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 research on the EU ETS and emission allowances, advocating for efficient carbon pricing mechanisms and concrete ways to drive emission reductions.
Industry
Exploring the potential of electrification, circularity, and innovative technologies to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, aluminium, and cement.
CBAM
Supporting a strong CBAM to phase out the allocation of free emission allowances, address carbon leakage, and accelerate global climate action.
Climate Financing
Our analysis of EU funding initiatives driving climate innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Ensuring revenues from the EU ETS and CBAM are well spent.
Data Tools
Our data visualisation and simulation tools, allowing EU policymakers to gain unique insights and implement informed climate policies.
Publications
The Net Zero Industry Act: all industry, no net zero
The European Commission’s proposal for a Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) as part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan purports to boost the European green transition whilst decreasing dependence on third...
The European Hydrogen Bank: a recipe for competitive distortion
Last Thursday, the European Commission published its Communication on the European Hydrogen Bank set to accompany the Net-Zero Industry Act, the legislative proposal for which was published on the...
EU Criteria for Green Hydrogen: How They Could Increase Relience on Thermal Power and Hijack the Energy Transition
On February 13th, the European Commission released two pieces of legislation to provide criteria defining renewable hydrogen products. The so-called Delegated Acts matter because they set out how to...
Mind the Scrap: Ignoring Embedded Emissions Puts the CBAM at Risk
Sandbag’s submission to DG TAXUD’s Informal Expert Group on the Analytical Methods for the Monitoring, Reporting, Quantification and Verification of Embedded Emissions in Goods under the Scrope of...
Lost opportunity of carbon market reform leaves a lot to fix in ancillary laws
On 13 December 2022, the European Commission, Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism that will partly replace the free allocation of...
What’s new in the ETS trilogues? Benchmark revisions (or not!)
This weekend, the European Commission, Parliament, and Council are set to finalise an important reform of the EU’s carbon market in the final round of their “trilogue” (trilogues are informal...
Upcoming policy developments
February
6 February: European Commission to publish its Communication on the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (cf. CCS/U strategy).
6 February: First Climate Change Expert Group meeting on aviation.
8 February: End of first European Hydrogen Bank auction.
19 February: Political trilogue on the Carbon Removals Certification Framework.
March
4 March: Energy Council
26 March: Ministerial level meeting: Towards a climate neutral and resilient society in 2050
End of March: end of scrutiny period of FAR by Parliament and Council
First Quarter of 2024
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the reform of the EU’s Electricity Market Design (EMD)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
TESTIMONIALS
Sandbag is recognised as a top global climate think-tank
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.