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 Decarbonisation

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

Climate Financing

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

Our publications

We produce data-driven and evidence-based reports, briefs and policy recommendations on EU decarbonisation.

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.

Metallurgical flexibility: Enabling the aluminium and steel sectors for demand response

Oct 21, 2024

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.

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

Oct 7, 2024

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.

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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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.