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.

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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A closer look at 2023 emissions: steelmaking caused a quarter of industry pollution

by Amelie | October 7, 2024 | ETS, Industry, Publications, Steel | 0 Comments

This brief analyses 2023 emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), using the latest data available from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL) . It particularly focuses on the iron and steel sector.

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Feedback on the inclusion of permanent CCU in the EU ETS

by Aymeric | July 16, 2024 | Carbon Markets, CCS, ETS, Publications | 0 Comments

We welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft delegated regulation published by the...

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Steel and CCS/U

by Emilie | July 15, 2024 | CCS, Industry, Publications, Steel | 0 Comments

Carbon capture, storage and/or utilisation (CCS/U) technologies are often touted as a ‘catch all’...

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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