The doughnut model in municipal sustainability work

It is becoming increasingly clear that traditional, linear, economic thinking is incapable of bringing us closer to an energy and climate system that is sustainable for all. In recent years, doughnut economics has been proposed as an alternative economic framework according to which an economy can only be seen as prosperous if it is able to meet a number of basic social conditions (such as energy, health and gender equality) and this within the planetary boundaries. In parallel, actors around the world, from WWF and the European Commission to the French state and municipalities and regions such as Copenhagen and Cornwall, have begun to explore the possible usefulness of these ideas in their work.

In practice, however, there is little research on how doughnut economics can be integrated into organizations of various kinds with what effects. In addition, there are few municipalities that have used doughnut economics in their work for a more sustainable and equitable energy and climate system. This is where the project wishes to contribute.

In the project 'The doughnut model in municipal sustainability work – method development and implementation in three small Swedish municipalities', the municipalities of Kalix, Tomelilla and Vadstena will test to integrating ideas and tools from doughnut economic thinking in their energy and climate work. In parallell, RISE will support the work and generalize the lessons learned into scientific publications and practical tools. The project hopes to contribute to strengthening the capacity of the participating municipalities, as well as other municipalities and interested parties, to work for an energy and climate transition that is more equitable for everyone both locally and globally.