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. 2020
  2. Published

    Kann man Wald ernten? Ästhetische Zugänge zum systemischen Denken im Sachunterricht: Das Beispiel Wald

    Bruhn, K., Edelhoff, S. H., Kater-Wettstädt, L., Richter, S., Schürmann, H. & Barth, M., 01.11.2020, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. 63 p. (Infis-Beiträge: BNE hoch X ; vol. 1, no. 1)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCompendium/lecture notesEducation

  3. Published

    Meditating for the Planet: Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sustainable Consumption Behaviors

    Geiger, S. M., Fischer, D., Schrader, U. & Grossman, P., 01.11.2020, In: Environment and Behavior. 52, 9, p. 1012-1042 31 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Natural clay as a sorbent to remove pharmaceutical micropollutants from wastewater

    Mahouachi, L., Rastogi, T., Palm, W. U., Ghorbel-Abid, I., Ben Hassen Chehimi, D. & Kümmerer, K., 01.11.2020, In: Chemosphere. 258, 127213.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Neighbourhood‐mediated shifts in tree biomass allocation drive overyielding in tropical species mixtures

    Guillemot, J., Kunz, M., Schnabel, F., Fichtner, A., Madsen, C. P., Gebauer, T., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G. & Potvin, C., 01.11.2020, In: New Phytologist. 228, 4, p. 1256-1268 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    The erosion of relational values resulting from landscape simplification

    Riechers, M., Balázsi, Á., Betz, L., Jiren, T. S. & Fischer, J., 01.11.2020, In: Landscape Ecology. 35, 11, p. 2601-2612 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    What are the ingredients for food systems change towards sustainability? - Insights from the literature

    Weber, H., Pöggel, K., Eakin, H., Fischer, D., Lang, D. J., Wehrden, H. & Wiek, A., 01.11.2020, In: Environmental Research Letters. 15, 11, 17 p., 113001.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  8. Published

    Capability of social life cycle assessment for analyzing the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector—case study in the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil

    Springer, S. K., Peregovich, B. G. & Schmidt, M., 11.2020, In: International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. 25, 11, p. 2274-2289 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Diversitätsgerechte und digitale Lehre - Chance oder Widerspruch?

    Abels, S. & Stinken-Rösner, L., 11.2020, In: VSH AEU Bulletin. 46, 3/4, p. 39-46 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  10. Published

    Putting adaptive planning into practice: A meta-analysis of current applications

    Malekpour, S. & Newig, J., 11.2020, In: Cities. 106, 12 p., 102866.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Rethinking the meaning of “landscape shocks” in energy transitions: German social representations of the Fukushima nuclear accident

    Upham, P., Eberhardt, L. & Klapper, R. G., 11.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 69, 12 p., 101710.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Thinking the Problematic: Genealogies and Explorations between Philosophy and the Sciences

    Leistert, O. (Editor) & Schrickel, I. (Editor), 26.10.2020, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 197 p. (Philosophy)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  13. Published

    Sustainable Chemistry - Path and Goal for a More Sustainable Textile Sector

    Kümmerer, K. & Keßler, L., 25.10.2020, Sustainable Textile and Fashion Value Chains: Drivers, Concepts, Theories and Solutions. Matthes, A., Beyer, K., Cebulla, H., Arnold, M. G. & Schumann, A. (eds.). Cham: Springer Nature AG, p. 75-104 30 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  14. Published

    Set ambitious goals for biodiversity and sustainability

    Díaz, S., Zafra-Calvo, N., Purvis, A., Verburg, P. H., Obura, D., Leadley, P., Chaplin-Kramer, R., De Meester, L., Dulloo, E., Martín-López, B., Shaw, M. R., Visconti, P., Broadgate, W., Bruford, M. W., Burgess, N. D., Cavender-Bares, J., DeClerck, F., Fernández-Palacios, J. M., Garibaldi, L. A., Hill, S. L. L., Isbell, F., Khoury, C. K., Krug, C. B., Liu, J., Maron, M., McGowan, P. J. K., Pereira, H. M., Reyes-García, V., Rocha, J., Rondinini, C., Shannon, L., Shin, Y.-J., Snelgrove, P. V. R., Spehn, E. M., Strassburg, B., Subramanian, S. M., Tewksbury, J. J., Watson, J. E. M. & Zanne, A. E., 23.10.2020, In: Science. 370, 6515, p. 411-413 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Urbanization, Migration, and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Adger, W. N., Crépin, A. S., Folke, C., Ospina, D., Chapin, F. S., Segerson, K., Seto, K. C., Anderies, J. M., Barrett, S., Bennett, E. M., Daily, G., Elmqvist, T., Fischer, J., Kautsky, N., Levin, S. A., Shogren, J. F., van den Bergh, J., Walker, B. & Wilen, J., 23.10.2020, In: One Earth. 3, 4, p. 396-399 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Accounting for work conditions from modern slavery to decent work

    Christ, K. L., Burritt, R. & Schaltegger, S., 20.10.2020, In: Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. 33, 7, p. 1481-1504 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Capacity building for transformational leadership and transdisciplinarity

    Barth, M., Bruhn, A., Lam, D., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 195-197 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    From niche to mainstream: the dilemmas of scaling up sustainable alternatives

    Augenstein, K., Bachmann, B., Egermann, M., Hermelingmeier, V., Hilger, A., Jäger-Erben, M., Kessler, A., Lam, D., Palzkill, A., Suski, P. & von Wirth, T., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 143-147 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  19. Published

    Meeting the challenge of (co-)designing real-world laboratories: Insights from the Well-Being Transformation Wuppertal project

    Rose, M. & Maibaum, K., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA. 29, 3, p. 154-160 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Sagt das Emotionswissen von jungen Kindern ihre phonologische Bewusstheit im Entwicklungsverlauf voraus?

    Salisch, M. & Voltmer, K., 15.10.2020, In: Kindheit und Entwicklung. 29, 4, p. 221-228 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Learning Processes in the Early Development of Sustainable Niches: The Case of Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurs in Mexico

    Rodriguez Aboytes, J. G. & Barth, M., 13.10.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 20, 26 p., 8434.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Crowdfunding for Responsible Entrepreneurship

    Tenner, I. M. & Hörisch, J., 10.10.2020, Responsible Entrepreneurship: Verantwortlich handeln in einer globalisierten Welt. Pechlaner, H. & Speer, S. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer Gabler, p. 117-134 (Entrepreneurial Management und Standortentwicklung)(Research).

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

  23. Published

    The Framework for Inclusive Science Education

    Brauns, S. & Abels, S., 10.10.2020, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 126 p. (Inclusive Science Education; no. 1/2020).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  24. Published

    Produktverantwortung von Drittlandherstellern im Onlinehandel

    Schomerus, T. & Hermann, A., 09.10.2020, In: Müll und Abfall - Fachzeitschrift für Abfall- und Ressourcenwirtschaft. 10/2020, 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  25. Published

    Recurring patterns and blueprints of industrial symbioses as structural units for an it tool

    Rohde-Lütje, A. & Wohlgemuth, V., 08.10.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 19, 21 p., 8280.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Introduction to Thinking the Problematic: Decentring as Method and Ethos

    Leistert, O. & Schrickel, I., 06.10.2020, Thinking the problematic: genealogies and explorations between philosophy and the sciences. Leistert, O. & Schrickel, I. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 9-34 26 p. (Philosophy).

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

  27. Published

    The Problematic of Transdisciplinary Sustainability Sciences

    Meyer, E. M., 06.10.2020, Thinking the problematic: genealogies and explorations between philosophy and the sciences. Leistert, O. & Schrickel, I. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 69-92 24 p. (Philosophy).

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

  28. Published

    The Problems of Modern Societies — Epistemic Design around 1970

    Schrickel, I., 06.10.2020, Thinking the problematic: genealogies and explorations between philosophy and the sciences. Leistert, O. & Schrickel, I. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 35-68 34 p. (Philosophy).

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

  29. Published
  30. Published

    Advancing Decision-Visualization Environments—Empirically informed Design Recommendations

    John, B., Lang, D. J., von Wehrden, H., John, R. & Wiek, A., 01.10.2020, In: Futures. 123, 102614.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Beiräte als Instrument einer Ernährungswende – Die Etablierung von Ernährungsräten in Deutschland

    Sieveking, A. & Schomerus, C.-T., 01.10.2020, In: Natur und Recht. 42, 10, p. 680-686 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  32. Published

    Biokunststoffe = umweltfreundlich? Ein Kooperationsprojekt von Schule und Universität zum werkstofflichen Recycling von Biokunststoffen

    Abels, S., Girod, L., Hallerbach, R., Pleissner, D., Reichelt, A. & Struck, C., 01.10.2020, In: PLUS LUCIS. 3, p. 26-30 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  33. Published

    Bright Spots for Local WFD Implementation Through Collaboration with Nature Conservation Authorities?

    Schröder, N., Newig, J. & Watson, N., 01.10.2020, In: Water Alternatives. 13, 3, p. 582-617 36 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Changes in phenology and abundance of suction-trapped Diptera from a farmland site in the UK over four decades

    Grabener, S., Oldeland, J., Shortall, C. & Harrington, R., 01.10.2020, In: Ecological Entomology. 45, 5, p. 1215-1219 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Country-level and individual-level predictors of men's support for gender equality in 42 countries

    Kosakowska-Berezecka, N., Besta, T., Bosson, J. K., Jurek, P., Vandello, J. A., Best, D. L., Wlodarczyk, A., Safdar, S., Zawisza, M., Żadkowska, M., Sobiecki, J., Agyemang, C. B., Akbaş, G., Ammirati, S., Anderson, J., Anjum, G., Aruta, J. J. B. R., Ashraf, M., Bakaitytė, A., Bi, C., Becker, M., Bender, M., Bërxulli, D., Bosak, J., Daalmans, S., Dandy, J., de Lemus, S., Dvorianchikov, N., Etchezahar, E., Froehlich, L., Gavreliuc, A., Gavreliuc, D., Gomez, Á., Greijdanus, H., Grigoryan, A., Hale, M. L., Hämer, H., Hoorens, V., Hutchings, P. B., Jensen, D. H., Kelmendi, K., Khachatryan, N., Kinahan, M., Kozlowski, D., Lauri, M. A., Li, J., Maitner, A. T., Makashvili, A., Mancini, T., Martiny, S. E., Đorđević, J. M., Moreno-Bella, E., Moscatelli, S., Bryan Moynihan, A., Muller, D., Ochoa, D., Adebayo, S. O., Pacilli, M. G., Palacio, J., Patnaik, S., Pavlopoulos, V., Piterová, I., Puzio, A., Pyrkosz-Pacyna, J., Rentería-Pérez, E., Rousseaux, T., Sainz, M., Salvati, M., Samekin, A., García-Sánchez, E., Schindler, S., Sherbaji, S., Sobhie, R., Sulejmanović, D., Sullivan, K. E., Torre, B., Torres, C. V., Ungaretti, J., Valshtein, T., Van Laar, C., van der Noll, J., Vasiutynskyi, V., Vohra, N., Zapata-Calvente, A. L. & Žukauskienė, R., 01.10.2020, In: European Journal of Social Psychology. 50, 6, p. 1276-1291 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Environmental impact of high-value gold scrap recycling

    Fritz, B., Aichele, C. & Schmidt, M., 01.10.2020, In: International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. 25, 10, p. 1930-1941 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Environmental rebound effect of energy efficiency improvements in Colombian households

    Vélez-Henao, J. A., García-Mazo, C. M., Freire-González, J. & Vivanco, D. F., 01.10.2020, In: Energy Policy. 145, 10 p., 111697.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Green and sustainable chemistry in Latin America: Which type of research is going on? And for what?

    Zuin, V. G., Stahl, A. M., Zanotti, K. & Segatto, M. L., 01.10.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 25, 100379.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  39. Published

    How does collaborative governance evolve? Insights from a medium-n case comparison

    Ulibarri, N., Emerson, K., Imperial, M. T., Jager, N. W., Newig, J. & Weber, E., 01.10.2020, In: Policy and Society. 39, 4, p. 617-637 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Impacts of alternative land-use policies on water ecosystem services in the Río Grande de Comitán-Lagos de Montebello watershed, Mexico

    Ávila-García, D., Morató, J., Pérez-Maussán, A. I., Santillán-Carvantes, P., Alvarado, J. & Comín, F. A., 01.10.2020, In: Ecosystem Services. 45, 14 p., 101179.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Participation in River Basin Planning Under the Water Framework Directive – Has it Benefitted Good Water Status?

    Rimmert, M., Baudoin, L., Cotta, B., Kochskämper, E. & Newig, J., 01.10.2020, In: Water Alternatives. 13, 3, p. 484-512 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Role of scavengers in providing non-material contributions to people

    Aguilera-Alcalá, N., Morales-Reyes, Z., Martín-López, B., Moleón, M. & Sánchez-Zapata, J. A., 01.10.2020, In: Ecological Indicators. 117, 11 p., 106643.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Towards a more sustainable metal use – Lessons learned from national strategy documents

    Weiser, A., Bickel, M., Kümmerer, K. & Lang, D. J., 01.10.2020, In: Resources Policy. 68, 12 p., 101770.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Opening the black box: How social interaction contributes to entrepreneurial intentions among deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals

    Jasniak, M., Baierl, R. & Halberstadt, J., 10.2020, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. 41, 1, p. 74-95 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published
  46. Published

    Development and application of green and sustainable analytical methods for flavonoid extraction from Passiflora waste

    Da Silva Francischini, D., Lopes, A. P., Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A. M. & Zuin, V. G., 18.09.2020, In: BMC Chemistry. 14, 1, 11 p., 56.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Local perceptions of ecosystem services across multiple ecosystem types in Spain

    García-Llorente, M., J. Castro, A., Quintas-Soriano, C., Oteros-Rozas, E., Iniesta-Arandia, I., González, J. A., García del Amo, D., Hernández-Arroyo, M., Casado-Arzuaga, I., Palomo, I., Gómez-Baggethun, E., Onaindia, M., Montes, C. & Martín-López, B., 18.09.2020, In: Land. 9, 9, 20 p., 0330.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

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

    Schomerus, C.-T., 15.09.2020, In: Fachzeitschrift für Energierecht. 9, 5, p. 199-201 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsTransfer

  49. Published

    Predicting suitable habitats of the African cherry (Prunus africana) under climate change in Tanzania

    Giliba, R. A. & Yengoh, G. T., 15.09.2020, In: Atmosphere. 11, 9, 17 p., 988.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Researching collaborative interdisciplinary teams: practices and principles for navigating researcher positionality

    Freeth, R. C. & Vilsmaier, U., 15.09.2020, In: Science & Technology Studies. 33, 3, p. 57-72 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Probing alignment of personal and organisational values for sustainability: An assessment of barrett's organisational consciousness model

    Klapper, R., Berg, L. & Upham, P., 14.09.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 18, 20 p., 7584.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review