, SMEs wanting quick estimates before investing in full GHG inventory.
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**Climate Risk Assessment Tools**
**Climate Action Tracker** (FREE)
Track government climate policies in countries where you operate. Understand how national climate commitments affect your business planning.
[Access Climate Action Tracker →](https://climateactiontracker.org/)
**Best for:** Multinationals assessing climate policy risk, investors evaluating country-level climate action.
---
Environmental Imapct Tools
Water Footprint Calculator** (FREE)
Measure water consumption across your operations and value chain.
**Options:**
- [Water Footprint Network Calculator](https://waterfootprint.org/en/resources/interactive-tools/personal-water-footprint-calculator/)
- [WBCSD Global Water Tool](https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Food-and-Nature/Water/Resources/Global-Water-Tool) (requires registration)
**African relevance:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Water scarcity is critical in many African regions. Essential for agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors.
---
**Biodiversity Impact Assessment**
**Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT)** (SUBSCRIPTION)
Map biodiversity risks in your operational areas.
[Learn More →](https://www.ibat-alliance.org/)
**Best for:** Extractive industries, infrastructure projects, agriculture operations near protected areas.
**African relevance:** Critical for projects near national parks, wildlife corridors, or UNESCO sites.
---
**Waste & Circular Economy Calculators**
**Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circulytics Tool** (FREE - registration required)
Measure your circular economy performance.
[Access Circulytics →](https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/resources/circulytics/overview)
**Best for:** Manufacturing, consumer goods, packaging companies transitioning to circular models.
---
Social Impact Tools
B Impact Assessment (BIA)** (FREE)
Comprehensive assessment covering workers, community impact, customers, diversity, and supply chain ethics.
**What it measures:**
- Fair wages and benefits
- Health & safety standards
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Community engagement and local impact
- Supply chain ethics
- Customer responsibility
**Best for:** Companies pursuing B Corp certification or wanting comprehensive social impact measurement.
**African relevance:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Increasingly used by African social enterprises and impact-focused businesses.
[Start B Impact Assessment →](https://app.bimpactassessment.net/)
---
**Human Rights Due Diligence Tools**
**UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework** (FREE)
Template for reporting on human rights impacts.
[Access Framework →](https://www.ungpreporting.org/)
**Best for:** Companies with complex supply chains, extractive industries, manufacturing.
**African relevance:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Critical for mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors to demonstrate ethical operations.
---
**Diversity & Inclusion Scorecards**
**DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging) Self-Assessment Tools**
Many consulting firms offer free self-assessment tools:
- Deloitte's Inclusion Index
- McKinsey's Diversity & Inclusion Assessment
**Best for:** Organizations tracking DEI progress, preparing ESG reports.
Governance Assessment Tools
Corporate Governance Scorecards**
**OECD Corporate Governance Toolkit** (FREE)
Evaluate board structure, executive accountability, transparency, and shareholder rights.
[Access OECD Toolkit →](https://www.oecd.org/corporate/)
**IFC Corporate Governance Scorecards** (FREE)
Tailored for emerging markets including Africa.
[Access IFC Scorecards →](https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector/financial-institutions/corporate-governance)
**African relevance:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Specifically designed for African business contexts.
---
**Risk Management Frameworks**
**COSO Framework** (FREE - requires registration)
Leading framework for internal control and risk management.
[Access COSO Framework →](https://www.coso.org/)
---
## <a name="reporting"></a>📊 ESG Reporting Templates
**GRI Reporting Templates** (FREE)
Downloadable templates for GRI-aligned ESG reporting.
[Access GRI Templates →](https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/)
---
**SASB Standards Navigator** (FREE)
Find your industry-specific disclosure topics and metrics.
[Access SASB Navigator →](https://sasb.ifrs.org/standards/)
**How to use:** Select your industry → get specific metrics to report → download templates.
---
**ESG Report Examples & Templates**
**Corporate Citizenship ESG Report Library** (FREE)
Browse hundreds of real ESG reports from companies worldwide.
**Best for:** Companies preparing their first ESG report and wanting to see examples.
Sustainable Investment Tools
For Investors:**
**IRIS+ Impact Measurement System** (FREE)
Global standard for measuring social and environmental impact of investments.
[Access IRIS+ →](https://iris.thegiin.org/)
**Best for:** Impact investors, fund managers, development finance institutions.
**African relevance:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Widely used by African impact investors and DFIs.
---
**UNEP FI Portfolio Impact Analysis Tool** (FREE)
Assess environmental and social impacts of your investment portfolio.
[Access Tool →](https://www.unepfi.org/impact/unep-fi-impact-analysis-tools/investment-portfolio-impact-analysis-tool/)
**Best for:** Asset managers, pension funds, institutional investors.
---
**Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Reporting Framework** (FREE for signatories)
Disclose ESG practices and results to investors.
[Learn More →](https://www.unpri.org/)
**African relevance:** Growing number of African asset owners and managers are PRI signatories.
---
**ESG Investment Screeners:**
**Morningstar Low Carbon Designation** (SUBSCRIPTION)
Identify low-carbon investment funds.
**Bloomberg ESG Data** (SUBSCRIPTION)
Screen stocks, bonds, and funds by ESG criteria.
**MSCI ESG Research** (SUBSCRIPTION/FREE limited access)
ESG scores and analytics for thousands of companies.
---
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ESG RATING
Check Your Company's Rating:**
Most ESG ratings are produced by third-party providers and aren't tools you "use" but rather ratings you receive. However, you can:
### **MSCI ESG Ratings**
Covers ~14,000 companies globally. Ratings from AAA (leader) to CCC (laggard).
**How to check your rating:** If you're a publicly traded company, search your ticker on [MSCI ESG Research](https://www.msci.com/esg-ratings).
**African companies covered:** Major listings on JSE, NSE, NGX, Casablanca Stock Exchange.
---
### **S&P Global ESG Scores**
Based on Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Scale of 0-100.
**How it works:** Companies invited to complete CSA questionnaire annually. Results published for investors.
[Learn More →](https://www.spglobal.com/esg/solutions/esg-scores-data)
---
### **Moody's ESG Solutions**
Credit-focused ESG analysis linking ESG factors to credit risk.
[Learn More →](https://esg.moodys.io/)
**African relevance:** Used by African corporates seeking international debt financing.
---
### **Want to improve your ESG rating?**
1. Start by measuring your current performance with the tools above
2. Identify gaps based on industry benchmarks
3. Implement improvements (emissions reduction, DEI programs, board diversity)
4. Report transparently using recognized frameworks
5. Engage with rating agencies during their assessment cycles
African-Specific Resources
Coming soon:** We're compiling African-specific tools including:
- Botswana carbon credit project calculators
- Southern African water stress assessment tools
- SADC region compliance checklists
- African currency/unit conversion tools for ESG metrics
**Know of an African ESG tool we should feature?** [Submit it here](/take-action)
How to Choose the Right Tools
If you're just starting:**
1. **GHG Protocol Calculator** (carbon footprint)
2. **B Impact Assessment** (social impact)
3. **OECD Governance Toolkit** (governance)
4. **GRI Templates** (reporting)
### **If you're an investor:**
1. **IRIS+** (impact measurement)
2. **UNEP FI Portfolio Tool** (portfolio analysis)
3. **PRI Framework** (responsible investment reporting)
### **If you're preparing for certification:**
1. **B Impact Assessment** (B Corp)
2. **Sector-specific certifications** (FSC for forestry, Fairtrade for agriculture)
3. **ISO 14001** (environmental management)
### **If you're listed on an African exchange:**
Check your exchange's ESG requirements first:
- JSE → [JSE Sustainability & Climate Disclosure Guidance](https://www.jse.co.za/)
- NSE → ESG Disclosures Guidance Note
- NGX → ESG Disclosure Guidelines
Then use tools aligned with those requirements.
---
Free vs Paid Tools: What's Worth Paying For?
Start with free tools:**
- GHG Protocol calculators
- B Impact Assessment
- GRI templates
- OECD/IFC governance scorecards
- Most reporting frameworks
**Consider paid tools when:**
- You need detailed industry benchmarking
- You require third-party verification
- You're managing complex portfolios
- You need real-time ESG data feeds
- Your reporting is mandatory (stock exchange requirements)
**For African SMEs:** Stick with free tools initially. Paid tools make sense only when pursuing specific certifications, major financing, or export markets.
Implementation Support
Need help using these tools?**
### Join our community
Connect with others navigating ESG measurement in African contexts. [Join now](/take-action)
### Attend a workshop
We host regular webinars on ESG tool usage. [See upcoming events](/spotlight)
### Hire a consultant
Need dedicated support? [Browse our partner directory](/take-action) or email info@thegreenquotient.org for referrals.
FAQ
Do I need to use all these tools?**
No. Start with 2-3 tools relevant to your priority ESG areas. Most organizations use GHG Protocol (environment), B Impact Assessment or GRI (social), and a governance scorecard.
**Are these tools suitable for small African businesses?**
Yes. We've prioritized free tools that scale to businesses of all sizes. The GHG Protocol, B Impact Assessment, and GRI tools all work for SMEs.
**How long does it take to complete these assessments?**
Initial assessments: 2-10 hours depending on tool complexity and data availability. Annual updates: 2-4 hours once systems are in place.
**What if I don't have all the data these tools require?**
Start with what you have. Most tools allow partial completion. Use estimated data initially and refine over time as you improve data collection.
**Which tools are accepted by African banks for green financing?**
Most banks accept GHG Protocol calculations and recognized certifications (B Corp, FSC, Fairtrade, etc.). Check with your specific bank for requirements.
**Can I use multiple tools simultaneously?**
Yes, and it's recommended. Use GHG Protocol for emissions, B Impact Assessment for social metrics, and GRI for comprehensive reporting. They complement each other.
Next Steps
1. Pick your priority
Environment, Social, Governance, or Investment - choose your starting point.
### 2. Select 1-2 tools
Don't try everything at once. Master one tool before adding more.
### 3. Collect baseline data
Measure your current state. You can't improve what you don't measure.
### 4. Set goals
Use your baseline to set measurable targets.
### 5. Track progress
Use tools annually to monitor improvement.
### 6. Report results
Share your progress transparently using reporting templates.
**Ready to start measuring?** Bookmark this page and [join our community](/take-action) for support along the way.
Additional Resources
Before using tools:**
→ [Beginner's Guide: ESG Basics](/resources/beginners-guide/esg-vs-csr-vs-sustainability)
→ [How to Read an ESG Report](/resources/beginners-guide/how-to-read-an-esg-report)
**After measuring:**
→ [ESG Frameworks and Standards](/resources/frameworks-and-standards) (for reporting guidance)
→ [Success Stories](/resources/success-stories) (see how others use these tools)
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