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.

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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.

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Industry

We explore the potential of electrification, circularity, and innovative technologies to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, aluminium, and cement.

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Climate Financing

We analyse EU funding initiatives driving climate innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Ensuring revenues from the EU ETS and CBAM are well spent.

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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.

For a systematic use of default values in the CBAM

Dec 16, 2024

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.

CBAM DRI loophole requires new free allocation reform

Dec 13, 2024

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’.

Feedback on the EU Commission’s draft methodology for low-carbon hydrogen

Oct 31, 2024

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.

Our data tools

Our in-house tools provide the insights needed to develop data-driven climate policies.

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Carbon price viewer

Check and analyse the evolution of the EU carbon price over time.

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EU ETS Dashboard

Explore sector-specific emissions data within the EU Emissions Trading System at various levels of granularity.

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EU ETS Simulator

Analyse the impact of policy adjustments on the EU ETS.

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Abatment curve

Evaluate when the shift from unabated fossil hydrogen to renewable hydrogen becomes cost-effective for sectors like refining, methanol, and ammonia.

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Public Outreach

High-Level Conference on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

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.

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.

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.

China International Import Expo

We presented at the China International Import Expo on “Recent Developments in the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Outlook after the Transitional Period.”

Closing Loopholes: Making CBAM Work for Aluminium

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.

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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.