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. 2019
  2. Published

    Identifying past social-ecological thresholds to understand long-term temporal dynamics in Spain

    Santos-Martín, F., García-Mon, B. G., González, J. A., Iniesta-Arandia, I., García-Llorente, M., Montes, C., Ravera, F., López-Santiago, C. A., Carpintero, Ó., Benayas, J. & Martín-López, B., 01.07.2019, In: Ecology and Society. 24, 2, 23 p., 10.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Step back from the forest and step up to the Bonn Challenge: How a broad ecological perspective can promote successful landscape restoration

    Temperton, V. M., Buchmann, N., Buisson, E., Durigan, G., Kazmierczak, L., Perring, M. P., de Sá Dechoum, M., Veldman, J. W. & Overbeck, G. E., 01.07.2019, In: Restoration Ecology. 27, 4, p. 705-719 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Sustainable business models and sustainable supply chain management: Establishing linkages

    Norris, S., Zufall, J., Schaltegger, S. & Weissbrod, I., 01.07.2019, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on New Business Models: New Business Models for Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Transformation. Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Froese, T. (eds.). Berlin: ESCP Europe, p. 872-873 2 p.

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

  5. Published

    The post-normal politics and science of wind power planning: Evidence from a Danish near-shore wind farm tender

    Johansen, K. & Upham, P., 01.07.2019, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 53, p. 182-193 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Monitoring environmental effects on farmland Lepidoptera: Does necessary sampling effort vary between different bio-geographic regions in Europe?

    Lang, A., Kallhardt, F., Lee, M. S., Loos, J., Molander, M. A., Muntean, I., Pettersson, L. B., Rákosy, L., Stefanescu, C. & Messéan, A., 07.2019, In: Ecological Indicators. 102, p. 791-800 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Protected habitats of Natura 2000 do not coincide with important diversity hotspots of arthropods in mountain grasslands

    Harry, I., Höfer, H., Schielzeth, H. & Assmann, T., 07.2019, In: Insect Conservation and Diversity. 12, 4, p. 329-338 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Rohstoffbedarfsplanung – Konzeptionelle Eckpunkte eines Instruments zur ressourcen- und flächensparenden Rohstoffgewinnung: Instrumente zur umweltverträglichen Steuerung der Rohstoffgewinnung – INSTRO; Abschlussbericht Teil 2

    Sanden, J., Schomerus, C.-T., Keimeyer, F., Gailhofer, P., Westphal, I. & Teßmer, D., 07.2019, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 226 p. (Texte; vol. 72)(Instrumente zur umweltverträglichen Steuerung der Rohstoffgewinnung – INSTRO; Abschlussbericht ; vol. 2).

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsTransfer

  9. Published

    Where have all the beetles gone? Long-term study reveals carabid species decline in a nature reserve in Northern Germany

    Homburg, K., Drees, C., Boutaud, E., Nolte, D., Schuett, W., Zumstein, P., von Ruschkowski, E. & Assmann, T., 07.2019, In: Insect Conservation and Diversity. 12, 4, p. 268-277 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    „Ganzheitliches Management von Energie- und Ressourceneffizienz in Unternehmen“ (MERU): Unternehmensbezogene Rebound-Effekte Einführung und Übersicht

    Wüst, S. & Schaltegger, S., 24.06.2019, Lüneburg: Centre for Sustainability Management, 16 p.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  11. Published

    Nahtstellen nachhaltigen globalen Lernens - Philosophieren als (neue) Aufgabe von Unterricht

    Kater-Wettstädt, L., 24.06.2019, Bildung und Erziehung im Kontext globaler Transformationen. Clemens, I., Hornberg, S. & Rieckmann, M. (eds.). Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 125-140 16 p.

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

  12. Published

    Take the money and run? Implementation and disclosure of environmentally-oriented crowdfunding projects

    Hörisch, J., 20.06.2019, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 223, p. 127-135 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Land-use legacy and tree age in continuous woodlands: weak effects on overall ground beetle assemblages, but strong effects on two threatened species

    Huelsmann, M., Boutaud, E., Buse, J., Schuldt, A. & Assmann, T., 15.06.2019, In: Journal of Insect Conservation. 23, 3, p. 623-633 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Navigating cognition biases in the search of sustainability

    Engler, J. O., Abson, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 15.06.2019, In: Ambio. 48, 6, p. 605-618 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  15. Published

    Plant density modifies root system architecture in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through a change in nodal root number

    Hecht, V. L., Temperton, V. M., Nagel, K. A., Rascher, U., Pude, R. & Postma, J. A., 15.06.2019, In: Plant and Soil. 439, 1-2, p. 179-200 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Towards productive functions? A systematic review of institutional failure, its causes and consequences

    Derwort, P., Jager, N. & Newig, J., 15.06.2019, In: Policy Sciences. 52, 2, p. 281-298 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Nature’s contributions to people in mountains: A review

    Martín-López, B., Leister, I., Lorenzo Cruz, P., Palomo, I., Grêt-Regamey, A., Harrison, P. A., Lavorel, S., Locatelli, B., Luque, S. & Walz, A., 11.06.2019, In: PLoS ONE. 14, 6, 24 p., e0217847.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Ecological-economic trade-offs of Diversified Farming Systems - A review

    Rosa-Schleich, J., Loos, J., Mußhoff, O. & Tscharntke, T., 01.06.2019, In: Ecological Economics. 160, p. 251-263 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  19. Published

    Fragmented Landscape, Fragmented Knowledge: A Synthesis of Renosterveld Ecology and Conservation

    Topp, E. N. & Loos, J., 01.06.2019, In: Environmental Conservation. 46, 2, p. 171-179 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Land-sharing/-sparing connectivity landscapes for ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation

    Grass, I., Loos, J., Baensch, S., Batáry, P., Librán-Embid, F., Ficiciyan, A., Klaus, F., Riechers, M., Rosa, J., Tiede, J., Udy, K., Westphal, C., Wurz, A. & Tscharntke, T., 01.06.2019, In: People and Nature. 1, 2, p. 262-272 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Strategy for phytomanagement in an area affected by iron ore dam rupture: A study case in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

    Zago, V. C. P., das Dores, N. C. & Watts, B. A., 01.06.2019, In: Environmental Pollution. 249, p. 1029-1037 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    From a problem to a business opportunity-design of pharmaceuticals for environmental biodegradability

    Kümmerer, K., 06.2019, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 12, 4 p., 100136.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  23. Published

    Living on the edge: Rapid assessment of the mammal community in a coffee forest in south-western Ethiopia

    Rodrigues, P., Dorresteijn, I., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 06.2019, In: African Journal of Ecology. 57, 2, p. 279-285 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  24. Published

    Interoperability of mineral sustainability initiatives: A case study of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)

    Junior, R. M., Sturman, K. & Imbrogiano, J. P., 28.05.2019, Sustainability Certification Schemes in the Agricultural and Natural Resource Sectors: Outcomes for Society and the Environment. Vogt, M. (ed.). London: Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 215-229 15 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  25. Published

    Employees’ perceived benefits from participating in CSR activities and implications for increasing employees engagement in CSR

    Koch, C., Bekmeier-Feuerhahn, S., Bögel, P. M. & Adam, U., 23.05.2019, In: Corporate Communications. 24, 2, p. 303-317 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Online stakeholder dialogue: quo vadis? – An empirical analysis in German-speaking countries

    Hetze, K., Bögel, P. M., Emde, A., Bekmeier-Feuerhahn, S. & Glock, Y., 23.05.2019, In: Corporate Communications. 24, 2, p. 248-268 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    IWRM through WFD implementation? Drivers for integration in polycentric water governance systems

    Schröder, N., 22.05.2019, In: Water (Switzerland). 11, 5, 27 p., 1063.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Engaging creatively with tension in collaborative research

    Clarke, E., Freeth, R. & Fam, D., 21.05.2019, Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World: A Mind of One’s Own. Brown, V. A., Harris, J. A. & Waltner-Toews, D. (eds.). 1 ed. Oxon: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 262-283 22 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  29. Published

    Internet- and App-Based Stress Intervention for Distance-Learning Students With Depressive Symptoms: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

    Harrer, M., Apolinario-Hagen, J., Fritsche, L., Druege, M., Krings, L., Beck, K., Salewski, C., Zarski, A.-C., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H. & Ebert, D. D., 21.05.2019, In: Frontiers in Psychiatry. 10, MAY, 13 p., 361.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Building actor-centric transformative capacity through city-university partnerships

    Keeler, L. W., Beaudoin, F., Wiek, A., John, B., Lerner, A. M., Beecroft, R., Tamm, K., Seebacher, A., Lang, D. J., Kay, B. & Forrest, N., 15.05.2019, In: Ambio. 48, 5, p. 529-538 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Economic Evaluation of an Internet-Based Stress Management Intervention Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial

    Kählke, F., Buntrock, C., Smit, F., Berking, M., Lehr, D., Heber, E., Funk, B., Riper, H. & Ebert, D. D., 15.05.2019, In: JMIR Mental Health. 6, 5, 13 p., e10866.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Do Nonsuicidal Severely Depressed Individuals with Diabetes Profit from Internet-Based Guided Self-Help? Secondary Analyses of a Pragmatic Randomized Trial

    Schlicker, S., Weisel, K. K., Buntrock, C., Berking, M., Nobis, S., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Snoek, F. J., Riper, H. & Ebert, D. D., 14.05.2019, In: Journal of Diabetes Research. 2019, 11 p., 2634094.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research: finding the common ground of multi-faceted concepts

    von Wehrden, H., Guimarães, M. H., Bina, O., Varanda, M., Lang, D. J., John, B., Gralla, F., Alexander, D., Raines, D., White, A. & Lawrence, R. J., 07.05.2019, In: Sustainability Science. 14, 3, p. 875-888 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Privatizing the commons: New approaches need broader evaluative criteria for sustainability

    Partelow, S., Abson, D. J., Schlueter, A., Fernandez-Gimenez, M., von Wehrden, H. & Collier, N., 03.05.2019, In: International Journal of the Commons. 13, 1, p. 747-776 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Transforming Consumer Behavior: Introducing Self-Inquiry-Based and Self-Experience-Based Learning for Building Personal Competencies for Sustainable Consumption

    Frank, P. & Stanszus, L., 02.05.2019, In: Sustainability. 11, 9, 19 p., 2550.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Catalyzing Transformations to Sustainability in the World's Mountains

    the Mountain Sentinels Network, Klein, J. A., Tucker, C. M., Nolin, A. W., Hopping, K. A., Reid, R. S., Steger, C., Grêt-Regamey, A., Lavorel, S., Müller, B., Yeh, E. T., Boone, R. B., Bourgeron, P., Butsic, V., Castellanos, E., Chen, X., Dong, S., Greenwood, G., Keiler, M., Marchant, R., Seidl, R., Spies, T., Thorn, J., Yager, K. & Martín‐López, B., 01.05.2019, In: Earth's Future. 7, 5, p. 547-557 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Intraspecific trait variation patterns along a precipitation gradient in Mongolian rangelands

    Lang, B., Geiger, A., Oyunbileg, M., Ahlborn, J., von Wehrden, H., Wesche, K., Oyuntsetseg, B. & Römermann, C., 01.05.2019, In: Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants. 254, p. 135-146 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Landscape-scale biodiversity governance: Scenarios for reshaping spaces of governance

    Leventon, J., Schaal, T., Velten, S., Loos, J., Fischer, J. & Newig, J., 01.05.2019, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 29, 3, p. 170-184 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    The resilience of agricultural landscapes characterized by land sparing versus land sharing

    Abson, D., Sherren, K. & Fischer, J., 05.2019, Agriculture Resilience: perspectives from ecology and economics. Gardner, S., Hails, R. S. & Ramsden, S. (eds.). Cambrige: Cambridge University Press, p. 232-252 21 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  40. Published

    Wirtschaftskriege im digitalen Zeitalter: Ethische Perspektiven

    Oermann, N. O., 05.2019, In: Theologische Literaturzeitung. 144, 5, p. 419-435 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  41. Published

    Socioecological Interactions amid Global Change

    Almekinders, C. J. M., Stone, G. D., Baranski, M., Carney, J. A., Hanspach, J., Krishna, V. V., Ramirez-Villegas, J., Etten, J. V. & Zimmerer, K. S., 30.04.2019, Agrobiodiversity: Integrating knowledge for a sustainable future. Zimmerer, K. S. & Haan, S. D. (eds.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, p. 117-143 27 p. (Strüngmann Forum Reports).

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

  42. Published

    Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable

    604 signatories, Kehoe, L., Reis, T., Virah-Sawmy, M., Balmford, A., Kuemmerle, T., Knohl, A., Antonelli, A., Hochkirch, A., Vira, B., Massa, B., Peres, C. A., Ammer, C., Görg, C., Schneider, C., Curtis, D., de la Peña, E., Tello, E., Sperfeld, E., Corbera, E., Morelli, F., Valladares, F., Peterson, G., Hide, G., Mace, G., Kallis, G., Olsson, G. A., Brumelis, G., Alexanderson, H., Haberl, H., Nuissl, H., Kreft, H., Ghazoul, J., Piotrowski, J. A., Macdiarmid, J., Newig, J., Fischer, J., Altringham, J., Gledhill, J., Nielsen, J., Müller, J., Palmeirim, J., Barlow, J., Alonso, J. C., Asencio, J. J. P., Steinberger, J. K., Jones, J. P. G., Cotta, B., Leonhardt, S. D., Wanger, T. C. & Coenen, J., 26.04.2019, In: Science. 364, 6438, p. 341 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  43. Published

    Stakeholder expectations on sustainability performance measurement and assessment: A systematic literature review

    Silva, S. L., Nuzum, A.-K. & Schaltegger, S., 20.04.2019, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 217, p. 204-215 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  44. Published

    IN DER UMWELT ABBAUBARE CHINOLON-ANTIBIOTIKA MIT HEMIAMINAL-STRUKTUREINHEIT

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Peifer, C., 18.04.2019, IPC No. A61K31/47, A61P31/04 , C07D405/06, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. WO2019072905A1, 10.10.2018, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218119A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  45. Published

    Habitat specialization, distribution range size and body size drive extinction risk in carabid beetles

    Nolte, D., Boutaud, E., Kotze, D. J., Schuldt, A. & Assmann, T., 15.04.2019, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 28, 5, p. 1267-1283 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Is ecotourism a panacea? Political ecology perspectives from the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India

    Ghosh, P. & Ghosh, A., 15.04.2019, In: GeoJournal. 84, 2, p. 345-366 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Local and landscape level variables influence butterfly diversity in critically endangered South African renosterveld

    Topp, E. & Loos, J., 15.04.2019, In: Journal of Insect Conservation. 23, 2, p. 225-237 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Inquiry-based learning in sustainability science

    Vilsmaier, U. & Meyer, E. M., 12.04.2019, Inquiry-Based Learning – Undergraduate Research: The German Multidisciplinary Experience. Mieg, H. A. (ed.). Cham: Springer Verlag, p. 331-339 9 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  49. Published

    Biologisch abbaubare Chinolon-Antibiotika

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Menz, J., 11.04.2019, IPC No. A61K31/47 , A61P31/04 , C07D215/233, C07D215/38 , C07D403/12, C07D401/12, Y02A50/30, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. DE102017218114A1, 11.10.2017, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218114A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  50. Published

    Synthesis, self-assembly, bacterial and fungal toxicity, and preliminary biodegradation studies of a series of L-phenylalanine-derived surface-active ionic liquids

    Kapitanov, I. V., Jordan, A., Karpichev, Y., Spulak, M., Perez, L., Kellett, A., Kümmerer, K. & Gathergood, N., 07.04.2019, In: Green Chemistry . 21, 7, p. 1777-1794 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Clusters of water governance problems and their effects on policy delivery

    Kirschke, S., Franke, C., Newig, J. & Borchardt, D., 03.04.2019, In: Policy and Society. 38, 2, p. 255-277 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review