Sustainable Doughnut Model Aims to Shift Economic Focus Away from Growth

What do cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, and Copenhagen have in common with Tomelilla, a small town in Sweden? They are among over 50 municipalities and regions worldwide that are implementing the principles of the Doughnut Model. This model, known as Doughnut Economics, illustrates how to meet human needs without exceeding planetary boundaries.

Current economic systems still heavily rely on growth, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) often seen as the primary indicator of a nation's success. However, this reliance necessitates continuous growth, often neglecting serious consequences for our environment. According to Kate Raworth, a British economist and creator of the Doughnut Model, it is essential to develop economies that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet, regardless of whether they grow.

During a recent event in Tomelilla, Raworth discussed the Doughnut Model with local leaders and experts. A group of young residents had constructed a large doughnut out of hay bales over the summer, serving as a playful representation of a sustainable future and a communal gathering space.

Stefan Persson, a development officer in Tomelilla, explained that the town was the first in Sweden to adopt the Doughnut Model back in 2021. He emphasized the importance of integrating social perspectives into planning processes, particularly in the development of a new school designed in accordance with the model.

The genesis of the Doughnut Model can be traced back to 2009, when the nine planetary boundaries were introduced by Professor Johan Rockström and the Stockholm Resilience Center. Raworth recognized the lack of a social dimension in this framework, leading her to create a visual representation with two rings: the outer ring indicating ecological limits and the inner ring representing social foundations, inspired by the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

In Tomelilla, the new school project, which will include a sports hall and community spaces, has engaged the architectural firm Wingårdhs and the design agency When When for initial studies. Skanska has been selected as the general contractor, with the school anticipated to open in 2029.

Persson noted that Skanska, typically focused on conventional building methods, has shown significant interest in the Doughnut Model and its applications. This interest is evident at a three-day conference in Tomelilla, attracting around 40 international guests from locations as diverse as Glasgow, Malaysia, and Côte d'Ivoire. This gathering marks only the second face-to-face meeting for participants who had previously only connected digitally.

Raworth pointed out that the growing interest in the Doughnut Model reflects a desire for innovative approaches, contrasting with many movements that strictly oppose existing systems. However, she acknowledged that substantial change requires supportive legislation. She cited Amsterdam's plans to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2030 as a bold regulatory step.

As they toured Tomelilla, attendees witnessed various sustainability efforts, such as replacing asphalt with rain gardens to mitigate flooding risks and constructing new bicycle paths. These initiatives align with the Doughnut Model's principles, promoting public health and reducing emissions.

Tomelilla's community portrait, which tracks progress under the Doughnut Model, showcases various initiatives aimed at lowering carbon emissions, a critical planetary boundary that the municipality aims to address.

Tomelilla, located in Skåne, had a population of 13,686 as of June 2025, ranking it 169th among Sweden's 290 municipalities based on population size.

One of the most commendable projects, according to Raworth, is the local school initiative, which integrates educational spaces and community goals while prioritizing ambition over budget constraints, guided by the Doughnut Model.