About us

Building smarter climate policy

Who we are

We are a think tank conducting data-driven and evidence-based advocacy to improve EU climate policy.

We combine expertise in decarbonisation with data analysis to propose policies that drive impactful, cost-effective emissions reductions in the EU and beyond. Through our holistic approach, we make sure our recommendations are not only well-informed and effective but also inclusive, considering economic and geostrategic realities.

Our story

2008: Sandbag was founded in London, to reveal flaws in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and develop solutions for its surplus of carbon allowances.
2013: Opening of an office in Brussels, to reinforce our influence on EU policy.
2018: Sandbag officially became a non-profit organisation under Belgian law (ASBL).
2019: After Brexit, the UK-based entity was renamed Ember, while Sandbag focused only on EU climate policy.

Since 2019, we have strengthened our focus on EU decarbonisation policies, leveraging our expertise in carbon markets and data analysis. Today, our data tools and technical insights are trusted by policymakers and media – across Europe and beyond.

Sandbag in the news

Our work

Publications

We provide evidence-based and data-driven recommendations for smarter climate policies through in-depth research on EU decarbonisation policies, from carbon markets to industrial emissions reductions.

Read our research

Data tools

We develop advanced tools to model emissions, track EU policy impacts, and test decarbonisation scenarios. These in-house tools ensure that our research is both accurate and actionable, helping EU decision-makers implement efficient climate policies.

Try our tools

Advocacy

We advocate climate policies that deliver real emissions reductions through collective networks of think tanks and NGOs, by participating in public consultations, in European Commission Expert Groups or by engaging directly with stakeholders and policymakers.

Getting Electrification Right: The broader challenge of induced emissions

by Andrew Fearney | June 12, 2025 | Electrification, Energy, Hydrogen, Industry | 0 Comments

Sandbag’s latest report explores how the climate impact of electricity use depends not just on how it’s generated, but also when and where it’s consumed. Using hydrogen as a case study, the report shows how poorly timed renewable electricity use can unintentionally drive-up fossil fuel emissions — and outlines smarter paths to decarbonisation.

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Open letter against international credits integration into the EU 2040 climate target and NDC

by Andrew Fearney | June 12, 2025 | Decarbonisation, Emissions Targets | 0 Comments

A joint NGO letter calls on the EU to exclude international carbon credits from the 2040 target. The signatories urge a domestic-only approach to protect climate credibility and ambition.

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Steel emissions standards under threat from flawed “mass balance” proposal

by Andrew Fearney | June 5, 2025 | Decarbonisation, Emissions Targets, Steel | 0 Comments

A joint letter from 30+ NGOs warns that coal-based steel could be falsely labelled as green under proposed “mass balance” rules. The signatories call for traceable, credible emissions data in steel standards.

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Joint statement urges EU to boost the use of recycled steel scrap in the automotive sector

by Andrew Fearney | May 26, 2025 | Automotive Decarbonisation, Steel | 0 Comments

A new joint statement urges the EU to set binding targets for recycled steel use in cars, citing the climate benefits of secondary steel and the need to reduce demand for high-emission imports.

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CBAM extension: Closing the emissions gap

by Andrew Fearney | May 22, 2025 | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Industry | 0 Comments

Sandbag’s new position paper urges the European Commission to expand the CBAM horizontally and vertically, addressing loopholes and supporting the phase-out of free allocation.

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Our team

Our team blends diverse backgrounds, technical skills, and a shared commitment to advancing decarbonisation with evidence-based policies. Each member contributes unique expertise—from carbon markets and industrial decarbonisation to clean hydrogen and advanced data analysis.

Meet our team

Meet our board

Our supporters

Our work is supported by foundation grants and individual donations from those who share our commitment to advancing effective climate policies. We also occasionally undertake consultancy work that aligns with our mission to drive efficient emissions reductions.

We thank all our supporters for enabling our efforts to strengthen EU climate policy and, in doing so, contributing to the fight against climate change.

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