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.
The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?
Sandbag’s latest report examines how the EU’s CBAM will impact third country exporters. While some may reduce costs through resource shuffling, real emissions may remain unchanged — calling for stronger alignment through carbon pricing.
State Aid for Indirect Carbon Costs: Reform before extending!
Sandbag responds to the EU’s consultation on State aid for Indirect Carbon Costs (ICC), calling for targeted reforms to better support clean electricity, avoid windfall profits, and align with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Heat up industry, not the climate!
This position paper analyses the European Commission’s industrial heat auction, highlighting the importance of auction design to ensure electrification reduces emissions without causing unintended increases due to electricity grid dynamics.
Our data tools
Our in-house tools provide the insights needed to develop data-driven climate policies.
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.
Carbon price viewer
Check and analyse the evolution of the EU carbon price over time.
Public outreach & advocacy
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.
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.
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.”
State Aid for Indirect Carbon Costs: Reform before extending!
Sandbag responds to the EU’s consultation on State aid for Indirect Carbon Costs (ICC), calling for targeted reforms to better support clean electricity, avoid windfall profits, and align with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Strengthening the CBAM — by default
Sandbag’s August 2025 brief calls for systemic default values to close CBAM loopholes—addressing scrap and cement circumvention, electricity imports, and indirect emissions.
The EU ETS at a Crossroads
Sandbag’s latest submission to the EU ETS and Innovation Fund consultation calls for clearer rules on free allocation, stronger criteria for funding innovation, and safeguards against misleading carbon accounting practices.
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.