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

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Published

    Seeking sustainability competence and capability in the ESD and HESD literature: an international philosophical hermeneutic analysis

    Shepard, K., Rieckmann, M. & Barth, M., 03.04.2019, In: Environmental Education Research. 25, 4, p. 532 - 547 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Author Correction: Biocultural approaches to pollinator conservation (Nature Sustainability, (2019), 2, 3, (214-222), 10.1038/s41893-019-0244-z)

    Hill, R., Nates-Parra, G., Quezada-Euán, J. J. G., Buchori, D., LeBuhn, G., Maués, M. M., Pert, P. L., Kwapong, P. K., Saeed, S., Breslow, S. J., da Cunha, M. C., Dicks, L. V., Galetto, L., Gikungu, M., Howlett, B. G., Imperatriz-Fonseca, V. L., Lyver, P. O. B., Martín-López, B., Oteros-Rozas, E., Potts, S. G. & Roué, M., 01.04.2019, In: Nature Sustainability. 2, 4, p. 348-348 1 p.

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

  17. Published

    Conservation value of moist evergreen Afromontane forest sites with different management and history in southwestern Ethiopia

    Shumi, G., Rodrigues, P., Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I., Hanspach, J., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 01.04.2019, In: Biological Conservation. 232, p. 117-126 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Das Reflexivitätsproblem und die Kategorienlehre: Versuch einer Aktualisierung

    Schmieg, G., 01.04.2019, Nicolai Hartmanns Neue Ontologie und die Philosophische Anthropologie: Menschliches Leben in Natur und Geist. von Kalckreuth, M., Schmieg, G. & Hausen, F. (eds.). Walter de Gruyter, p. 63-88 26 p. (Philosophische Anthropologie; vol. 11).

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

  19. Published

    Einleitung

    von Kalckreuth, M., Schmieg, G. & Hausen, F., 01.04.2019, Nicolai Hartmanns Neue Ontologie und die Philosophische Anthropologie: Menschliches Leben in Natur und Geist. von Kalckreuth, M., Schmieg, G. & Hausen, F. (eds.). Walter de Gruyter, p. 1-10 (Philosophische Anthropologie; vol. 11).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherResearch

  20. Published

    Fast response of groundwater to heavy rainfall

    Wittenberg, H., Aksoy, H. & Miegel, K., 01.04.2019, In: Journal of Hydrology. 571, p. 837-842 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published
  22. Published

    Phasing-out Coal in Germany – Not Only, But Also a Legal Challenge

    Schomerus, C.-T., 01.04.2019, In: Renewable Energy Law & Policy Review. 9, 2, p. 60-67 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  23. Published
  24. Published

    Nicolai Hartmanns Neue Ontologie und die Philosophische Anthropologie: Menschliches Leben in Natur und Geist

    von Kalckreuth, M. (Editor), Schmieg, G. (Editor) & Hausen, F. (Editor), 04.2019, Walter de Gruyter. 284 p. (Philosophische Anthropologie; vol. 11)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  25. Published

    Wirtschaftskriege - Geschichte und Gegenwart

    Oermann, N. O. & Wolff, H.-J., 04.2019, Freiburg: Verlag Herder. 271 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  26. Published

    Is seashell powder suitable for phosphate recovery from fermentation broth?

    Peinemann, J. C., Krenz, L. & Pleißner, D., 25.03.2019, In: New Biotechnology. 49, p. 43-47 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Umgang mit Pestiziden und deren Transformationsprodukten bei der Regenwasserbewirtschaftung

    Olsson, O., Hensen, B., Kümmerer, K., Lange, J. & Jackisch, N., 20.03.2019, Gewässerschutz Wasser Abwasser: 52. Essener Tagung für Wasserwirtschaft. Pinnekamp, J. (ed.). Aachen: Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Siedlungswasserwirtschaft an der RWTH Aachen e.V., Vol. 250. p. 24/1 - 24/8 8 p. (Gewässerschutz, Wasser, Abwasser ; vol. 250).

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

  28. Published

    All-affected, Non-identity and the Political Representation of Future Generations: Linking Intergenerational Justice with Democracy

    Rose, M., 19.03.2019, Intergenerational Equity: Environmental and Cultural Concerns. Cottier, T., Lalani, S. & Siziba, C. (eds.). Leiden, Boston: Brill Nijhoff Verlag, p. 32-51 20 p. (World Trade Institute Advanced Studies; vol. 4).

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

  29. Published

    Für welche ´Natur/en´ sorgen wir? Kritische feministische Perspektiven auf aktuelle Care-Debatten im sozial-ökologischen Kontext

    Hofmeister, S., Mölders, T., Deininger, M. & Kapitza, K., 19.03.2019, In: Gender. 11, 1, p. 125-139 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  30. Published

    Research on the social perception of invasive species: a systematic literature review

    Kapitza, K., Zimmermann, H., Martín-López, B. & Wehrden, H. V., 14.03.2019, In: NeoBiota. 43, p. 47-68 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Just a small bunch of flowers: The botanical knowledge of students and the positive effects of courses in plant identification at German universities

    Buck, T., Bruchmann, I., Zumstein, P. & Drees, C., 13.03.2019, In: PeerJ. 7, 3, 23 p., e6581.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Interactive influence of livestock grazing and manipulated rainfall on soil properties in a humid tropical savanna

    Okach, D. O., Ondier, J. O., Kumar, A., Rambold, G., Tenhunen, J., Huwe, B. & Otieno, D., 11.03.2019, In: Journal of Soils and Sediments. 19, 3, p. 1088-1098 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Systems Thinking Skills of Preschool Children in Early Childhood Education Contexts from Turkey and Germany

    Feriver, Ş., Olgan, R., Teksöz, G. & Barth, M., 11.03.2019, In: Sustainability. 11, 5, 26 p., 1478.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Social assessment and management of conflict minerals: A systematic literature review

    Silva, S. L. & Schaltegger, S., 08.03.2019, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 10, 1, p. 157-182 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Biocultural approaches to pollinator conservation

    Hill, R., Nates-Parra, G., Quezada-Euán, J. J. G., Buchori, D., LeBuhn, G., Maués, M. M., Pert, P. L., Kwapong, P. K., Saeed, S., Breslow, S. J., Carneiro da Cunha, M., Dicks, L. V., Galetto, L., Gikungu, M., Howlett, B. G., Imperatriz-Fonseca, V. L., O’B. Lyver, P., Martín-López, B., Oteros-Roza, E., Potts, S. G. & Roué, M., 01.03.2019, In: Nature Sustainability. 2, 3, p. 214-222 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Key landscape features in the provision of ecosystem services: Insights for management

    Schmidt, K., Martín-López, B., Phillips, P. M., Julius, E., Makan, N. & Walz, A., 01.03.2019, In: Land Use Policy. 82, p. 353-366 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Leverage points for improving gender equality and human well-being in a smallholder farming context

    Manlosa, A. O., Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I. & Fischer, J., 01.03.2019, In: Sustainability Science. 14, 2, p. 529-541 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    sPlot – A new tool for global vegetation analyses

    Bruelheide, H., Dengler, J., Jiménez-Alfaro, B., Purschke, O., Hennekens, S. M., Chytrý, M., Pillar, V. D., Jansen, F., Kattge, J., Sandel, B., Aubin, I., Biurrun, I., Field, R., Haider, S., Jandt, U., Lenoir, J., Peet, R. K., Peyre, G., Sabatini, F. M., Schmidt, M., Schrodt, F., Winter, M., Aćić, S., Agrillo, E., Alvarez, M., Ambarlı, D., Angelini, P., Apostolova, I., Arfin Khan, M. A. S., Arnst, E., Attorre, F., Baraloto, C., Beckmann, M., Berg, C., Bergeron, Y., Bergmeier, E., Bjorkman, A. D., Bondareva, V., Borchardt, P., Botta-Dukát, Z., Boyle, B., Breen, A., Brisse, H., Byun, C., Cabido, M. R., Casella, L., Cayuela, L., Černý, T., Chepinoga, V., Csiky, J., Curran, M., Ćušterevska, R., Dajić Stevanović, Z., De Bie, E., de Ruffray, P., De Sanctis, M., Dimopoulos, P., Dressler, S., Ejrnæs, R., El-Sheikh, M. A. E. R. M., Enquist, B., Ewald, J., Fagúndez, J., Finckh, M., Font, X., Forey, E., Fotiadis, G., García-Mijangos, I., de Gasper, A. L., Golub, V., Gutierrez, A. G., Hatim, M. Z., He, T., Higuchi, P., Holubová, D., Hölzel, N., Homeier, J., Indreica, A., Işık Gürsoy, D., Jansen, S., Janssen, J., Jedrzejek, B., Jiroušek, M., Jürgens, N., Kącki, Z., Kavgacı, A., Kearsley, E., Kessler, M., Knollová, I., Kolomiychuk, V., Korolyuk, A., Kozhevnikova, M., Kozub, Ł., Krstonošić, D., Kühl, H., Kühn, I., Kuzemko, A., Küzmič, F., Landucci, F., Lee, M. T., Levesley, A., Li, C. F., Liu, H., Lopez-Gonzalez, G., Lysenko, T., Macanović, A., Mahdavi, P., Manning, P., Marcenò, C., Martynenko, V., Mencuccini, M., Minden, V., Moeslund, J. E., Moretti, M., Müller, J. V., Munzinger, J., Niinemets, Ü., Nobis, M., Noroozi, J., Nowak, A., Onyshchenko, V., Overbeck, G. E., Ozinga, W. A., Pauchard, A., Pedashenko, H., Peñuelas, J., Pérez-Haase, A., Peterka, T., Petřík, P., Phillips, O. L., Prokhorov, V., Rašomavičius, V., Revermann, R., Rodwell, J., Ruprecht, E., Rūsiņa, S., Samimi, C., Schaminée, J. H. J., Schmiedel, U., Šibík, J., Šilc, U., Škvorc, Ž., Smyth, A., Sop, T., Sopotlieva, D., Sparrow, B., Stančić, Z., Svenning, J. C., Swacha, G., Tang, Z., Tsiripidis, I., Turtureanu, P. D., Uğurlu, E., Uogintas, D., Valachovič, M., Vanselow, K. A., Vashenyak, Y., Vassilev, K., Vélez-Martin, E., Venanzoni, R., Vibrans, A. C., Violle, C., Virtanen, R., von Wehrden, H., Wagner, V., Walker, D. A., Wana, D., Weiher, E., Wesche, K., Whitfeld, T., Willner, W., Wiser, S., Wohlgemuth, T., Yamalov, S., Zizka, G. & Zverev, A., 01.03.2019, In: Journal of Vegetation Science. 30, 2, p. 161-186 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    The more I got, the less I need? Efficacy of Internet-based guided self-help compared to online psychoeducation for major depressive disorder

    Reins, J. A., Boß, L., Lehr, D., Berking, M. & Ebert, D. D., 01.03.2019, In: Journal of Affective Disorders. 246, p. 695-705 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Toward Sustainable Urban Metabolisms: From System Understanding to System Transformation

    John, B., Luederitz, C., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 01.03.2019, In: Ecological Economics. 157, p. 402-414 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    A Leverage Points Perspective on Sustainability

    Fischer, J. & Riechers, M., 03.2019, In: People and Nature. 1, 1, p. 115-120 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  42. Published

    Combining mechanics and electrostatics: Quantitative measurement of a balloons electrical charge

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 03.2019, In: Physics Education. 54, 2, 023004.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  43. Published

    Contributions to the sustainable development goals in life cycle sustainability assessment: Insights from the Handprint research project

    Kühnen, M., Silva, S. L., Beckmann, J., Eberle, U., Hahn, R., Hermann, C., Schaltegger, S. & Schmid, M., 03.2019, In: NachhaltigkeitsManagementForum. 27, 1, p. 65-82 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Gesamtkonzept zum Umgang mit Elektro(alt)geräten – Vorbereitung zur Wiederverwendung: Abschlussbericht

    Sander, K., Wagner, L., Jepsen, D., Zimmermann, T. & Schomerus, C.-T., 03.2019, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 485 p. (Texte; vol. 2019, no. 17).

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsTransfer

  45. Published

    Native-born German and immigrant children’s development of emotion knowledge: A latent growth curve analysis

    Voltmer, K. & Salisch, M., 03.2019, In: British Journal of Developmental Psychology. 37, 1, p. 112-129 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Sustainability through institutional failure and decline? Archetypes of productive pathways

    Newig, J., Derwort, P. & Jager, N. W., 03.2019, In: Ecology and Society. 24, 1, 14 p., 18.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Schätzen – Aber wie?

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 26.02.2019, Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung als Grundlage für berufliche und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe: GDCP Jahrestagung in Kiel. Maurer, C. (ed.). Regensburg: Universität Regensburg, p. 93-96 4 p.

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

  48. Published

    Comparison of eco-effectiveness and eco-efficiency based criteria for the construction of single-family homes

    Lindner, S., Braungart, M. & Essig, N., 25.02.2019, In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 225, 1, 9 p., 012041.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Reducing aquatic micropollutants – Increasing the focus on input prevention and integrated emission management

    Kümmerer, K., Dionysiou, D. D., Olsson, O. & Fatta-Kassinos, D., 20.02.2019, In: Science of the Total Environment. 652, p. 836-850 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Company reputation and its influence on consumer trust in response to ongoing CSR communication

    Bögel, P. M., 17.02.2019, In: Journal of Marketing Communications. 25, 2, p. 115-136 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Perspectives on comprehensive sustainability-orientation in municipalities: Structuring existing approaches

    Kirst, E. & Lang, D. J., 16.02.2019, In: Sustainability. 11, 4, 21 p., 1040.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review