Organisation profile

Sustainability has many facets. Inter- and transdisciplinary research and teaching characterize the School of Sustainability. Scientists in our research projects work together in the laboratory, on the heath, in the grassland, in the classroom, with the city administration, with farmers, with non-governmental organizations, with companies, with students in the lecture hall and of course at their desks.

Furthermore, we work with regional and national political actors, e.g. ministries, as well as international organizations, e.g. UNEP, UNESCO, EU. We are part of national and international bodies, e.g. sustainability advisory boards of companies, member of the German Sustainability Award, World Biodiversity Council (IPBES), in order to contribute to social change with scientific findings.

Main research areas

Vision
Sustainability science investigates on a theoretical, conceptual and empirical level how to promote sustainable development and how to find and implement effective solutions for current social and ecological challenges. The aim is to create a more sustainable future.

Sustainability researchers are called upon to take responsibility for their research, which is anchored in existing scientific knowledge and methods and serves to make the world a better place for everyone.

Mission
We promote change towards a sustainable future by developing theories, concepts and practices of inclusive education for sustainability, research, governance and management.

We acknowledge the diversity and dynamics of values, norms and behaviour and contribute with transdisciplinary methods to ensuring that tensions and differences between different disciplines, methods, topics and standards are fruitfully taken up and used with productive compromises and further developments towards sustainable development.

Principles
The School of Sustainability is guided by the normative concepts of ecological system integrity and social and economic justice.

Ecological system integrity refers to the safeguarding of life-support systems, as well as the maintenance of the well-being of life on Earth.

With social and economic justice we strive for a world in which all people can fulfil their potential without endangering system integrity and the well-being of others.

Information about the School
The School of Sustainability includes...
... ca. 25 professors
... ca. 100 research assistants
... ca. 1000 students in Bachelor and Master courses

In various inter- and transdisciplinary projects we are constantly researching and working together on changes and solutions for current challenges.

  1. 2022
  2. Published

    Positive intercropping effects on biomass production are species-specific and involve rhizosphere enzyme activities: Evidence from a field study

    Kumar, A., Blagodaskaya, E., Dippold, M. A. & Temperton, V., 01.12.2022, In: Soil Ecology Letters. 4, 4, p. 444-453 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Recycling of organic residues to produce insulation composites: A review

    Schritt, H. & Pleissner, D., 01.12.2022, In: Cleaner Waste Systems. 3, 12 p., 100023.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    ReSurveyGermany: Vegetation-plot time-series over the past hundred years in Germany

    Jandt, U., Bruelheide, H., Berg, C., Bernhardt-Römermann, M., Blüml, V., Bode, F., Dengler, J., Diekmann, M., Dierschke, H., Doerfler, I., Döring, U., Dullinger, S., Härdtle, W., Haider, S., Heinken, T., Horchler, P., Jansen, F., Kudernatsch, T., Kuhn, G., Lindner, M., Matesanz, S., Metze, K., Meyer, S., Müller, F., Müller, N., Naaf, T., Peppler-Lisbach, C., Poschlod, P., Roscher, C., Rosenthal, G., Rumpf, S. B., Schmidt, W., Schrautzer, J., Schwabe, A., Schwartze, P., Sperle, T., Stanik, N., Stroh, H. G., Storm, C., Voigt, W., von Heßberg, A., von Oheimb, G., Wagner, E. R., Wegener, U., Wesche, K., Wittig, B. & Wulf, M., 01.12.2022, In: Scientific data. 9, 1, 13 p., 631.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Rezension: Philip Wallmeier, 2021, Rückzug als Widerstand. Dissidente Lebensformen in der globalen Politik

    Möller, S., 01.12.2022, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 37, 4, p. 53-54 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsResearch

  6. Published

    Strategic alliances for corporate sustainability innovation: The ‘how’ and ‘when’ of learning processes

    Hübel, C., Weissbrod, I. & Schaltegger, S., 01.12.2022, In: Long Range Planning. 55, 6, 20 p., 102200.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Facilitating stress prevention in micro and small-sized enterprises: protocol for a mixed method study to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation process of targeted web-based interventions

    Engels, M., Boß, L., Engels, J., Kuhlmann, R., Kuske, J., Lepper, S., Lesener, L., Pavlista, V., Diebig, M., Lunau, T., Ruhle, S. A., Zapkau, F. B., Angerer, P., Hoewner, J., Lehr, D., Schwens, C., Süß, S., Wulf, I. C. & Dragano, N., 12.2022, In: BMC Public Health. 22, 1, 13 p., 591.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Förderung von Mehrwegverpackungssystemen zur Verringerung des Verpackungsverbrauchs – Mögliche Maßnahmen zur Etablierung, Verbreitung und Optimierung von Mehrwegsystemen: Teilbericht I

    Rödig, L., Jepsen, D., Falkenstein, A., Zimmermann, T., Hauschke, F., Cayé, N., Schüler, K., Burger, A., Schomerus, T. & Jacobj, H., 12.2022, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 247 p. (Texte/Umweltbundesamt; vol. 148).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  9. Published

    Reflections on educational leadership for sustainability: a Brazilian case study

    Sudan, D. C. & Zuin, V. G., 12.2022, In: Discover Sustainability. 3, 1, 13 p., 4.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Reviewing relational values for future research: insights from the coast

    Riechers, M., Betz, L., Gould, R. K., Loch, T. K., Lam, D. P. M., Lazzari, N., Martín-López, B. & Sala, J. E., 12.2022, In: Ecology and Society. 27, 4, 18 p., 44.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    The influence of sustainability knowledge and attitude on sustainable intention and behaviour of Malaysian and Indonesian undergraduate students

    Saleh, M. S. M., Mehellou, A., Huang, M. & Briandana, R., 12.2022, In: Research in Comparative and International Education. 17, 4, p. 677-693 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  12. Published

    Understanding Sustainability Performance in Business Organizations: Implications for the Sustainability Service Industry

    Imbrogiano, J.-P., 30.11.2022, London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. 204 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Foliar application of lambda-cyhalothrin modulates root exudate profile and the rhizosphere bacteria community of dioecious Populus cathayana

    He, Y., Zhu, Z., Zhou, Z., Lu, T., Kumar, A. & Xia, Z., 15.11.2022, In: Environmental Pollution. 313, 120123.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Interview mit Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas Schomerus

    Schomerus, T., 15.11.2022, In: Fachzeitschrift für Energierecht. 2022, 6, p. 246-247 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  15. Published

    Edutainment in sustainability: Can sustainability communication also be fun?

    Saleh, M. S. M., 10.11.2022, Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement. Saleh, M. S. M., Rahman, N. A. A. & Kasuma, S. A. A. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 188-199 12 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  16. Published

    Left by the left? The politics of poverty alleviation

    Lierse, H. & Seelkopf, L., 07.11.2022, In: Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy. 38, 3, p. 223-240 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    (Re)Produktivität

    Biesecker, A. & Hofmeister, S., 07.11.2022, Handbuch Politische Ökologie: Theorien, Konflikte, Begriffe, Methoden. Daniela, G., Hackfort, S., Schmitt, T. & von Winterfeld, U. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 433-440 8 p. (Edition Politik; vol. 110).

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

  18. Published

    Auf die Temperatur kommt es an! Untersuchung der Temperaturtoleranz mit der Wärmebildkamera

    Stinken-Rösner, L. & Rodenhauser, A., 01.11.2022, Digitale Medien für den Unterricht: Biologie: 30 innovative Unterrichtsideen . Meier, M. & Thyssen, C. (eds.). Hannover: Friedrich Verlag, p. 50-51 2 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  19. Published

    Chronischer beruflicher Stress: Behandlungsansätze mit Psychotherapie

    Koch, S., Lehr, D. & Hillert, A., 01.11.2022, In: Psychotherapie • Psychosomatik • Medizinische Psychologie . 72, 11, p. 497-512 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  20. Published

    Dimensions of digital transformation in the context of modern agriculture

    Mendes, J. A. J., Carvalho, N. G. P., Mourarias, M. N., Careta, C. B., Vânia Gomes Zuin, G. Z. & Gerolamo, M. C., 01.11.2022, In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. 34, p. 613-637 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Discharge and fate of biocide residuals to ephemeral stormwater retention pond sediments

    Linke, F., Olsson, O., Schnarr, L., Kümmerer, K., Preusser, F., Bork, M., Leistert, H. & Lange, J., 01.11.2022, In: Hydrology Research. 53, 11, p. 1441-1453 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published
  23. Published

    How context affects transdisciplinary research: insights from Asia, Africa and Latin America

    Schneider, F., Llanque-Zonta, A., Andriamihaja, O. R., Andriatsitohaina, R. N. N., Tun, A. M., Boniface, K., Jacobi, J., Celio, E., Diebold, C. L., Patrick, L., Latthachack, P., Llopis, J. C., Lundsgaard-Hansen, L., Messerli, P., Mukhovi, S., Tun, N., Rabemananjara, Z. H., Ramamonjisoa, B. S., Thongmanivong, S., Vongvisouk, T., Thongphanh, D., Myint, W. & Zaehringer, J. G., 01.11.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 17, 6, p. 2331-2345 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    “It shouldn’t look aggressive”: How conceptions about publics shape the development of mining exploration technologies

    Bleicher, A., Häßler, P. & David, M., 01.11.2022, In: Public Understanding of Science. 31, 8, p. 978-992 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Teacher Education for Sustainable Development: A Review of an Emerging Research Field

    Fischer, D., King, J., Rieckmann, M., Barth, M., Büssing, A., Hemmer, I. & Lindau-Bank, D., 01.11.2022, In: Journal of Teacher Education. 73, 5, p. 509-524 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  26. Published

    The feasibility of using Apple's ResearchKit for recruitment and data collection: Considerations for mental health research

    Bührmann, L., Van Daele, T., Rinn, A., De Witte, N. A. J., Lehr, D., Aardoom, J. J., Loheide-Niesmann, L., Smit, J. & Riper, H., 01.11.2022, In: Frontiers in Digital Health. 4, 12 p., 978749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    The interplay of eco-labels and price Cues: Empirical evidence from a large-scale field experiment in an online fashion store

    Feuß, S., Fischer-Kreer, D., Majer, J., Kemper, J. & Brettel, M., 01.11.2022, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 373, 133707.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    The role of perceptions and social norms in shaping women’s fertility preferences: a case study from Ethiopia

    Rodrigues, P., Manlosa, A. O., Fischer, J., Schultner, J., Hanspach, J., Senbeta, F. & Dorresteijn, I., 01.11.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 17, 6, p. 2473-2488 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Using meaningful places as an indicator for sense of place in the management of social-ecological systems

    Knaps, F., Gottwald, S., Albert, C. & Herrmann, S., 01.11.2022, In: Ecology and Society. 27, 4, 12 p., 9.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Amplifying actions for food system transformation: insights from the Stockholm region

    Lam, D. P. M., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Guerrero Lara, L., Sellberg, M. M., Norström, A. V., Moore, M.-L., Peterson, G. D. & Olsson, P., 11.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 17, 6, p. 2379-2395 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Auswirkungen illegaler Altfahrzeugverwertung: Ermittlung der ökologischen, volkswirtschaftlichen und betriebswirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen der nicht anerkannten Demontage von Altfahrzeugen und der illegalen Altfahrzeugverbringung sowie Ableitung von Maßnahmen zur Adressierung möglicher Auswirkungen; Abschlussbericht

    Zimmermann, T., Sander, K., Memelink, R., Knode, M., Freier, M., Porsch, L., Schomerus, T., Wilkes, S. & Flormann, P., 11.2022, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 303 p. (Texte/Umweltbundesamt; vol. 129).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  32. Published

    Pro & Contra: Kernenergie: Pro: Wichtig gegen den Klimawandel — Contra: Energiewende statt Atomkraft

    von Weizsäcker, C. C. & Kemfert, C., 11.2022, In: Wirtschaftsdienst. 102, 11, p. 814-815 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  33. Published

    The elephant in the room is really a cow: using consumption corridors to define sustainable meat consumption in the European Union

    Cué Rio, M., Bovenkerk, B., Castella, J. C., Fischer, D., Fuchs, R., Kanerva, M., Rounsevell, M. D. A., Salliou, N., Verger, E. O. & Röös, E., 27.10.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 2022, 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Indikatoren für kleine und mittlere Kommunen

    Redenius, P. & Heinrichs, H., 24.10.2022, Institut für Nachhaltigkeitssteuerung (INSUGO), p. 1-8, 8 p. (Schriftenreihe Nachhaltigkeit, Politik, Gesellschaft.; no. 2).

    Research output: Working paperExpert opinions

  35. Published

    Does Sharing with Neighbours Work? Accounts of Success and Failure from Two German Housing Experimentations

    Huber, A., 20.10.2022, In: Housing, Theory and Society. 39, 5, p. 524-554 31 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Modeling items for text comprehension assessment using confirmatory factor analysis

    Tschense, M. & Wallot, S., 20.10.2022, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 13, 10 p., 966347.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    The Efficacy of a Web-Based Stress Management Intervention for Employees Experiencing Adverse Working Conditions and Occupational Self-efficacy as a Mediator: Randomized Controlled Trial

    Nixon, P., Ebert, D. D., Boß, L., Angerer, P., Dragano, N. & Lehr, D., 20.10.2022, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 24, 10, 16 p., e40488.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Landscape products for sustainable agricultural landscapes

    García-Martín, M., Huntsinger, L., Ibarrola-Rivas, M. J., Penker, M., D’Ambrosio, U., Dimopoulos, T., Fernández-Giménez, M. E., Kizos, T., Muñoz-Rojas, J., Saito, O., Zimmerer, K. S., Abson, D. J., Liu, J., Quintas-Soriano, C., Sørensen, I. H., Verburg, P. H. & Plieninger, T., 18.10.2022, In: Nature Food. 3, 10, p. 814-821 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Reallabore als Lernräume: Nachhaltige Stadt- und Kommunalentwicklung

    Bürgener, L., Drautz, S. & Lang, D. J., 15.10.2022, In: Politische Ökologie. 40, 170, p. 72-77 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  40. Published

    Understanding positive contributions to sustainability. A systematic review

    Dijkstra-Silva, S., Schaltegger, S. & Beske-Janssen, P., 15.10.2022, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 320, 11 p., 115802.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  41. Published

    Developing ESD-specific professional action competence for teachers: knowledge, skills, and attitudes in implementing ESD at the school level

    Brandt, J.-O., Barth, M., Hale, A. & Merritt, E., 11.10.2022, In: Environmental Education Research. 28, 12, p. 1691-1729 39 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Meaning-making in higher education for sustainable development: Undergraduates’ long-term processes of experiencing and learning

    Sundermann, A., Weiser, A. & Barth, M., 10.10.2022, In: Environmental Education Research. 28, 11, p. 1616-1634 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    The Food Waste Lab: Improving food waste reduction behavior through education

    Mariam, N., Nina, L., Fabian, B., Florence, Z., Abels, S., Ulf, S. & Daniel, F., 10.10.2022, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 370, 133447.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Quantum chemical calculation of the vapor pressure of volatile and semi volatile organic compounds

    Stahn, M., Grimme, S., Salthammer, T., Hohm, U. & Palm, W.-U., 03.10.2022, In: Environmental Sciences: Processes & Impacts. 24, 11, p. 2153-2166 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    A mobile sense of place: exploring a novel mixed methods user-centred approach to capturing data on urban cycling infrastructure

    Wesener, A., Vallance, S., Tesch, M., Edwards, S., Frater, J. & Moreham, R., 02.10.2022, In: Applied Mobilities. 7, 4, p. 327-351 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Application of modern coexistence theory to rare plant restoration provides early indication of restoration trajectories

    Aoyama, L., Shoemaker, L. G., Gilbert, B., Collinge, S. K., Faist, A. M., Shackelford, N., Temperton, V. M., Barabás, G., Larios, L., Ladouceur, E., Godoy, O., Bowler, C. & Hallett, L. M., 01.10.2022, In: Ecological Applications. 32, 7, 14 p., e2649.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Assessing mire-specific biodiversity with an indicator based approach

    Hammerich, J., Dammann, C., Schulz, C., Tanneberger, F., Zeitz, J. & Luthardt, V., 01.10.2022, In: Mires and Peat. 28, 29 p., 32.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Carbon fluxes within tree-crop-grass agroforestry system: 13C field labeling and tracing

    Zhou, J., Shao, G., Kumar, A., Shi, L., Kuzyakov, Y. & Pausch, J., 01.10.2022, In: Biology and Fertility of Soils. 58, 7, p. 733-743 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Corporate sustainability management accounting and multi-level links for sustainability – A systematic review

    Schaltegger, S., Christ, K. L., Wenzig, J. & Burritt, R., 01.10.2022, In: International Journal of Management Reviews. 24, 4, p. 480-500 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Green and Sustainable Extraction of Proteins from Agro-industrial Waste: An Overview and a Closer Look to Latin America

    Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A. M., Zanotti, K. & Zuin, V. G., 01.10.2022, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 37, 100661.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  51. Published

    Improving the end-of-life management of solar panels in Germany

    El-Khawad, L., Bartkowiak, D. & Kümmerer, K., 01.10.2022, In: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 168, 112678.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch