Building smarter climate policy
We analyse emissions data and research decarbonisation pathways to advocate evidence-based policies
We are a think tank conducting data-driven and evidence-based advocacy to improve EU climate policy.
Our topics
EU Emissions Trading System
We conduct research on the EU ETS to find concrete ways to reduce emissions and advocate for efficient carbon pricing mechanisms.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
We support a strong CBAM to phase out the allocation of free emission allowances, address carbon leakage, and accelerate global climate action.
Industry
Climate Financing
We analyse EU funding initiatives driving climate innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Ensuring revenues from the EU ETS and CBAM are well spent.
Carbon Dioxide Removal
We conduct research on CDR to ensure those technologies are incentivised properly, and help – rather than hinder – the EU on its path to climate neutrality.
Our publications
We produce data-driven and evidence-based reports, briefs and policy recommendations on EU decarbonisation.
Scrap Steel at Sea: How ship recycling can help decarbonise European steel production
As Europe seeks to decarbonise its steel industry, a new Sandbag report highlights an overlooked solution: high-quality scrap steel from retired ships. With up to 15 million tonnes of certified scrap available annually, ship recycling could meet 20% of EU steel scrap demand — if policy gaps are addressed.
ICC reform and expansion risks diverting ETS revenues from real climate action
Sandbag and 14 other organisations urge the European Commission to reform, not expand, the ETS Indirect Cost Compensation scheme — warning that current proposals risk diverting climate funding into untargeted fossil subsidies.
Sandbag’s feedback to the call for evidence on the Circular Economy Act
Sandbag welcomes the Circular Economy Act (CEA) as an important step to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the EU. Progress in this area has been slow and this act is sorely needed to address systemic issues holding back circularity, including the current fragmented approaches across Member States.
Our data tools
Our in-house tools provide the insights needed to develop data-driven climate policies.
CBAM Simulator
Assess how the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could impact trade between the EU and non-EU countries.
Carbon price viewer
Check and analyse the evolution of the EU carbon price over time.
EU ETS Dashboard
Explore sector-specific emissions data within the EU Emissions Trading System at various levels of granularity.
EU ETS Simulator
Analyse the impact of policy adjustments on the EU ETS.
EU ETS + CDR Simulator
Explore how integrating Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) could reshape the EU ETS between 2031–2040.
Public outreach & advocacy
CBAM Africa Dialogues with (KAS)
In November and December 2025, Sandbag participated in a mini-series of CBAM policy dialogues across Namibia, Ghana and Morocco, organised with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. The discussions explored how expectations and perceptions of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism differ across African stakeholders and highlighted opportunities for green industrial development.
Steel Decarbonisation Event
On 24 November 2025, Sandbag took part in a high-level public event at Climate House, Brussels, focused on the question: “Steel: when will we decarbonise?” The event brought together policymakers, industry representatives, think tanks, investors and civil society actors for an in-depth discussion on the challenges and pathways for decarbonising the steel sector in Europe.
The EU CBAM Report Launch
On 15 September 2025, Sandbag presented key findings from its CBAM analysis ‘The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?’ at a closed-door event co-hosted with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Brussels, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives and civil society organisations.
EU ETS + CDR Simulator Launch
On 9 July 2025, Sandbag launched its EU ETS + CDR Simulator during a webinar exploring the implications of integrating carbon dioxide removals into the EU Emissions Trading System, with participation from EU policymakers and climate experts.
High level conference on the Clean Industrial Deal
On 21 February 2025, We joined a high-level conference at the Permanent Representation of France to the EU. We shared our expertise on a key pillar of industrial decarbonisation: the CBAM.
Closing Loopholes: Making CBAM Work for Aluminium
On 12 February 2025, we joined a high-level panel discussion at the European Parliament about a potential loophole for aluminium products – which could happen if emissions from aluminium scrap weren’t accounted for in the CBAM.
High-Level Conference on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
On 12 February 2025, we joined experts from the European Commission, think tanks and industry to discuss possible evolutions of the CBAM in an event organised by France’s Direction Générale du Trésor.
China International Import Expo
On 7 November 2024, we presented at the China International Import Expo on “Recent Developments in the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Outlook after the Transitional Period.”
Questions & answers
Why the name ‘Sandbag’?
Sandbag symbolises the coordinated action people take to protect themselves and others in the face of extreme weather events. Likewise, we work to unite stakeholders to protect the environment, society, and economy from the risks of ineffective climate action.
Are you a think tank or an NGO?
We are a think tank that produces research, tools, and evidence for decision-making. But we also actively advocate for change, making us an “advocacy think tank”.
How are you funded?
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. For instance, supporters have included the European Climate Foundation, the European Commission, Energy Foundation China, KR Foundation, WWF, Climate Action Network Europe, and Environmental Defense Fund Europe.
What is your legal statute?
We are a Belgian not-for-profit organisation (Association Sans But Lucratif – ASBL). Any financial surplus is reinvested into Sandbag. Our registration number is 0707.935.890.
Join us in building smarter climate policies!
WHAT WE DO
TOOLS
PUBLICATIONS
NEWSLETTER
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.