In this blog, we compare SmartTrackers' software with Hedgehog's. Where are the similarities, and where do they differ?
We can’t deny that SmartTrackers is the established name for CO2 Performance Ladder software in the Netherlands. Furthermore, SmartTrackers has broadened its scope lately to include ESG, ISO standards, the MVO-Prestatieladder, and the CSRD. Yet in their roadmap, they call a proper scope 3 calculation "the holy grail" of CO₂ calculations.¹ That is precisely what the Hedgehog Carbon Platform was built for.
We don't offer a broad ESG suite, nor do we pretend to. We do carbon accounting, and we specialise in providing rapid insight into all your scope 3 emissions. It is software that automatically processes invoices where possible, backed up by our GHG and LCA experts wherever needed. You can start for free, with no demo appointment required.
*Each row provides the reason, not just a tick. Information regarding SmartTrackers is sourced from their own public documentation and publications, current as of August 2026. Details can be found in the sources below.
In their own words
You might not expect it, but the best argument for using the Hedgehog Carbon Platform actually comes straight from SmartTrackers’ own publications.
"A good calculation of scope 3 remains the holy grail when it comes to CO₂ calculations. This is because it is difficult to gather the data and find the right emission factors." — SmartTrackers, roadmap update, November 2025¹
Because this is precisely the problem our platform was built to solve: high-quality Scope 1, 2, and 3 analyses in an easy-to-use platform. Data is automatically processed where possible. Activity-based data takes precedence over spend-based data, company-specific CO₂-databases replace generic assumptions, and wherever data or methodology falls short, our GHG and LCA experts are ready to step in.
"We expect to complete the migration process in the coming months, so everyone will be able to perform the required 4.0 calculations correctly." — SmartTrackers on the transition to Handbook 4.0, November 2025¹
At Hedgehog, the reporting templates, AI reporting guide, and databases for CO2 Performance Ladder Handbook 4.0 are already set up and ready to go. Please note: certification under Performance Ladder Handbook 3.1 is permitted until 14 January 2027, and major procuring entities like Rijkswaterstaat have already been requiring version 4.0 since July 2026.⁷
How the Hedgehog Carbon Platform works
In three steps—and with no implementation process—you are ready to go!
- Create a free account. You work directly within the live platform, where Dutch emission factors and the Performance Ladder structure are already fully configured. Feel free to immediately test our AI assistant, Peter the Hedgehog, for onboarding and any questions.
- Input your data or upload invoices. Set up Scope 1 and 2 in no time. For Scope 3, we automatically process invoices where possible and build company-specific CO₂databases based on your own data and EPDs. Our AI guide helps you make the best choices—and if you get stuck on the details, our GHG and LCA experts are on hand to review your work.
- Report in line with SKAO. Templates for the levels of Handbook 4.0 are ready to use. Answer the questions asked by the AI agent and have your SKAO report generated instantly.
"I find the new AI functionality of Hedgehog Carbon Platform quite impressive. It allows me to chat about my data, making the dashboard much more interactive and providing me with greater insights. The platform is also very affordable compared to others I've tried. I think it's great that once the data is loaded, everything works perfectly. The initial setup was very easy because the company offers guidance during onboarding, which was really helpful." — G2 review by verified user.
Create a free account, input your consumption data, and test our AI assistant today to see what your footprint and Performance Ladder file will look like. No demo appointment needed.
