Sufficiency digest #18
10 September 2026
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CROSS-CUTTING & THEORETICAL ANALYSIS
Nullmeier, F. (2026). The Sufficient, the Excessive and the Reasonable. Thresholds in an Extended Theory of Sufficientarianism. Ethics, Policy & Environment, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/21550085.2026.2702834
This philosophical article examines the role of thresholds in sufficientarian theories of distributive justice. It notes that both limitarianism and ecological sufficiency use lower and upper thresholds to distinguish deficiency from excess. The paper argues that this two-threshold model leaves an important intermediate range insufficiently defined. It therefore proposes a third threshold of “reasonable enough.” According to the author, distinguishing the sufficient, the excessive and the reasonably sufficient is necessary for an adequate theory of sufficientarianism.
Boström, M. (2026). Symbolic Drivers of Unsustainable Mass Consumption: Embracing and Resisting Consumerism. Sociologica, 20(2), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.1971-8853/23721
This theoretical article develops a model of the cultural and symbolic forces shaping unsustainable consumption. It examines concepts including identity, status, distinction, rituals and social comparison, showing how they can encourage consumerism and ever-higher ecological footprints. It also considers movements and lifestyles that resist these pressures and embrace sufficiency. The paper reviews recent sociological debates to explain how symbolic drivers operate in both directions. It highlights the importance of cultural meanings and social norms in understanding and challenging mass consumption.
Eriksson, E. et al. (2026). Reconceptualising sufficiency-oriented consumption: A framework to understand the de-intensification of everyday practices. Consumption and Society, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1332/27528499Y2026D000000086
This paper develops a practice-theoretical framework for understanding sufficiency-oriented consumption. It defines sufficiency as establishing and maintaining levels of “enough” through reduced resource intensity in everyday practices. Four strategies are identified: reducing, refraining, refining and reframing consumption. The authors argue that these reductions are not simply individual consumer choices but are shaped by social norms, infrastructures, policies and market practices. Sufficiency is therefore presented as a socially organized process of reconfiguring everyday practices.
This philosophical article examines the role of thresholds in sufficientarian theories of distributive justice. It notes that both limitarianism and ecological sufficiency use lower and upper thresholds to distinguish deficiency from excess. The paper argues that this two-threshold model leaves an important intermediate range insufficiently defined. It therefore proposes a third threshold of “reasonable enough.” According to the author, distinguishing the sufficient, the excessive and the reasonably sufficient is necessary for an adequate theory of sufficientarianism.
Boström, M. (2026). Symbolic Drivers of Unsustainable Mass Consumption: Embracing and Resisting Consumerism. Sociologica, 20(2), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.1971-8853/23721
This theoretical article develops a model of the cultural and symbolic forces shaping unsustainable consumption. It examines concepts including identity, status, distinction, rituals and social comparison, showing how they can encourage consumerism and ever-higher ecological footprints. It also considers movements and lifestyles that resist these pressures and embrace sufficiency. The paper reviews recent sociological debates to explain how symbolic drivers operate in both directions. It highlights the importance of cultural meanings and social norms in understanding and challenging mass consumption.
Eriksson, E. et al. (2026). Reconceptualising sufficiency-oriented consumption: A framework to understand the de-intensification of everyday practices. Consumption and Society, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1332/27528499Y2026D000000086
This paper develops a practice-theoretical framework for understanding sufficiency-oriented consumption. It defines sufficiency as establishing and maintaining levels of “enough” through reduced resource intensity in everyday practices. Four strategies are identified: reducing, refraining, refining and reframing consumption. The authors argue that these reductions are not simply individual consumer choices but are shaped by social norms, infrastructures, policies and market practices. Sufficiency is therefore presented as a socially organized process of reconfiguring everyday practices.
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MODELLING & INDICATORS
Lauer, A. et al. (2026). From Greener growth to sufficiency: Modeling alternative global sustainability pathways. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 61, 101157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2026.101157
Using the MORDRED model, this study compares a “Greener Growth” scenario with a “Sufficiency Economies” scenario. Green growth achieves rapid technological decarbonization and higher output but remains constrained by resource and land scarcity, leaves inequalities largely unchanged and reaches about 2.6 °C warming by 2100. The sufficiency scenario combines redistribution, wellbeing and ecological limits, producing greater convergence in consumption and stabilizing warming at about 1.9 °C while reducing material and water extraction. The results suggest that sufficiency-oriented pathways may offer more robust long-term sustainability outcomes.
Beck-O’Brien, M. et al. (2026). Quantifying overconsumption: Deriving safe and equitable benchmarks to evaluate the environmental footprints of Germany’s bioeconomy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, S2352550926000588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2026.05.009
Using Germany as a case study, this paper develops safe and equitable benchmarks for five environmental footprints of the bioeconomy: cropland, timber, biomass, water and climate emissions. All five German footprints exceed the estimated globally safe and equitable space, by between 1.6 and 4.2 times the lower boundary and up to three times the upper boundary. Germany is also highly dependent on imports for these resources. The authors argue that national footprint monitoring should be linked to ecological and equity-based benchmarks. Such benchmarks could support policies that steer consumption and innovation toward more sustainable levels.
Fontaine, B. et al. (2026). Sufficiency as a key driver of domestic and imported emissions reductions in France’s net-zero transition. Environmental Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae7e98
The study quantifies the contribution of sufficiency to France’s net-zero transition across transport, buildings, food and other consumption domains. Using four transition scenarios and an environmentally extended input-output model, it finds that sufficiency alone could reduce both production- and consumption-based emissions by up to 25% by 2050. It also has strong effects on imported emissions: each tonne of domestic CO2e avoided could be associated with about 1.40 tonnes avoided abroad. The largest effects come from food, road and air travel, buildings and lower demand for materials and transport equipment.
Using the MORDRED model, this study compares a “Greener Growth” scenario with a “Sufficiency Economies” scenario. Green growth achieves rapid technological decarbonization and higher output but remains constrained by resource and land scarcity, leaves inequalities largely unchanged and reaches about 2.6 °C warming by 2100. The sufficiency scenario combines redistribution, wellbeing and ecological limits, producing greater convergence in consumption and stabilizing warming at about 1.9 °C while reducing material and water extraction. The results suggest that sufficiency-oriented pathways may offer more robust long-term sustainability outcomes.
Beck-O’Brien, M. et al. (2026). Quantifying overconsumption: Deriving safe and equitable benchmarks to evaluate the environmental footprints of Germany’s bioeconomy. Sustainable Production and Consumption, S2352550926000588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2026.05.009
Using Germany as a case study, this paper develops safe and equitable benchmarks for five environmental footprints of the bioeconomy: cropland, timber, biomass, water and climate emissions. All five German footprints exceed the estimated globally safe and equitable space, by between 1.6 and 4.2 times the lower boundary and up to three times the upper boundary. Germany is also highly dependent on imports for these resources. The authors argue that national footprint monitoring should be linked to ecological and equity-based benchmarks. Such benchmarks could support policies that steer consumption and innovation toward more sustainable levels.
Fontaine, B. et al. (2026). Sufficiency as a key driver of domestic and imported emissions reductions in France’s net-zero transition. Environmental Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae7e98
The study quantifies the contribution of sufficiency to France’s net-zero transition across transport, buildings, food and other consumption domains. Using four transition scenarios and an environmentally extended input-output model, it finds that sufficiency alone could reduce both production- and consumption-based emissions by up to 25% by 2050. It also has strong effects on imported emissions: each tonne of domestic CO2e avoided could be associated with about 1.40 tonnes avoided abroad. The largest effects come from food, road and air travel, buildings and lower demand for materials and transport equipment.
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PERCEPTION & AWARENESS
Nyfors, T. (2026). Understandings of sufficiency: A phenomenography on the sufficiency movement in Finland. Environmental Values, 09632719261459543. https://doi.org/10.1177/09632719261459543
Through interviews with 16 participants in Finland’s sufficiency movement, this study investigates how activists understand the concept of sufficiency. Four main understandings emerge: sufficiency as a material and mental necessity, as an analytical tool for criticism and advocacy, as a way of reframing change, and as a form of compromise in action. The study also highlights “nature relation” as a relatively neglected dimension of sufficiency. These perspectives contribute to clarifying and potentially broadening the concept for social-ecological transformation.
Kola-Bezka, M. et al. (2026). Negotiating comfort and conservation: Household energy sufficiency for advancing energy transition during the energy crisis. Energy Research & Social Science, 139, 104912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2026.104912
This study examines household energy sufficiency in marginalized regions of Poland during the energy crisis. Drawing on a survey of 1,200 households, it considers economic resilience, heating behaviour and perceived quality of life. The authors define sufficiency as reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate energy services. They argue that adoption depends partly on changing social norms and perceptions of comfort. Social-norm and information-based nudges, trusted messages, peer influence and collaborative initiatives are proposed as potentially useful policy tools for supporting lower-energy lifestyles.
Fuchs, D. et al. (2026). Enabling 1.5 °C lifestyles in Europe: Lifestyle options and structural change for transformation. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 22(1), 2657131. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2026.2657131
The EU 1.5° Lifestyles project combines quantitative and qualitative methods across five European countries to identify effective low-carbon lifestyle changes and the conditions needed to mainstream them. The research finds that shifting away from car-based mobility has the greatest emissions-reduction potential across many countries. Housing changes, particularly renewable heating, form another major area of potential. The authors emphasize that individual lifestyle changes depend on wider political, economic, technological and social structures. Effective transformation therefore requires changes that make low-carbon choices easier and prevent rebound effects.
O’Dell, D. et al. (2026). Translating system-level change to individuals: Experimental evidence on avenues to communicate about degrowth and green growth. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 5(5), e0000245. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000245
Two online experiments with UK millennials examine how degrowth and green-growth framing affects sustainable intentions, values and policy support. In the first study, sufficiency-promoting marketing messages framed around degrowth or green growth produced little difference in individual consumption attitudes or behaviour. In the second, green-growth framing generated greater support for environmental policy, while degrowth framing increased the likelihood of choosing degrowth or a-growth positions. The findings suggest that degrowth framing may inspire values but can be less effective for mobilizing broad individual or policy support when focused mainly on reductions.
Helm, S. V. et al. (2026). We don’t need no transformation: How marketing myopia is failing the climate generation. Journal of Marketing Management, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2026.2712514
This conceptual paper argues that marketing education continues to normalize carbon-intensive growth models despite longstanding sustainability critiques. An analysis of leading marketing textbooks identifies seven reinforcing feedback loops that help explain the persistence of incremental approaches. The authors argue that efficiency-oriented thinking can obscure deeper ecological and social problems. They propose a regenerative approach to marketing education based on three domains: systems, normative and transformative knowledge. The aim is to encourage marketing practices and education better aligned with ecological realities.
Schaefer, S. M. et al. (2026). The Problem With Efficiency as a Pervasive Principle in Business School Academia, and What a Sufficiency‐Based Approach Can Do Better. British Journal of Management, e70076. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.70076
This conceptual paper critiques the dominance of efficiency as a principle in business education and management. Drawing on resource economics, rebound effects and performativity, it argues that efficiency gains can generate unintended ecological and social harms, particularly in eco-efficiency, sustainability, digitalization and AI. The authors explore why efficiency remains dominant in academia and propose sufficiency as a complementary organizing principle. They call for management education to become more critical, socially attuned and ecologically responsible.
Through interviews with 16 participants in Finland’s sufficiency movement, this study investigates how activists understand the concept of sufficiency. Four main understandings emerge: sufficiency as a material and mental necessity, as an analytical tool for criticism and advocacy, as a way of reframing change, and as a form of compromise in action. The study also highlights “nature relation” as a relatively neglected dimension of sufficiency. These perspectives contribute to clarifying and potentially broadening the concept for social-ecological transformation.
Kola-Bezka, M. et al. (2026). Negotiating comfort and conservation: Household energy sufficiency for advancing energy transition during the energy crisis. Energy Research & Social Science, 139, 104912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2026.104912
This study examines household energy sufficiency in marginalized regions of Poland during the energy crisis. Drawing on a survey of 1,200 households, it considers economic resilience, heating behaviour and perceived quality of life. The authors define sufficiency as reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate energy services. They argue that adoption depends partly on changing social norms and perceptions of comfort. Social-norm and information-based nudges, trusted messages, peer influence and collaborative initiatives are proposed as potentially useful policy tools for supporting lower-energy lifestyles.
Fuchs, D. et al. (2026). Enabling 1.5 °C lifestyles in Europe: Lifestyle options and structural change for transformation. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 22(1), 2657131. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2026.2657131
The EU 1.5° Lifestyles project combines quantitative and qualitative methods across five European countries to identify effective low-carbon lifestyle changes and the conditions needed to mainstream them. The research finds that shifting away from car-based mobility has the greatest emissions-reduction potential across many countries. Housing changes, particularly renewable heating, form another major area of potential. The authors emphasize that individual lifestyle changes depend on wider political, economic, technological and social structures. Effective transformation therefore requires changes that make low-carbon choices easier and prevent rebound effects.
O’Dell, D. et al. (2026). Translating system-level change to individuals: Experimental evidence on avenues to communicate about degrowth and green growth. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 5(5), e0000245. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000245
Two online experiments with UK millennials examine how degrowth and green-growth framing affects sustainable intentions, values and policy support. In the first study, sufficiency-promoting marketing messages framed around degrowth or green growth produced little difference in individual consumption attitudes or behaviour. In the second, green-growth framing generated greater support for environmental policy, while degrowth framing increased the likelihood of choosing degrowth or a-growth positions. The findings suggest that degrowth framing may inspire values but can be less effective for mobilizing broad individual or policy support when focused mainly on reductions.
Helm, S. V. et al. (2026). We don’t need no transformation: How marketing myopia is failing the climate generation. Journal of Marketing Management, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2026.2712514
This conceptual paper argues that marketing education continues to normalize carbon-intensive growth models despite longstanding sustainability critiques. An analysis of leading marketing textbooks identifies seven reinforcing feedback loops that help explain the persistence of incremental approaches. The authors argue that efficiency-oriented thinking can obscure deeper ecological and social problems. They propose a regenerative approach to marketing education based on three domains: systems, normative and transformative knowledge. The aim is to encourage marketing practices and education better aligned with ecological realities.
Schaefer, S. M. et al. (2026). The Problem With Efficiency as a Pervasive Principle in Business School Academia, and What a Sufficiency‐Based Approach Can Do Better. British Journal of Management, e70076. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.70076
This conceptual paper critiques the dominance of efficiency as a principle in business education and management. Drawing on resource economics, rebound effects and performativity, it argues that efficiency gains can generate unintended ecological and social harms, particularly in eco-efficiency, sustainability, digitalization and AI. The authors explore why efficiency remains dominant in academia and propose sufficiency as a complementary organizing principle. They call for management education to become more critical, socially attuned and ecologically responsible.
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POLICIES
Koskimäki, T. et al. (2026). Sufficiency in principle and practice: An operational definition and typology. Journal of Cleaner Production, 570, 148738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148738
This paper proposes an operational definition of sufficiency as a state of “enoughness” that avoids both deficiency and excess within fair social and ecological limits. A theory-informed analysis of 1,101 proposed measures leads to a five-part typology: quantitative, qualitative, use, sharing and steering measures. The authors test the typology against 33 policies from the EU Sufficiency Manifesto. All five types are represented, although sharing measures are least common. The framework provides a structured basis for comparing and designing sufficiency measures across sectors and levels of governance.
Iten, T. et al. (2026). Analyzing citizens’ preferences for sufficiency policy in municipalities—An experimental approach. Ecological Economics, 248, 109057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109057
A representative Swiss survey of 1,052 people combines a discrete-choice experiment with a framing experiment to examine support for municipal sufficiency policies. The results show a modest but consistent majority in favor of such policies, even when behavioral or financial costs are made explicit. Respondents prefer sufficiency measures focused on food and mobility over housing. Support also depends on the specific policy design and on procedural fairness, with citizens valuing being kept informed. Effects of emphasizing social co-benefits are mixed and depend on how those benefits are framed.
This paper proposes an operational definition of sufficiency as a state of “enoughness” that avoids both deficiency and excess within fair social and ecological limits. A theory-informed analysis of 1,101 proposed measures leads to a five-part typology: quantitative, qualitative, use, sharing and steering measures. The authors test the typology against 33 policies from the EU Sufficiency Manifesto. All five types are represented, although sharing measures are least common. The framework provides a structured basis for comparing and designing sufficiency measures across sectors and levels of governance.
Iten, T. et al. (2026). Analyzing citizens’ preferences for sufficiency policy in municipalities—An experimental approach. Ecological Economics, 248, 109057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109057
A representative Swiss survey of 1,052 people combines a discrete-choice experiment with a framing experiment to examine support for municipal sufficiency policies. The results show a modest but consistent majority in favor of such policies, even when behavioral or financial costs are made explicit. Respondents prefer sufficiency measures focused on food and mobility over housing. Support also depends on the specific policy design and on procedural fairness, with citizens valuing being kept informed. Effects of emphasizing social co-benefits are mixed and depend on how those benefits are framed.
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BUILDINGS
Eriksson, L. et al. (2026). How much is enough? Towards evaluating sufficiency strategies in residential buildings using Life Cycle Assessment. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1615(1), 012008. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1615/1/012008
The paper examines how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be used to evaluate sufficiency strategies in residential buildings. The authors highlight difficulties in defining an appropriate functional unit for measuring reduced demand. They propose adding a comparison functional unit that explicitly measures the demand saved through sufficiency. They also suggest using indicators such as floor area per user or number of users to better represent building function and size. The approach offers a step toward integrating demand reduction more effectively into building LCA.
Nuorivaara, E. (2026). “Perhaps we have had it so easy that we don’t always consider our genuine needs”: Finnish residents’ perceptions of the “ideal home” and sufficient living space. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 22(1), 2694454. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2026.2694454
Based on semi-structured interviews with 39 Finnish householders, this study examines perceptions of the ideal home and sufficient living space. Respondents’ views of home size are shaped by social norms, changing needs and aspirations, and practical functionality. The paper notes that reducing living space could significantly lower housing-related energy and material demand. Downsizing would nevertheless require changes in lifestyles and housing practices, supported by appropriately sized and adaptable homes. Policies promoting compactness, collective solutions and moderation could help shift prevailing spatial norms.
Arndt, K. et al. (2026). Assessing the social acceptability of sufficiency measures in the residential sector. Journal of Industrial Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44498-026-00103-2
A survey of Berlin households examines living-space consumption, satisfaction and willingness to downsize. The study finds that 43% of respondents could envisage reducing their living space without compromising wellbeing. Older people have particularly high per-capita living space and show interest in alternative housing models such as cluster apartments. Empty-nesters also display substantial potential for downsizing, with more than half expressing willingness to reduce space. The findings suggest that sufficiency policies should be tailored to different population groups while maintaining or improving wellbeing.
The paper examines how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be used to evaluate sufficiency strategies in residential buildings. The authors highlight difficulties in defining an appropriate functional unit for measuring reduced demand. They propose adding a comparison functional unit that explicitly measures the demand saved through sufficiency. They also suggest using indicators such as floor area per user or number of users to better represent building function and size. The approach offers a step toward integrating demand reduction more effectively into building LCA.
Nuorivaara, E. (2026). “Perhaps we have had it so easy that we don’t always consider our genuine needs”: Finnish residents’ perceptions of the “ideal home” and sufficient living space. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 22(1), 2694454. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2026.2694454
Based on semi-structured interviews with 39 Finnish householders, this study examines perceptions of the ideal home and sufficient living space. Respondents’ views of home size are shaped by social norms, changing needs and aspirations, and practical functionality. The paper notes that reducing living space could significantly lower housing-related energy and material demand. Downsizing would nevertheless require changes in lifestyles and housing practices, supported by appropriately sized and adaptable homes. Policies promoting compactness, collective solutions and moderation could help shift prevailing spatial norms.
Arndt, K. et al. (2026). Assessing the social acceptability of sufficiency measures in the residential sector. Journal of Industrial Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44498-026-00103-2
A survey of Berlin households examines living-space consumption, satisfaction and willingness to downsize. The study finds that 43% of respondents could envisage reducing their living space without compromising wellbeing. Older people have particularly high per-capita living space and show interest in alternative housing models such as cluster apartments. Empty-nesters also display substantial potential for downsizing, with more than half expressing willingness to reduce space. The findings suggest that sufficiency policies should be tailored to different population groups while maintaining or improving wellbeing.
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URBAN PLANNING & MOBILITY
Mozaffaree Pour, N. (2026). A Spatial Sufficiency Multifunctionality Framework for Sustainable Neighborhood Land Governance. Land, 15(8), 1527. https://doi.org/10.3390/land15081527
This paper proposes the Spatial Sufficiency Multifunctionality Framework (SSMF) for assessing neighborhood sustainability without relying on growth-oriented metrics. The framework combines five dimensions: social sufficiency, economic resilience, ecological resilience, spatial governance and land-use sufficiency, and institutional and participatory capacity. It introduces illustrative indicators, thresholds and governance instruments focused on ecological capacity and equitable access to services, green space and affordable space. Developed through a scoping review, the framework is explicitly provisional and requires empirical validation. It offers a diagnostic architecture for applying post-growth and sufficiency principles at neighborhood scale.
Pistoni, R. et al. (2026). Energy de-escalation as a pathway to sufficiency: Perspectives from infrastructures in a university campus. Territory, Politics, Governance, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2026.2704943
This study examines energy sufficiency through seven different infrastructures on the Cité Descartes university campus near Paris. It shows that sufficiency processes are already emerging but must contend with existing material and institutional legacies and path dependencies. The authors introduce the concept of “energy de-escalation,” which focuses on reducing embodied energy and on processes of change rather than fixed consumption targets. They argue that this perspective can provide a useful framework for understanding and implementing energy reductions in urban environments.
Alcover Comas, E. et al. (2026). Beyond Green Growth: Evaluating the Biophysical Feasibility of Rail-Centric Transport Systems in the European Union. Sustainability, 18(14), 7402. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147402
The study uses the pymedeas2 integrated assessment model to compare technology-led and structure-led transport transitions in the EU. It finds that relying mainly on private-vehicle electrification does not achieve climate targets and maintains high energy and lithium demand. A scenario combining a shift to electrified rail with macroeconomic stabilization cuts transport final energy demand by 68% and lithium needs by 57%. It also reduces residual transport emissions to about 90 MtCO2/year. The authors conclude that climate neutrality requires demand sufficiency and durable public transport infrastructure rather than technology substitution alone.
Ertelt, S.-M. (2024). Beyond predict and provide: Embracing sufficiency synergies in road freight electrification across the European Union. Energy Research & Social Science, 111, 103498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103498
This perspective questions the dominant “predict and provide” approach to road freight electrification in the EU. It argues that electrifying vehicles alone risks treating decarbonization as technological substitution while leaving underlying transport demand unchallenged. The paper advocates sufficiency-oriented planning that addresses both the technology used and the amount and structure of freight transport demand. It also considers interactions with the wider energy system. The authors call for a broader transition approach to ensure freight electrification contributes fully to sustainability goals.
This paper proposes the Spatial Sufficiency Multifunctionality Framework (SSMF) for assessing neighborhood sustainability without relying on growth-oriented metrics. The framework combines five dimensions: social sufficiency, economic resilience, ecological resilience, spatial governance and land-use sufficiency, and institutional and participatory capacity. It introduces illustrative indicators, thresholds and governance instruments focused on ecological capacity and equitable access to services, green space and affordable space. Developed through a scoping review, the framework is explicitly provisional and requires empirical validation. It offers a diagnostic architecture for applying post-growth and sufficiency principles at neighborhood scale.
Pistoni, R. et al. (2026). Energy de-escalation as a pathway to sufficiency: Perspectives from infrastructures in a university campus. Territory, Politics, Governance, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2026.2704943
This study examines energy sufficiency through seven different infrastructures on the Cité Descartes university campus near Paris. It shows that sufficiency processes are already emerging but must contend with existing material and institutional legacies and path dependencies. The authors introduce the concept of “energy de-escalation,” which focuses on reducing embodied energy and on processes of change rather than fixed consumption targets. They argue that this perspective can provide a useful framework for understanding and implementing energy reductions in urban environments.
Alcover Comas, E. et al. (2026). Beyond Green Growth: Evaluating the Biophysical Feasibility of Rail-Centric Transport Systems in the European Union. Sustainability, 18(14), 7402. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147402
The study uses the pymedeas2 integrated assessment model to compare technology-led and structure-led transport transitions in the EU. It finds that relying mainly on private-vehicle electrification does not achieve climate targets and maintains high energy and lithium demand. A scenario combining a shift to electrified rail with macroeconomic stabilization cuts transport final energy demand by 68% and lithium needs by 57%. It also reduces residual transport emissions to about 90 MtCO2/year. The authors conclude that climate neutrality requires demand sufficiency and durable public transport infrastructure rather than technology substitution alone.
Ertelt, S.-M. (2024). Beyond predict and provide: Embracing sufficiency synergies in road freight electrification across the European Union. Energy Research & Social Science, 111, 103498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103498
This perspective questions the dominant “predict and provide” approach to road freight electrification in the EU. It argues that electrifying vehicles alone risks treating decarbonization as technological substitution while leaving underlying transport demand unchallenged. The paper advocates sufficiency-oriented planning that addresses both the technology used and the amount and structure of freight transport demand. It also considers interactions with the wider energy system. The authors call for a broader transition approach to ensure freight electrification contributes fully to sustainability goals.
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BUSINESSES & INDUSTRY
Arendt, R. et al. (2026). The sufficiency gap: The demand-side deficit in German, Dutch, and Norwegian cement decarbonization roadmaps. Environmental Research Letters, 21(10), 104002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae692f
The study analyses cement decarbonization roadmaps in Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, identifying 30 mitigation measures. It finds that roadmaps strongly prioritize technical solutions and carbon capture while largely overlooking demand-side sufficiency. Measures such as smaller homes, reduced housing overconsumption and more efficient use of existing space could substantially lower cement demand. The authors argue that current pathways therefore fall short of the highest possible mitigation ambition. They call for a sectoral approach that combines supply-side decarbonization with demand reduction.
Bucciarelli, P. et al. (2027). The role of sufficiency in aligning European sovereignty and sustainability in the lithium value chain. Ecological Economics, 251, 109182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109182
This study models the European lithium value chain under different decarbonization scenarios, considering supply, demand and recycling. It finds that meeting European reshoring targets for lithium is difficult without reducing industrial demand. Sufficiency strategies could cut European lithium imports by at least 44% between 2030 and 2050 and reduce cumulative final demand by 1.2 Mt, or 46%, compared with current policy trajectories. Lower demand would also reduce the energy footprint and improve extractive justice. The authors argue that sufficiency can strengthen both European strategic autonomy and environmental sustainability.
The study analyses cement decarbonization roadmaps in Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, identifying 30 mitigation measures. It finds that roadmaps strongly prioritize technical solutions and carbon capture while largely overlooking demand-side sufficiency. Measures such as smaller homes, reduced housing overconsumption and more efficient use of existing space could substantially lower cement demand. The authors argue that current pathways therefore fall short of the highest possible mitigation ambition. They call for a sectoral approach that combines supply-side decarbonization with demand reduction.
Bucciarelli, P. et al. (2027). The role of sufficiency in aligning European sovereignty and sustainability in the lithium value chain. Ecological Economics, 251, 109182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109182
This study models the European lithium value chain under different decarbonization scenarios, considering supply, demand and recycling. It finds that meeting European reshoring targets for lithium is difficult without reducing industrial demand. Sufficiency strategies could cut European lithium imports by at least 44% between 2030 and 2050 and reduce cumulative final demand by 1.2 Mt, or 46%, compared with current policy trajectories. Lower demand would also reduce the energy footprint and improve extractive justice. The authors argue that sufficiency can strengthen both European strategic autonomy and environmental sustainability.
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OTHER SECTORS
Jones, I. (2026). Degrowth as a precondition for circularity in fashion: A stakeholder-based analysis. Academia Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadEnvSci8390
Based on 23 expert interviews across the fashion industry, this study examines whether degrowth is necessary for circularity. 74% of stakeholders agree that circularity cannot be achieved without first reducing overproduction and overconsumption. The findings identify complementarities between degrowth, sufficiency and policy on the one hand, and circularity, efficiency and innovation on the other. The paper proposes a “Degrowth to the Doughnut” framework that places reductions in production and consumption before circularity. It concludes with policy recommendations aimed at addressing fashion overproduction.
Skarp, S. et al. (2026). Changing (dis)course: How a Destination Management Organisation navigates sufficiency-oriented sustainability. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2026.2696252
This qualitative case study examines how the Western Sweden Tourism Board integrates sufficiency-oriented sustainability into its promotional role. Tourism strategies have generally emphasized eco-efficiency and growth, while sufficiency challenges these dominant logics by seeking lower resource use and demand. The study identifies five dimensions in which sufficiency appears in the organization’s Sustainability Stride initiative. It shows how framing techniques can make sufficiency more compatible with established sectoral norms. The paper contributes a practical perspective on how tourism organizations can communicate and operationalize sufficiency.
Based on 23 expert interviews across the fashion industry, this study examines whether degrowth is necessary for circularity. 74% of stakeholders agree that circularity cannot be achieved without first reducing overproduction and overconsumption. The findings identify complementarities between degrowth, sufficiency and policy on the one hand, and circularity, efficiency and innovation on the other. The paper proposes a “Degrowth to the Doughnut” framework that places reductions in production and consumption before circularity. It concludes with policy recommendations aimed at addressing fashion overproduction.
Skarp, S. et al. (2026). Changing (dis)course: How a Destination Management Organisation navigates sufficiency-oriented sustainability. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2026.2696252
This qualitative case study examines how the Western Sweden Tourism Board integrates sufficiency-oriented sustainability into its promotional role. Tourism strategies have generally emphasized eco-efficiency and growth, while sufficiency challenges these dominant logics by seeking lower resource use and demand. The study identifies five dimensions in which sufficiency appears in the organization’s Sustainability Stride initiative. It shows how framing techniques can make sufficiency more compatible with established sectoral norms. The paper contributes a practical perspective on how tourism organizations can communicate and operationalize sufficiency.