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. 2016
  2. Published

    Effects on the (CSR) Reputation: CSR reporting discussed in the light of signalling and stakeholder perception theories

    Hetze, K., 01.12.2016, In: Corporate Reputation Review. 19, 3, p. 281-296 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Gender perspectives in resilience, vulnerability and adaptation to global environmental change

    Ravera, F., Iniesta-Arandia, I., Martín-López, B., Pascual, U. & Bose, P., 01.12.2016, In: Ambio. 45, 3, Supplement, p. 235-247 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Gender perspectives in resilience, vulnerability and adaptation to global environmental change

    Ravera, F. (Editor), Iniesta-Arandia, I. (Editor), Martín-López, B. (Editor), Pascual, U. (Editor) & Bose, P. (Editor), 01.12.2016, Secaucus: Springer Verlag. 393 p. (AMBIO; vol. 45, no. 3 (Supplement))

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  5. Published

    Introduction bias affects relationships between the characteristics of ornamental alien plants and their naturalization success

    Maurel, N., Hanspach, J., Kühn, I., Pyšek, P., van Kleunen, M. & Evans, K., 01.12.2016, In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. 25, 12, p. 1500-1509 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Maize rhizosphere priming: field estimates using 13C natural abundance

    Kumar, A., Kuzyakov, Y. & Pausch, J., 01.12.2016, In: Plant and Soil. 409, 1-2, p. 87-97 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Managing Research Environments: Heterarchies in Academia. A Response to Cumming

    Fischer, J., 01.12.2016, In: Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 31, 12, p. 900-902 3 p.

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

  8. Published

    Overcome procrastination: Enhancing emotion regulation skills reduce procrastination

    Eckert, M., Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Sieland, B. & Berking, M., 01.12.2016, In: Learning and Individual Differences. 52, p. 10-18 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published
  10. Published

    South America's biophysical involvement in international trade: The physical trade balances of Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil in the light of ecologically unequal exchange

    Dorninger, C. & Eisenmenger, N., 01.12.2016, In: Journal of Political Ecology. 23, 1, p. 394-409 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Sustainability of rural electrification programs based on off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems in Chile

    Feron, S., Heinrichs, H. & Cordero, R., 01.12.2016, In: Energy, Sustainability and Society. 6, 1, 19 p., 32.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    The diversity of gendered adaptation strategies to climate change of Indian farmers: A feminist intersectional approach

    Ravera, F., Martín-López, B., Pascual, U. & Drucker, A., 01.12.2016, In: Ambio. 45, 3, Supplement, p. 335-351 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    The role of sustainability in nuclear energy plans: What do national energy strategies tell us?

    Gralla, F., John, B., Abson, D. J., Møller, A. P., Bickel, M., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 01.12.2016, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 22, p. 94-106 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Albert Schweitzer: A Biography

    Oermann, N. O., 24.11.2016, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 288 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  15. Published

    Five primary sources of organic aerosols in the urban atmosphere of Belgrade (Serbia)

    Zangrando, R., Barbaro, E., Kirchgeorg, T., Vecchiato, M., Scalabrin, E., Radaelli, M., Đorđević, D., Barbante, C. & Gambaro, A., 15.11.2016, In: Science of the Total Environment. 571, p. 1441-1453 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Growth and water use of Populus euphratica trees and stands with different water supply along the Tarim River, NW China

    Lang, P., Ahlborn, J., Schäfer, P., Wommelsdorf, T., Jeschke, M., Zhang, X. & Thomas, F. M., 15.11.2016, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 380, p. 139-148 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Integrating corporate sustainability assessment, management accounting, control, and reporting

    Maas, K., Schaltegger, S. & Crutzen, N., 10.11.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 136, Part A, p. 237-248 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Journal of Cleaner Production. Special Volume: The Integration of Corporate Sustainability Assessment, Management Accounting, Control, and Reporting

    Maas, K. (Editor), Schaltegger, S. (Editor) & Crutzen, N. (Editor), 10.11.2016, Elsevier B.V. 249 p. (Journal of Cleaner Production; vol. 136 , no. Part A)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  19. Published

    Reprint of Advancing the integration of corporate sustainability measurement, management and reporting

    Maas, K., Schaltegger, S. & Crutzen, N., 10.11.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 136, Part A, p. 1-4 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    A Conceptual Structure of Justice - Providing a Tool to Analyse Conceptions of Justice

    Stumpf, K. H., Becker, C. U. & Baumgaertner, S., 01.11.2016, In: Ethical Theory and Moral Practice . 19, 5, p. 1187-1202 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Carbon footprinting of large product portfolios. Extending the use of Enterprise Resource Planning systems to carbon information management

    Zvezdov, D. & Hack, S., 01.11.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 135, p. 1267-1275 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Cascade thermochemical storage with internal condensation heat recovery for better energy and exergy efficiencies

    N’Tsoukpoe, K. E., Osterland, T., Opel, O. & Ruck, W. K. L., 01.11.2016, In: Applied Energy. 181, p. 562-574 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Experimental and in silico assessment of fate and effects of the antipsychotic drug quetiapine and its bio- and phototransformation products in aquatic environments

    Herrmann, M., Menz, J., Gassmann, M., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.11.2016, In: Environmental Pollution. 218, p. 66-76 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    In Alain Gibb's footsteps: Evaluating alternative approaches to sustainable enterprise education (SEE)

    Klapper, R. G. & Farber, V. A., 01.11.2016, In: International Journal of Management Education. 14, 3, p. 422-439 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Lab-scale experiment of a closed thermochemical heat storage system including honeycomb heat exchanger

    Fopah-Lele, A., Rohde, C., Neumann, K., Tietjen, T., Rönnebeck, T., N'Tsoukpoe, K. E., Osterland, T., Opel, O. & Ruck, W. K. L., 01.11.2016, In: Energy. 114, p. 225-238 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Molecular analyses and species distribution models indicate cryptic northern mountain refugia for a forestdwelling ground beetle

    Drees, C., Husemann, M., Homburg, K., Brandt, P., Dieker, P., Habel, J. C., von Wehrden, H., Zumstein, P. & Assmann, T., 01.11.2016, In: Journal of Biogeography. 43, 11, p. 2223-2236 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Seasonal accumulation of persistent organic pollutants on a high altitude glacier in the Eastern Alps

    Kirchgeorg, T., Dreyer, A., Gabrielli, P., Gabrieli, J., Thompson, L. G., Barbante, C. & Ebinghaus, R., 01.11.2016, In: Environmental Pollution. 218, p. 804-812 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Tentative Theses on Transformative Research in Real-World Laboratories: First Insights from the Accompanying Research ForReal

    Schäpke, N., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 01.11.2016, In: Technikfolgenabschätzung. 25, 3, p. 45-51 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  29. Published

    Assembly Theory for Restoring Ecosystem Structure and Functioning: Timing is Everything?

    Temperton, V. M., Baasch, A., Von Gillhaussen, P. & Kirmer, A., 11.2016, Foundations of Restoration Ecology. Palmer, M. A., Zedler, J. B. & Falk, D. A. (eds.). 2 ed. Washington: Island Press, p. 245-270 26 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  30. Published

    Welfare with or without growth? Potential lessons from the German healthcare system

    Fischer, M., 25.10.2016, In: Sustainability. 8, 11, p. 1-14 14 p., 1088.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Thermochemical heat storage materials: Performance of mixed salt hydrates

    Rammelberg, H. U., Osterland, T., Priehs, B., Opel, O. & Ruck, W. K. L., 15.10.2016, In: Solar Energy. 136, p. 571-589 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Understanding role models for change: a multilevel analysis of success factors of grassroots initiatives for sustainable consumption

    Grabs, J., Langen, N., Maschkowski, G. & Schäpke, N., 15.10.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 134 , Part A, p. 98-111 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  33. Published

    Non-native populations of an invasive tree outperform their native conspecifics

    Hirsch, H., Hensen, I., Wesche, K., Renison, D., Wypior, C., Hartmann, M. & von Wehrden, H., 13.10.2016, In: AoB PLANTS. 8, 11 p., plw071.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Advancing the Integration of Corporate Sustainability Measurement, Management, and Reporting

    Maas, K., Schaltegger, S. & Crutzen, N., 01.10.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 133, p. 859-862 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Bright spots: seeds of a good Anthropocene

    Bennett, E. M., Solan, M., Biggs, R., McPhearson, T., Norström, A. V., Olsson, P., Pereira, L., Peterson, G. D., Raudsepp-Hearne, C., Biermann, F., Carpenter, S. R., Ellis, E. C., Hichert, T., Galaz, V., Lahsen, M., Milkoreit, M., Martín-López, B., Nicholas, K. A., Preiser, R., Vince, G., Vervoort, J. M. & Xu, J., 01.10.2016, In: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 14, 8, p. 441-448 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Does Internet-based guided self-help for depression cause harm? An individual participant data meta-analysis on deterioration rates and its moderators in randomized controlled trials

    Ebert, D. D., Donkin, L., Andersson, G., Andrews, G., Berger, T. K., Carlbring, P., Rozental, A., Choi, I., Laferton, J. A. C., Johansson, R., Kleiboer, A., Lange, A., Lehr, D., Reins, J. A., Funk, B., Newby, J., Perini, S., Riper, H., Ruwaard, J., Sheeber, L., Snoek, F., Titov, N., Ünlü Ince, B., Van Bastelaar, K. M. P., Vernmark, K., Van Straten, A., Warmerdam, L., Salsman, N. & Cuijpers, P., 01.10.2016, In: Psychological Medicine. 46, 13, p. 2679-2693 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  37. Published

    Fermentative lactic acid production from coffee pulp hydrolysate using Bacillus coagulans at laboratory and pilot scales

    Pleissner, D., Neu, A.-K., Mehlmann, K., Schneider, R., Puerta-Quintero, G. I. & Venus, J., 01.10.2016, In: Bioresource Technology. 218, p. 167-173 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Health Economic Evaluation

    Thiart, H., Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Nobis, S., Buntrock, C., Berking, M., Smit, F. & Riper, H., 01.10.2016, In: Sleep. 39, 10, p. 1769-1778 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Local organochlorine pesticide concentrations in soil put into a global perspective

    Camenzuli, L., Scheringer, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 01.10.2016, In: Environmental Pollution. 217, p. 11-18 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  40. Published
  41. Published

    Resources or landmarks: which factors drive homing success in Tetragonula carbonaria foraging in natural and disturbed landscapes?

    Leonhardt, S. D., Kaluza, B. F., Wallace, H. & Heard, T. A., 01.10.2016, In: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology. 202, 9-10, p. 701-708 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    UV-photodegradation of desipramine: Impact of concentration, pH and temperature on formation of products including their biodegradability and toxicity

    Khaleel, N. D. H., Mahmoud, W. M. M., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.10.2016, In: The Science of The Total Environment. 566-567, p. 826-840 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Feuer kann man nicht nur sehen: Kinder erforschen Verbrennungsprozesse

    Bolek, R., 10.2016, In: Grundschule Sachunterricht. 72, p. 10-16 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  44. Published

    The long-term effects of wall attached microalgal biofilm on algae-based wastewater treatment

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 10.2016, In: Bioresource Technology. 218, p. 1249-1252 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Bioconversion of agri-food residues into lactic acid

    Venus, J. & Pleißner, D., 29.09.2016, The 15th International Symposium Prospects for me: Book of Abstracts. Vondnar, D. C. (ed.). Cluj-Napoca, Rumänien: University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, p. 125 1 p. (University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca; no. 3/2016).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearch

  46. Published

    A social–ecological perspective on harmonizing food security and biodiversity conservation

    Wittman, H., Chappell, M. J., Abson, D. J., Kerr, R. B., Blesh, J., Hanspach, J., Perfecto, I. & Fischer, J., 26.09.2016, In: Regional Environmental Change. 17, 5, p. 1291-1301 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Telomere length and environmental conditions predict stress levels but not parental investment in a long-lived seabird

    Young, R. C., Barger, C. P., Dorresteijn, I., Haussmann, M. F. & Kitaysky, A. S., 08.09.2016, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 556, p. 251-259 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    General strategies to increase the repeatability in non-target screening by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

    Bader, T., Schulz, W., Kümmerer, K. & Winzenbacher, R., 07.09.2016, In: Analytica Chimica Acta. 935, p. 173-186 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    A Global Synthesis of Jatropha Cultivation: Insights into Land Use Change and Management Practices

    Walmsley, D. C., Bailis, R. & Klein, A.-M., 06.09.2016, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 50, 17, p. 8993-9002 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Two types of ‘enough’: sufficiency as minimum and maximum

    Spengler, L., 02.09.2016, In: Environmental Politics. 25, 5, p. 921-940 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    A comparison of feasible methods for microalgal biomass determinations during tertiary wastewater treatment

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 01.09.2016, In: Ecological Engineering. 94, p. 532-536 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review