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.

In or Out: What’s best for carbon removals and the EU ETS?

by Amelie | December 17, 2024 | Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), ETS, Publications | 0 Comments

What will the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) look like as the emissions cap heads towards zero? Is integrating carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) into the ETS a solution to help the EU achieve its climate goals? Or would they compromise the integrity and functioning of the system? These questions are at the forefront of the Commission’s mind as they review different options for the future of the ETS ahead of the 2026 revision.

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For a systematic use of default value in the CBAM

by Amelie | December 16, 2024 | CBAM, Policy recommendations | 0 Comments

The current carbon emissions reporting in the CBAM fails to achieve its goal of replacing free allocations under the EU ETS and undermines its integrity. A systematic default value system would improve the CBAM and safeguard the EU ETS.

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CBAM DRI loophole requires new free allocation reform

by Amelie | December 13, 2024 | CBAM, Policy recommendations | 0 Comments

We took part in a targeted survey run by the European Commission’s DG TAXUD on methodologies used to calculate embedded emissions and the rules for adjusting CBAM obligations alongside free allocation under the ETS. Our proposal: free allocation should be reformed to close the ‘DRI loophole’.

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Feedback on the EU Commission’s draft methodology for low-carbon hydrogen

by Amelie | October 31, 2024 | Hydrogen, Policy recommendations | 0 Comments

For ‘low carbon’ hydrogen to truly make a positive contribution to Europe’s transition to climate neutrality, the safeguards put in place must be meaningful. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case in this draft delegated act.

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Metallurgical flexibility: Enabling the aluminium and steel sectors for demand response

by Amelie | October 21, 2024 | Industry, Publications, Steel | 0 Comments

Electrification and flexibility are critical to decarbonising both industrial and electricity systems. But what happens when we combine the two? Industrial flexibility will play an increasingly important role as industry moves towards electrification.

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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.

Support our mission