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. 2015
  2. Published

    Resolving potential conflicts between different heathland ecosystem services through adaptive management

    Alonso, I. & Härdtle, W., 14.07.2015, In: Ecological Questions. 21, p. 101-103 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    What restricts generative rejuvenation of Calluna vulgaris in continental, dry heathland ecosystems: Seed production, germination ability or safe site conditions?

    Henning, K., Von Oheimb, G. & Sabine, T., 10.07.2015, In: Ecological Questions. 21, p. 25-28 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published
  5. Published

    Challenges for biodiversity monitoring using citizen science in transitioning social-ecological systems

    Loos, J., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Kirkland, P., Hartel, T., Osváth-Ferencz, M. & Fischer, J., 01.07.2015, In: Journal for Nature Conservation. 26, p. 45-48 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Comment on “fluorotechnology is critical to modern life: The FluoroCouncil counterpoint to the madrid statement”

    Cousins, I. T., Balan, S. A., Scheringer, M., Weber, R., Wang, Z., Blum, A., Diamond, M., Fletcher, T., Goldenman, G., Higgins, C., Lindeman, A. E., Peaslee, G., Trier, X. & De Voogt, P., 01.07.2015, In: Environmental Health Perspectives. 123, 7, p. A170 - A171 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Fatty acid feedstock preparation and lactic acid production as integrated processes in mixed restaurant food and bakery wastes treatment

    Pleissner, D., Lau, K. Y., Schneider, R., Venus, J. & Lin, C. S. K., 01.07.2015, In: Food Research International. 73, p. 52-61 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Fingerprint analysis of brominated flame retardants and Dechloranes in North Sea sediments

    Sühring, R., Barber, J. L., Wolschke, H., Kötke, D. & Ebinghaus, R., 01.07.2015, In: Environmental Research. 140, p. 569-578 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Public participation and local environmental planning: Testing factors influencing decision quality and implementation in four case studies from Germany

    Drazkiewicz, A., Challies, E. & Newig, J., 01.07.2015, In: Land Use Policy. 46, p. 211-222 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Self-Regulation, Language Skills, and Emotion Knowledge in Young Children From Northern Germany

    von Salisch, M., Hänel, M. & Denham, S., 01.07.2015, In: Early Education and Development. 26, 5-6, p. 792-806 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Tree diversity alters the structure of a tri-trophic network in a biodiversity experiment

    Staab, M., Blüthgen, N. & Klein, A. M., 01.07.2015, In: Oikos. 124, 7, p. 827-834 8 p.

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

  12. Published

    Portfolio optimization in zonal energy markets: Evidence from Italy

    Fianu, E. S., 30.06.2015, In: International Journal of Energy and Statistics. 3, 2, 17 p., 1550006.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Edible wild fruit trees and shrubs and their socioeconomic significance in central ethiopia

    Seyoum, Y., Teketay, D., Shumi, G. & Wodafirash, M., 28.06.2015, In: Ethnobotany Research and Applications. 14, p. 183-197 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Ramsey Discounting of Ecosystem Services

    Baumgärtner, S., Klein, A.-M., Thiel, D. & Winkler, K., 27.06.2015, In: Environmental and Resource Economics. 61, 2, p. 273-296 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Tree species identity and functional traits but not species richness affect interrill erosion processes in young subtropical forests

    Seitz, S., Goebes, P., Song, Z., Bruehlheide, H., Härdtle, W., Kühn, P., Li, Y. & Scholten, T., 24.06.2015, Göttingen: Copernicus Publications, p. 701-736, 36 p. (SOIL Discuss; vol. 2).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  16. Published

    What is sustainable agriculture? A systematic review

    Velten, S., Leventon, J., Jager, N. W. & Newig, J., 18.06.2015, In: Sustainability. 7, 6, p. 7833-7865 33 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Species-Specific Effects on Throughfall Kinetic Energy in Subtropical Forest Plantations Are Related to Leaf Traits and Tree Architecture

    Goebes, P., Bruelheide, H., Haerdtle, W., Kröber, W., Kuehn, P., Li, Y., Seitz, S., von Oheimb, G. & Scholten, T., 16.06.2015, In: PLoS ONE. 10, 6, 13 p., e0128084.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Catch, bycatch and discards of the GalapagosMarine Reserve small-scale handline fishery

    Zimmerhackel, J. S., Schuhbauer, A. C., Usseglio, P., Heel, L. C. & Salinas-de-León, P., 09.06.2015, In: PeerJ. 3, 6, 22 p., 995.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    The justice dimension of sustainability: A systematic and general conceptual framework

    Stumpf, K. H., Baumgärtner, S., Becker, C. & Sievers-Glotzbach, S., 09.06.2015, In: Sustainability. 7, 6, p. 7438-7472 35 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Watermills in the historic irrigation system 'Palmeral de Elche', Spain: An example of early hydropower exploitation

    Melendez-Pastor, I., Pedreño, J. N. & Wittenberg, H., 08.06.2015, In: Water Supply. 15, 5, p. 1140-1151 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    A call for statistical editors in ecology

    Von Wehrden, H., Schultner, J. & Abson, D. J., 01.06.2015, In: Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 30, 6, p. 293 - 294 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Adapting energy infrastructure to climate change - Is there a need for government interventions and legal obligations within the German "energiewende"?

    Cortekar, J. & Groth, M., 01.06.2015, In: Energy Procedia. 73, p. 12-17 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Baseflow recession analysis for flood-prone black sea watersheds in Turkey

    Aksoy, H. & Wittenberg, H., 01.06.2015, In: Clean - Soil, Air, Water. 43, 6, p. 857-866 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    From incremental to fundamental substitution in chemical alternatives assessment

    Fantke, P., Weber, R. & Scheringer, M., 01.06.2015, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 1, p. 1-8 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Grassland management intensification weakens the associations among the diversities of multiple plant and animal taxa

    Manning, P., Gossner, M. M., Bossdorf, O., Allan, E., Zhang, Y. Y., Prati, D., Blüthgen, N., Boch, S., Böhm, S., Börschig, C., Hölzel, N., Jung, K., Klaus, V. H., Klein, A. M., Kleinebecker, T., Krauss, J., Lange, M., Müller, J., PAŠALIć, E., Socher, S. A., Tschapka, M., Türke, M., Weiner, C., Werner, M., Gockel, S., Hemp, A., Renner, S. C., Wells, K., Buscot, F., Kalko, E. K. V., Linsenmair, K. E., Weisser, W. W. & Fischer, M., 01.06.2015, In: Ecology. 96, 6, p. 1492-1501 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Harnessing the biodiversity value of Central and Eastern European farmland

    Sutcliffe, L. M. E., Batáry, P., Kormann, U., Báldi, A., Dicks, L. V., Herzon, I., Kleijn, D., Tryjanowski, P., Apostolova, I., Arlettaz, R., Aunins, A., Aviron, S., Baležentiene, L., Fischer, C., Halada, L., Hartel, T., Helm, A., Hristov, I., Jelaska, S. D., Kaligarič, M., Kamp, J., Klimek, S., Koorberg, P., Kostiuková, J., Kovács-Hostyánszki, A., Kuemmerle, T., Leuschner, C., Lindborg, R., Loos, J., Maccherini, S., Marja, R., Máthé, O., Paulini, I., Proença, V., Rey-Benayas, J., Sans, F. X., Seifert, C., Stalenga, J., Timaeus, J., Török, P., van Swaay, C., Viik, E. & Tscharntke, T., 01.06.2015, In: Diversity and Distributions. 21, 6, p. 722-730 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Pennycress-corn double-cropping increases ground beetle diversity

    Groeneveld, J. H. & Klein, A. M., 01.06.2015, In: Biomass and Bioenergy. 77, p. 16-25 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Advancing sustainability through mainstreaming a social-ecological systems perspective

    Fischer, J., Gardner, T. A., Bennett, E. M., Balvanera, P., Biggs, R., Carpenter, S., Daw, T., Folke, C., Hill, R., Hughes, T. P., Luthe, T., Maass, M., Meacham, M., Norström, A. V., Peterson, G., Queiroz, C., Seppelt, R., Spierenburg, M. & Tenhunen, J., 06.2015, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 14, p. 144-149 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    REACH und QSAR: ein Leitfaden für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen

    Rücker, C., Mahmoud, W. M. M., Kümmerer, K. & Zipperer, U. (Editor), 06.2015, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 29 p.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  30. Published
  31. Published

    Auf der Suche nach Räumen generativer Bildung

    Brandner, V., Winter, P. & Vilsmaier, U., 28.05.2015, Bildung und ungleiche Entwicklung : Globale Konvergenzen & Divergenzen in der Bildungswelt. Faschingeder, G. & Kolland, F. (eds.). 1 ed. Wien: New Academic Press, p. 74 - 92 19 p. (Historische Sozialkunde / Internationale Entwicklung; vol. 34)(Journal für Entwicklungspolitik / Ergänzungsband; vol. 26).

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

  32. Published

    Plasticizer and Surfactant Formation from Food-Waste- and Algal Biomass-Derived Lipids

    Pleissner, D., Lau, K. Y., Zhang, C. & Lin, C. S. K., 22.05.2015, In: ChemSusChem. 8, 10, p. 1686-1691 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Numerical investigations of a thermochemical heat storage system during the discharging

    Fopah Lele, A., Hu, J., Kuznik, F., Osterland, T. & Ruck, W., 19.05.2015, ASME-ATI-UIT 2015 Conference on Thermal Energy Systems: Production, Storage, Utilization and the Environment: Heat and Mass transfer in porous media. Napoli: Unione Italiana Termofluidodinamica, 8 p.

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

  34. Published

    Arthropod but not bird predation in Ethiopian homegardens is higher in tree-poor than in tree-rich landscapes

    Lemessa, D., Hambäck, P. A. & Hylander, K., 11.05.2015, In: PLoS ONE. 10, 5, 12 p., e0126639.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Thinking Green, Buying Green? Drivers of Pro-Environmental Purchasing Behavior

    Moser, A. K., 11.05.2015, In: Journal of Consumer Marketing. 32, 3, p. 167-175 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    A continental-scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia

    Doherty, T. S., Davis, R. A., van Etten, E. J. B., Algar, D., Collier, N., Dickman, C. R., Edwards, G., Masters, P., Palmer, R. & Robinson, S., 01.05.2015, In: Journal of Biogeography. 42, 5, p. 964-975 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Combining charcoal sediment and molecular markers to infer a Holocene fire history in the Maya Lowlands of Petén, Guatemala

    Schüpbach, S., Kirchgeorg, T., Colombaroli, D., Beffa, G., Radaelli, M., Kehrwald, N. & Barbante, C., 01.05.2015, In: Quaternary Science Reviews. 115, p. 123-131 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Early positive effects of tree species richness on herbivory in a large-scale forest biodiversity experiment influence tree growth

    Schuldt, A., Bruelheide, H., Härdtle, W., Aßmann, T., Li, Y., Ma, K., Oheimb, G. & Zhang, J., 01.05.2015, In: Journal of Ecology. 103, 3, p. 563-571 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Efficacy of a Web-Based Intervention With Mobile Phone Support in Treating Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    Nobis, S., Lehr, D., Ebert, D. D., Baumeister, H., Snoek, F., Riper, H. & Berking, M., 01.05.2015, In: Diabetes Care. 38, 5, p. 776-783 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Exploring the planetary boundary for chemical pollution

    Diamond, M. L., de Wit, C. A., Molander, S., Scheringer, M., Backhaus, T., Lohmann, R., Arvidsson, R., Bergman, Å., Hauschild, M., Holoubek, I., Persson, L., Suzuki, N., Vighi, M. & Zetzsch, C., 01.05.2015, In: Environmental international. 78, p. 8 - 15 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  41. Published

    The madrid statement on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)

    Blum, A., Balan, S. A., Scheringer, M., Trier, X., Goldenman, G., Cousins, I. T., Diamond, M., Fletcher, T., Higgins, C., Lindeman, A. E., Peaslee, G., Voogt, P. D., Wang, Z. & Weber, R., 01.05.2015, In: Environmental Health Perspectives. 123, 5, p. A107-A111 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  42. Published

    Tree species richness strengthens relationships between ants and the functional composition of spider assemblages in a highly diverse forest

    Schuldt, A. & Staab, M., 01.05.2015, In: Biotropica. 47, 3, p. 339-346 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Understanding the modes of use and availability of critical metals-An expert-based scenario analysis for the case of indium

    Weiser, A., Lang, D. J., Schomerus, T. & Stamp, A., 01.05.2015, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 94, p. 376-393 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published
  45. Published

    Konzept für die Fortentwicklung des deutschen Klimaschutzrechts

    Ekardt, F., Klinski, S. & Schomerus, T., 05.2015, Marburg: Metropolis Verlag für Ökonomie. 535 p. (Beiträge zur sozialwissenschaftlichen Nachhaltigkeitsforschung; vol. 17)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Regionale StadtLandschaften

    Hofmeister, S. & Klee, A., 30.04.2015, In: Raumforschung und Raumordnung. 73, 2, p. 77-78 2 p.

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

  47. Published

    Impacts of software and its engineering on the carbon footprint of ICT

    Kern, E., Dick, M., Naumann, S. & Hiller, T., 01.04.2015, In: Environmental Impact Assessment Review. 52, p. 53-61 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Making REDD+ pay: Shifting rationales and tactics of private finance and the governance of avoided deforestation in Indonesia’

    Dixon, R. & Challies, E., 01.04.2015, In: Asia Pacific Viewpoint. 56, 1, p. 6-20 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published
  50. Published

    Changes in butterfly movements along a gradient of land use in farmlands of Transylvania (Romania)

    Loos, J., Kuussaari, M., Ekroos, J., Hanspach, J., Fust, P., Jackson, L. & Fischer, J., 04.2015, In: Landscape Ecology. 30, 4, p. 625-635 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Introducing education for sustainable development into Egyptian schools

    Sewilam, H., McCormack, O., Mader, M. & Abdel Raouf, M., 04.2015, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. 17, 2, p. 221-238 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review