The Ipswich-based commercial printer is using the tool to demonstrate its green commitment to customers, complementing its programme to achieve ISO 14001 environmental standard by May 2008.

Phillip Dodd, managing director of Healeys Printers, said that although the ISO standard established environmental credentials, it did not enable continual improvement.

"This software provides a tool to measure our carbon emissions and set annual targets for reducing those levels without the expense of getting involved with external consultants and assessors," he said.

The software was developed by Access Accounting in consultation with the Carbon Trust and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It captures carbon-related data from every financial transaction, such as electricity accounts or travel expenses, and keeps a running total of the company's carbon emissions in kilograms or tons.

Access Technology Group launched the carbon emissions module as a standard, integrated part of its Dimensions accounting package at the Softworld Exhibition 2008 in London last week. The company said this would enable smaller companies that could not afford the ISO certification to demonstrate environmental commitment without extra expense.