About us

Building smarter climate policy
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

CBAM extension: Closing the emissions gap

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.

Auction for industrial heat electrification: A positive step, but mind the induced emissions!

This position paper analyses the European Commission’s industrial heat auction, highlighting the importance of auction design to ensure electrification reduces emissions without causing unintended increases due to electricity grid dynamics.

Aluminium production and CCS/U: A reality check

Aluminium production remains challenging to decarbonise. This brief examines the limited potential of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCS/U) in the sector and explores alternative approaches that may offer more effective emissions reductions.

Towards a minimum recycled steel content in passenger cars: setting an initial target

The EU has around 286 million motor vehicles, and every year, 6.5 million of these are scrapped. If the steel scrap from these end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) is not managed well, valuable resources are lost, harming the environment. With the EU preparing its ELV Regulation, which could set targets for minimum recycled steel content for passenger cars : what should those targets be?

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.

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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Mundo-b Matogné. Rue d’Edimbourg 26, Ixelles 1050 Belgium.

Sandbag is a not-for-profit (ASBL) organisation registered in Belgium under the number 0707.935.890.

EU transparency register no. 277895137794-73.

VAT: BE0707935890.

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