Why Carbon Tracking Is a Business Imperative
Why carbon tracking is essential today?
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it’s a business reality. Companies around the world are under increasing pressure to measure, report, and reduce their carbon footprint. According to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), over 8,000 companies have committed to science-based emissions targets, signalling a clear shift: sustainability is now a baseline expectation, not an option.
The challenge for businesses
Despite this urgency, many organisations struggle with carbon tracking. Studies show that over 60% of businesses cite data complexity and lack of in-house expertise as major barriers to effective reporting (CDP Global, 2024). Costs, inconsistent measurement standards, and fragmented data make it difficult to take meaningful action.
This is where Onlygood comes in. Our approach makes carbon tracking simple, actionable, and growth-driven. Businesses can measure emissions accurately, reduce their footprint strategically, and report confidently, turning sustainability from a compliance burden into a driver for efficiency, reputation, and long-term growth.
The Strategic Importance of Tracking Carbon Emissions
Meeting global standards and buyer expectations
International markets are increasingly demanding sustainability transparency. For instance, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to impact imports from 2026, will require Indian exporters in steel, cement, and chemicals to report carbon emissions. Companies that cannot comply risk losing market access or paying heavy tariffs.
Investor and stakeholder pressure
Investors are also prioritising climate-resilient businesses. A 2023 MSCI ESG report found that companies with strong carbon disclosure practices experience lower capital costs and higher investor confidence. Transparent carbon tracking signals long-term viability and responsibility.
Operational and cost benefits
Carbon tracking isn’t just about compliance - it can drive efficiency. A McKinsey study shows that companies systematically tracking emissions can reduce energy costs by up to 20% through targeted improvements. For Indian SMEs, even small efficiency gains can significantly improve margins.
Competitive differentiation
Consumers and buyers are increasingly choosing climate-conscious brands. According to NielsenIQ, 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. Exporters demonstrating measurable carbon reductions are more likely to secure global contracts and retain buyer trust.
Why Indian exporters need it now
With climate regulations tightening globally and sustainability-linked financing gaining traction, Indian exporters who proactively measure and manage emissions can turn a regulatory requirement into a competitive advantage, protecting growth while contributing to a greener future.
The Challenges Businesses Face in Carbon Tracking
Despite the clear benefits, many organisations struggle to implement effective carbon tracking. Key challenges include:
Complex and fragmented standards: Global reporting frameworks like GHG Protocol, CDP, and SBTi can be confusing for businesses without dedicated sustainability teams. A 2023 CDP report found that over 50% of companies struggle to align their data with multiple reporting standards, leading to inefficiencies and reporting errors.
Scattered or unreliable data: Many businesses lack centralised systems to track energy usage, emissions from supply chains, and logistics. In India, most SMEs still rely on manual spreadsheets, which makes accurate carbon measurement difficult and time-consuming.
Limited internal expertise: According to a 2024 World Bank survey, 65% of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets cite lack of knowledge as the main barrier to sustainability reporting. Without trained personnel, even simple data collection can become a bottleneck.
Perceived high costs: Initial setup for carbon tracking is often seen as expensive. Yet research by McKinsey & Company shows that structured measurement can lead to operational savings of up to 20%, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
Fear of non-compliance: Companies worry about audits and penalties. The EU CBAM and other international regulations mean exporters risk fines or losing access to markets if carbon footprints are not reported accurately. This fear can delay action, creating a reactive rather than proactive approach.
The Takeaway
While the challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. With the right tools, processes, and guidance, businesses can turn barriers into opportunities, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening market credibility.
How Onlygood Turns Carbon Tracking into Growth
At Onlygood, we believe sustainability should be accessible, actionable, and achievable for every business. Our carbon tracking solution is designed to turn complexity into clarity and compliance into growth. Here’s how we do it:
Simplified Measurement Tools
We provide intuitive dashboards and calculators that make tracking emissions straightforward.
Businesses can measure carbon footprints across operations, supply chains, and logistics without needing a sustainability expert.
Automated Data Collection & Reporting
Onlygood integrates with energy meters, transport logs, and procurement systems to automatically capture data.
Reports are audit-ready, aligned with global frameworks like GHG Protocol and CDP, reducing manual effort and errors.
Clear, Actionable Insights
Our platform identifies key emission hotspots and suggests targeted reduction strategies.
Businesses can prioritise actions that maximise environmental and cost benefits, turning sustainability into a driver for efficiency.
Tailored Support for Every Business
From SMEs to exporters, Onlygood provides step-by-step guidance, templates, and expert support.
Our solutions help businesses meet global compliance standards, such as EU CBAM, while maintaining growth and competitiveness.
Growth-Driven Sustainability
By simplifying carbon tracking, Onlygood empowers companies to leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage.
Accurate measurement and proactive reduction strategies help build buyer trust, attract investors, and unlock efficiency savings.
Future-Ready Businesses: Carbon Transparency for Resilience and Success
The future of sustainability is clear: carbon transparency will be central to business resilience and growth. Companies that proactively track and reduce emissions are not only preparing for stricter regulations but also positioning themselves as leaders in a climate-conscious global economy.
Key trends shaping the road ahead:
Stricter global regulations: EU CBAM, US climate policies, and voluntary ESG frameworks will continue to demand accurate carbon reporting.
Investor and consumer focus: Stakeholders increasingly favour businesses with measurable sustainability impact.
Technological advancements: Automation, IoT, and AI are making carbon measurement faster, more accurate, and actionable.
Integration with business strategy: Carbon tracking will move from compliance to a strategic lever for efficiency, innovation, and market differentiation.
Onlygood’s vision is simple: make sustainability accessible, actionable, and achievable for every business. By turning carbon tracking into a tool for growth, we empower companies to do good for the planet while doing well in business.
