Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM)

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

The Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM) at Leuphana University Lüneburg is an internationally operating centre conducting research, teaching and continuous education in the fields of entrepreneurial sustainability management, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social entrepreneurship.

The Centre analyses causes, structures and processes of environmental, social and sustainability related problems applying concepts and methods of business management, entrepreneurial and environmental sciences. It develops integrated, sustainability solutions for companies, the economy and society by creating integrative ecological, social and economic approaches to sustainability management and entrepreneurship.

How can sustainability performance in and of companies be measured effectively and efficiently? What are relevant framework conditions for effective CSR and sustainability management? How can stakeholder relationships be managed effectively? These and other questions are examined by CSM that also deals with practical up-to-date issues such as supply chain management, biodiversity management or social businesses.

CSM offers a distance learning MBA in Sustainability Management - the first Green MBA worldwide and the leading programme for sustainability management and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Centre is furthermore involved in developing programmes and courses on CSR and sustainability management at Leuphana University Lüneburg and other universities.

 

Main research areas

The CSM provides input into numerous curricular programmes and courses on CSR and sustainability management at the Leuphana University Lüneburg and at other universities. Since 2003 the CSM offers the MBA in Sustainability Management as continuous education program to educate and support ‘change agents for sustainability’ in business. In addition to the comprehensive MBA programme, there is also a modular certificate program - theCertificates of Corporate Sustainability Managementon topics such as circular economy, decarbonisation management, sustainability reporting & accounting, sustainability management in sport or sustainable supply chain management.

The Centre also makes a substantial contribution to on-campus degree programmes at the Leuphana University Lüneburg.

Continuing education programmes

The MBA in Sustainability Management is the first university MBA in sustainability management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) worldwide. The e-learning supported distance learning degree programme can be completed in either part-time (two years) or full-time (one year). The MBA in Sustainability Management is accredited according to European guidelines and leads to the internationally recognised degree "Master of Business Administration" (MBA).

The CSM is also active in a number of other international continuing education programmes in CSR and sustainability management. For years the Centre has collaborated in continuing education and distance programmes with the FernUniversität Hagen (Germany’s leading open university) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT). The CSM organises the whole area of environmental management for their interdisciplinary programme of studies in environmental sciences (the Infernum Master of Science in Environmental Sciences at the UMSICHT Fraunhofer Institute).

  1. Published

    The early bird catches the worm: an empirical analysis of imprinting in social entrepreneurship

    Dickel, P., Sienknecht, M. & Hörisch, J., 03.2021, In: Journal of Business Economics : JBE. 91, 2, p. 127-150 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  2. Published

    The economic drivers and consequences of agricultural specialization

    Abson, D. J., 01.01.2018, Agroecosystem Diversity: Reconciling Contemporary Agriculture and Environmental Quality. Lemaire, G., Carvalho, P., Kronberg, S. & Recous, S. (eds.). Academic Press Inc., p. 301-315 15 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published
  4. Published

    The effect of industrialization and globalization on domestic land-use: A global resource footprint perspective

    Dorninger, C., von Wehrden, H., Krausmann, F., Bruckner, M., Feng, K., Hubacek, K., Erb, K. H. & Abson, D. J., 01.07.2021, In: Global Environmental Change. 69, 21 p., 102311.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    The Emerging Research Field of Experimentation for Circular Business Model Innovation

    Bocken, N. M. P., Weissbrod, I. & Antikainen, M., 02.07.2020, 5th International Online Conference on New Business Models: Sustainable. Circular. Inclusive. 1-2 July 2020. Conference Proceedings: Book of Abstracts. Jonker, J. & Faber, N. (eds.). Nijmegen: Radboud University Nijmegen, p. 106-110 5 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    The Emerging Roles of Management for Corporate Sustainability: The Realm of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and the Implications for Sustainability Accounting

    Lee, K.-H., 2008, Proceedings of the 7the Australasian Conference for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (A-CSEAR 2008), 7 - 9 December 2008, Adelaide, South Australia. Burritt, R. L. (ed.). Adelaide: University of South Austrialia, p. 336-350 15 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearch

  7. Published

    The Environmental Efficacy of Sustainability Management Tools

    Hörisch, J., Schaltegger, S., Alvarez, I. & Ortas, E., 2014, From Sustainability Reporting to Sustainability Management Control: Conference on Sustainability Reporting and Sustainability Management Control. Rotterdam: Environmental and Sustainability Management Accounting Network, 4 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    The Forgotten Link between "Green" and Economic Success: Environmental Management as the Crucial Trigger between Environmental and Economic Performance

    Schaltegger, S. & Synnestvedt, T., 2001, Lüneburg: Centre for Sustainability Management, 16 p.

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  9. Published

    The framing of power in climate change adaptation research

    Woroniecki, S., Krüger, R., Rau, A. L., Preuss, M. S., Baumgartner, N., Raggers, S., Niessen, L., Holländer, L., Beyers, F., Rathgens, J., Wagner, K. C., Habigt, L., Krause, T., Wamsler, C., von Wehrden, H. & Abson, D., 01.11.2019, In: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change. 10, 6, 21 p., e617.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  10. Published

    The hidden power of language: How “value creation accounting” influences decisions on expenditures, cost reductions and staff costs

    Hummel, P. & Hörisch, J., 06.01.2020, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 11, 1, p. 187-206 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    The impact of biodiversity information on willingness to pay

    Hörisch, J., Petersen, L. & Jacobs, K., 12.2024, In: Journal of Industrial Ecology. 28, 6, p. 1641-1656 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    The importance of product lifetime labelling for purchase decisions: Strategic implications for corporate sustainability based on a conjoint analysis in Germany

    Jacobs, K. & Hörisch, J., 01.05.2022, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 31, 4, p. 1275-1291 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    The Increasing Involvement of Accountants in Corporate Sustainability Management

    Zvezdov, D., Schaltegger, S. & Bennett, M., 2010, In: Journal of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Accountability. 16, 4, p. 20-31 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    The influence of feedback and awareness of consequences on the development of corporate sustainability action over time

    Hörisch, J., Wulfsberg, I. M. & Schaltegger, S., 01.02.2020, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 29, 2, p. 638 - 650 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    The Influence of ISO 14001 and EMAS Certification on Environmental and Economic Performance of Firms: An Empirical Analysis

    Wagner, M., 01.01.2003, Environmental management accounting: Purpose and Progress. Bennett, M., Rikhardsson, P. M. & Schaltegger, S. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 367-386 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearch

  16. Published

    The influence of landscape change on multiple dimensions of human–nature connectedness

    Riechers, M., Balázsi, Á., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 01.09.2020, In: Ecology and Society. 25, 3, p. 1-12 12 p., 3.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    The informed society - Final report of SAFECOAST action 2

    Heinrichs, H., Grunenberg, H. & Knolle, M., 09.2007, 80 p.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  18. Published

    The Internet as a Tool for Sustainability Accounting and Reporting? An Analysis of the German DAX 30 Companies

    Giese, N., Godemann, J., Herzig, C. & Hetze, K., 2012, European Academy of Management 2012: Social Innovation for Competitiveness, Organisational Performance and Human Excellence. Rotterdam: Erasmus University Rotterdam, p. 1-37 38 p. (European Academy of Management (EURAM) Conference; vol. 2012).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    The Interplay Between Supply Chain Transparency and NGO Pressure: A Quantitative Analysis in the Fashion Industry Context

    Schäfer, N., Petersen, L. & Hörisch, J., 07.2024, In: Journal of Business Ethics. 192, 4, p. 713-727 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    The Link Between 'Green' and Economic Success: Environmental Management as the Crucial Trigger Between Environmental and Economic Performance

    Schaltegger, S. & Synnestvedt, T., 01.08.2002, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 65, 4, p. 339-346 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    The Manager’s Job at BP: Decision Making and Responsibilities on the High Seas

    Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Zvezdov, D., 2013, In: International Journal of Case Studies in Management. 11, 2, p. 1-32 32 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  22. Published

    The marketing and public affairs of sustainability

    Breitbarth, T., Schaltegger, S. & Mahon, J., 08.2018, In: Journal of Public Affairs. 18, 3, 3 p., e1854.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  23. Published

    The Myth of Bankability: Definition and Management in the Context of Photovoltaic Project Financing in Germany

    Hampl, N., Lüdeke-Freund, F., Flink, C., Olbert, S. & Ade, V., 2011, München: Goetzpartners & COLEXON, 27 p.

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsTransfer

  24. Published

    The 'need for speed': Towards circular disruption-What it is, how to make it happen and how to know it's happening

    Blomsma, F., Bauwens, T., Weissbrod, I. & Kirchherr, J., 03.2023, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 32, 3, p. 1010-1031 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    The Political Role of the Business Firm: An Ordonomic Concept of Corporate Citizen-ship Developed in Comparison with the Aristo-telian Idea of Individual Citizenship

    Pies, I., Beckmann, M. & Hielscher, S., 2012, Halle-Wittenberg, Sachsen-Anhalt: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 37 p. (Diskussionspapiere; vol. 2012, no. 1).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  26. Published

    The Porter Hypothesis Revisited: A Literature Review of Theoretical Models and Empirical Tests

    Wagner, M., 12.2003, Lüneburg: Centre for Sustainability Management, 44 p.

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  27. Published

    The potential of crowdfunding for sustainable development: a comparison of sustainable and conventional crowdfunding projects

    Tenner, I., 11.2021, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing. 13, 5, p. 508-527 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    The Potential of IT for Corporate Sustainability

    Hack, S. & Berg, C., 02.07.2014, In: Sustainability. 6, 7, p. 4163-4180 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    The Potential of Modular Product Design on Repair Behavior and User Experience - Evidence from the Smartphone Industry

    Amend, C., Revellio, F., Tenner, I. & Schaltegger, S., 20.09.2022, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 367, 14 p., 132770.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    The Power of Words: Formation of Partnerships through Circular Startups

    Böckel, A., Farny, S. & Bocken, N., 01.08.2023, In: Academy of Management Proceedings. 2023, 1

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  31. Published
  32. Published

    The Relationship between Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Social Responsibility: Differences, Similarities, and Implications for Social Issues in Management

    Dmytriyev, S. D., Freeman, R. E. & Hörisch, J., 09.2021, In: Journal of Management Studies. 58, 6, p. 1441-1470 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    The Relationship between the Environmental and Economic Performance of Firms: What Does Theory Propose and What Does Empirical Evidence Tell Us?

    Wagner, M., Schaltegger, S. & Wehrmeyer, W., 06.2001, In: Greener Management International. 34, p. 95-108 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    The Relationship Between the Environmental and Economic Performance of Firms: An Empirical Analysis of the European Paper Industry

    Wagner, M., Phu, N. V., Azomahou, T. & Wehrmeyer, W., 01.01.2002, In: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 9, 3, p. 133-146 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    The Relationship of Environmental and Economic Performance at the Firm Level: A Review of Empirical Studies in Europe and Methodological Comments

    Wagner, M. & Wehrmeyer, W., 01.01.2002, In: European Environment. 12, 3, p. 149-159 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    The Role of Accountants in Controlling Sustainability Information

    Schaltegger, S. & Zvezdov, D., 2013, EMAN-EU 2013 Conference MATERIAL FLOW COST ACCOUNTING: CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. Guenther, E. & Bergmann, A. (eds.). Dresden: TU Dresden, Faculty of Business and Economics, p. 121-125 5 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    The Role of an SME’s Green Strategy in Public-Private Eco-innovation Initiatives: The Case of Ecoprofit

    Hansen, E. G. & Klewitz, J., 01.01.2012, In: Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 25, 4, p. 451-477 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    The role of business models for sustainable consumption: A pattern approach

    Lüdeke-Freund, F., Froese, T. & Schaltegger, S., 01.10.2019, A Research Agenda for Sustainable Consumption Governance. Mont, O. (ed.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 86-104 19 p. (Elgar research agendas).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  39. Published
  40. E-pub ahead of print

    The Role of Individual Beliefs for Corporate Sustainability Transformations

    Buhr, M. & Weissbrod, I., 28.02.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility. 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published
  42. Published

    The Role of the Accountants in Corporate Sustainability Accounting. An Analysis from a Promotor Perspective

    Zvezdov, D., 2012, European Academy of Management (EURAM) : EURAM 2012 Social Innovation for Competitiveness, Organisational Performance and Human Excellence. Rotterdam: Erasmus University Rotterdam, p. 97 1 p. (European Academy of Management (EURAM) Conference; vol. 2012).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    The Social Case as a Business Case: Making Sense of Social Entrepreneurship from an Ordonomic Perspective

    Beckmann, M., 2011, Corporate Citizenship and New Governance: The Political Role of Corporations (Ethical Economy). Pies, I. & Koslowski , P. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, p. 91-115 25 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    The sustainability balanced scorecard: An introduction to the SBSC and its links to accounting and reporting

    Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Schaltegger, S., 2019, Measuring and controlling sustainability: Spanning Theory and Practice. Lindgreen, A., Vallaster, C., Yousafzai, S. & Hirsch, B. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 33-53 21 p. (A Gower book).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  45. Published

    The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard: Linking Sustainability Management to Business Strategy

    Figge, F., Hahn, T., Schaltegger, S. & Wagner, M., 09.2002, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 11, 5, p. 269-284 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard as a Framework for Eco-Efficiency Analysis

    Möller, A. & Schaltegger, S., 09.2005, In: Journal of Industrial Ecology. 9, 4, p. 73-83 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard as a Framework to Link Environmental Management Accounting with Strategic Management

    Figge, F., Hahn, T., Schaltegger, S. & Wagner, M., 2003, Environmental management accounting: Purpose and Progress. Bennett, M., Rikhardsson, P. M. & Schaltegger, S. (eds.). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, p. 17-40 24 p. (Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science; vol. 12).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearch

  48. Published

    The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard: A Systematic Review of Architectures

    Hansen, E. G. & Schaltegger, S., 01.01.2016, In: Journal of Business Ethics. 133, 2, p. 193-221 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    The Use of Environmental Management Accounting for Investment in and Control of ‘Clean Development Mechanism’ Projects

    Herzig, C., Burritt, R. L. & Bode, S., 2008, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Accounting - measuring and managing business benefits: EMAN-EU 2008 Conference, Proceedings. Csutora, M. & Szerenyi, Z. M. (eds.). Budapest: Aula Verlag, p. 119-123 5 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearch

  50. Published