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.

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.

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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.

The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?

by Andrew Fearney | August 25, 2025 | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) | 0 Comments

Sandbag’s latest report examines how the EU’s CBAM will impact third country exporters. While some may reduce costs through resource shuffling, real emissions may remain unchanged — calling for stronger alignment through carbon pricing.

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State Aid for Indirect Carbon Costs: Reform before extending!

by Andrew Fearney | August 21, 2025 | EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Outreach | 0 Comments

Sandbag responds to the EU’s consultation on State aid for Indirect Carbon Costs (ICC), calling for targeted reforms to better support clean electricity, avoid windfall profits, and align with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

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Heat up industry, not the climate!

by Chloé Barré | August 11, 2025 | Climate financing, Electrification, Industry | 0 Comments

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.

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Strengthening the CBAM — by default

by Andrew Fearney | August 6, 2025 | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Outreach | 0 Comments

Sandbag’s August 2025 brief calls for systemic default values to close CBAM loopholes—addressing scrap and cement circumvention, electricity imports, and indirect emissions.

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Extending the CBAM to indirect emissions

by Andrew Fearney | August 1, 2025 | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Electrification, EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) | 0 Comments

Sandbag’s latest brief outlines why the CBAM must include indirect emissions — and how this would improve climate effectiveness, industrial fairness, and fiscal efficiency.

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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