Getting Electrification Right: The broader challenge of induced emissions

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

We’re a non-profit climate change think tank which uses data analysis to build evidence-based campaigns on climate policy

We focus on EU policies such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon border adjustment mechanisms and emissions reductions in industrial sectors. We believe in Europe’s ability to lead climate action by example and use its large market and ability to stimulate technological competition as an incentive for others to follow. But we’re also aware of the risk that Europe might fail to deliver on its own pledges, which is why we want to get EU climate policy right.

Our Work

Carbon Pricing

Our accomplishments on Carbon Pricing

Industry

Our policy recommendations on EU industry

CBAM

Our work on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

 

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Explore all of our data tools

Financing

Our research on EU funding

Publications

Aluminium production and CCS/U: A reality check

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.

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

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?

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

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

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 values in the CBAM

For a systematic use of default values in the CBAM

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

CBAM DRI loophole requires new free allocation reform

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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TESTIMONIALS

Sandbag is recognised as a top global climate think-tank

An inspirational idea that promises to make a real and positive difference… and a wonderful opportunity to help sort out the climate mess we’ve all created. Prof. Chris Turney is the author of Ice, Mud and Blood: Lessons from Climates Past
Chris Turney

Professor, University of Exeter

Sandbag is playing a crucial role in making sure that Europe’s cornerstone climate policy actually does its job.
Caroline Lucas

United Kingdom MP

Sandbag… strikes a balance between underlining the merits of the EU ETS and criticising the weaknesses.
Connie Hedegaard

Former European Commissioner

Mundo 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 transparancy register no. 277895137794-73. VAT: BE0707935890

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