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. 2014
  2. Published

    Economic Analysis for the UK National Ecosystem Assessment: Synthesis and Scenario Valuation of Changes in Ecosystem Services

    Bateman, I. J., Harwood, A. R., Abson, D., Andrews, B., Crowe, A., Dugdale, S., Fezzi, C., Foden, J., Hadley, D., Haines-Young, R., Hulme, M. F., Kontoleon, A., Munday, P., Pascual, U., Paterson, J. S., Perino, G., Sen, A., Siriwardena, G. M. & Termansen, M., 02.2014, In: Environmental and Resource Economics. 57, 2, p. 273-297 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Energy in low carbon cities and social learning: A process for defining priority research questions with UK stakeholders

    Martin, C. J., Taylor, P. G., Upham, P., Ghiasi, G., Bale, C. S. E., James, H., Owen, A., Gale, W. F., Slack, R. J. & Helmer, S., 02.2014, In: Sustainable Cities and Society. 10, p. 149-160 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Hochwasser- und Küstenschutz in Deutschland

    Brinkmann, B. & Heinrichs, H., 02.2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 501-522 22 p.

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

  5. Published

    Mixed afforestation of young subtropical trees promotes nitrogen acquisition and retention

    Lang, A. C., von Oheimb, G., Härdtle, W., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Yang, B., Ma, K., Trogisch, S. & Bruelheide, H., 02.2014, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 51, 1, p. 224-233 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Nachhaltige Kommunalverwaltung

    Kirst, E., Trockel, S. & Heinrichs, H., 02.2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 549-566 18 p.

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

  7. Published

    Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften

    Heinrichs, H. (Editor) & Michelsen, G. (Editor), 02.2014, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum. 608 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesEducation

  8. Published

    Öffentliche Nachhaltigkeitssteuerung: Politik und nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Heinrichs, H., 02.2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 279-289 11 p.

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

  9. Published

    Pressure effects on activity and selectivity of Candida rugosa lipase in organic solvents

    Herbst, D., Peper, S., Fernández, J. F., Ruck, W. & Niemeyer, B., 02.2014, In: Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic. 100, p. 104-110 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Tree diversity promotes functional dissimilarity and maintains functional richness despite species loss in predator assemblages

    Schuldt, A., Bruelheide, H., Durka, W., Michalski, S. G., Purschke, O. & Aßmann, T., 02.2014, In: Oecologia. 174, 2, p. 533-543 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Valuing Climate Change Effects Upon UK Agricultural GHG Emissions: Spatial Analysis of a Regulating Ecosystem Service

    Abson, D., Termansen, M., Pascual, U., Aslam, U., Fezzi, C. & Bateman, I. J., 02.2014, In: Environmental and Resource Economics. 57, 2, p. 215-231 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Wende zur Nachhaltigkeit: Warum wir mehr Forschung für die Menschen mit den Menschen brauchen

    Niebert, K., 02.2014, In: Umwelt Aktuell. 2, p. 4-5 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  13. Published

    Cradle to Cradle®. From recycling building components to up-cycllng buildings. Adapting to accelerated building cycles

    Mulhall, D. & Braungart, M., 30.01.2014, A New Dynamic: Effective Business in a Circular Economy . Webster, K., Bleriot, J., Johnson, C. & Foundation, E. M. (eds.). London: Ellen McArthur Foundation Publishing, p. 75-86 12 p.

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

  14. Published

    Corticosterone mediates carry-over effects between breeding and migration in the kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

    Schultner, J., Moe, B., Chastel, O., Tartu, S., Bech, C. & Kitaysky, A. S., 27.01.2014, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 496, p. 125-133 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Understanding the Greenhouse Effect by Embodiment: Analysing and Using Students' and Scientists' Conceptual Resources

    Niebert, K. & Gropengießer, H., 22.01.2014, In: International Journal of Science Education. 36, 2, p. 277-303 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Measurement of vapor pressures of selected PBDEs, hexabromobenzene, and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane at elevated temperatures

    Kuramochi, H., Takigami, H., Scheringer, M. & Sakai, S.-I., 09.01.2014, In: Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data. 59, 1, p. 8-15 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Emissions of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans during 2010 and 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland

    Bogdal, C., Müller, C. E., Buser, A. M., Wang, Z., Scheringer, M., Gerecke, A. C., Schmid, P., Zennegg, M., Macleod, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 07.01.2014, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 48, 1, p. 482-490 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Interannual variation in land-use intensity enhances grassland multidiversity

    Allan, E., Bossdorf, O., Dormann, C. F., Prati, D., Gossner, M. M., Tscharntke, T., Blüthgen, N., Bellach, M., Birkhofer, K., Boch, S., Böhm, S., Börschig, C., Chatzinotas, A., Christ, S., Daniel, R., Diekötter, T., Fischer, C., Friedl, T., Glaser, K., Hallmann, C., Hodac, L., Hölzel, N., Jung, K., Klein, A. M., Klaus, V. H., Kleinebecker, T., Krauss, J., Lange, M., Morris, E. K., Müller, J., Nacke, H., Pašalić, E., Rillig, M. C., Rothenwöhrer, C., Schall, P., Scherber, C., Schulze, W., Socher, S. A., Steckel, J., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Türke, M., Weiner, C. N., Werner, M., Westphal, C., Wolters, V., Wubet, T., Gockel, S., Gorke, M., Hemp, A., Renner, S. C., Schöning, I., Pfeiffer, S., König-Ries, B., Buscot, F., Linsenmair, K. E., Schulze, E. D., Weisser, W. W. & Fischer, M., 07.01.2014, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). 111, 1, p. 308-313 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Estimation of phosphorus export from a Mediterranean agricultural catchment with scarce data

    Gassmann, M., Brito, D. & Olsson, O., 02.01.2014, In: Hydrological Sciences Journal. 59, 1, p. 221–233 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Degradation of β-blockers in hospital wastewater by means of ozonation and Fe2+/ozonation

    Wilde, M. L., Montipó, S. & Martins, A. F., 01.01.2014, In: Water Research. 48, 1, p. 280-295 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Developed materials for thermal energy storage: synthesis and characterization

    Druske, M.-M., Fopah Lele, A., Korhammer, K., Rammelberg, H., Wegscheider, N., Ruck, W. & Schmidt, T., 01.01.2014, In: Energy Procedia. 61, p. 96-99 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Dissipation and recycling: What losses, what dissipation impacts, and what recycling options?

    Yarime, M., Carliell-Marquet, C., Hellums, D. T., Kalmykova, Y., Lang, D. J., Bao Le, Q., Malley, D., Morf, L. S., Matsubae, K., Matsuo, M., Ohtake, H., Omlin, A. P., Petzet, S., Scholz, R. W., Shiroyama, H., Ulrich, A. E. & Watts, P., 01.01.2014, Sustainable Phosphorus Management: A Global Transdisciplinary Roadmap. Scholz, R. W., Roy, A. H., Brand, F. S., Hellums, D. T. & Ulrich, A. E. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 247-274 28 p.

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

  23. Published

    Diversity, threats and conservation of European wood-pastures

    Bergmeier, E. & Röllig, M., 01.01.2014, European Wood-pastures in Transition: A social-ecological approach. Hartel, T. & Plieninger, T. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 19-38 20 p. 2

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  24. Published

    Educating Change Agents for Sustainability: Learnings from the First Sustainability Management Master of Business Administration

    Hesselbarth, C. & Schaltegger, S., 01.01.2014, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 62, 1, p. 24-36 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Emerging Areas in Research on Higher Education for Sustainable Development: Management education, sustainable consumption and perspectives from Central and Eastern Europe

    Adomßent, M., Fischer, D., Godemann, J., Otte, I., Rieckmann, M., Timm, J.-M. & Herzig, C., 01.01.2014, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 62, 1, p. 1-7 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Forest Islands in an Agricultural Sea

    Klein, A.-M., Boreux, V. E., Bauhus, J., Chappell, M. J., Fischer, J. & Philpott, S. M., 01.01.2014, Global Forest Fragmentation. Kettle, C. J. & Koh, L. P. (eds.). Wallingford: CAB International, p. 79-95 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  27. Published

    Hydrograph analysis and basef low separation

    Aksoy, H., Wittenberg, H. & Eris, E., 01.01.2014, Handbook of Engineering Hydrology: Fundamentals and Applications. Eslamian, S. (ed.). CRC Press, p. 311-328 18 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  28. Published

    Influences of entrainers to engine oil to improve the drag-out of biodiesel: Experiments and simulations

    Mäder, A., Zimon, A., Fleischmann, A., Munack, A., Ruck, W. & Krahl, J., 01.01.2014, In: Fuel. 117, PART A, p. 488-498 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Learning to change universities from within: A service-learning perspective on promoting sustainable consumption in higher education

    Barth, M., Adomßent, M., Fischer, D., Richter, S. & Rieckmann, M., 01.01.2014, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 62, 1, p. 72-81 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Mathematical Chemistry and Chemoinformatics: Structure Generation, Elucidation and Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships

    Kerber, A., Laue, R., Meringer, M., Rücker, C. & Schymanski, E., 01.01.2014, 1 ed. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. 521 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesBook

  31. Published

    Metabolites and Transformation Products of Pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Environment as Contaminants of Emerging Concern

    Michael, I., Vasquez Hadjilyra, M. I., Hapeshi, E., Haddad, T., Baginska, E., Kümmerer, K. & Fatta-Kassinos, D., 01.01.2014, Transformation Products of Emerging Contaminants in the Environment: Analysis, Processes, Occurrence, Effects and Risks. Lambropoulou, D. A. & Nollet, L. M. (eds.). Chichester: Wiley-VCH Verlag, p. 413-458 46 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  32. Published

    Migration and stress during reproduction govern telomere dynamics in a seabird

    Schultner, J., Moe, B., Chastel, O., Bech, C. & Kitaysky, A. S., 01.01.2014, In: Biology Letters. 10, 1, 4 p., 20130889.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Modelling of heat exchangers based on thermochemical material for solar heat storage systems

    Fopah Lele, A., Rönnebeck, T., Rohde, C., Schmidt, T., Kuznik, F. & Ruck, W., 01.01.2014, In: Energy Procedia. 61, p. 2809-2813 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Observing the Middle Elbe Biosphere in Germany by Means of TerraSAR-X Images

    Farghaly, D., Elba, E. & Urban, B., 01.01.2014, In: International Journal of Geosciences. 5, 2, p. 196-205 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Plant and vegetation diversity in European wood-pastures

    Garbarino, M., Bergmeier, E., Roellig, M. & Sammul, M., 01.01.2014, European Wood-pastures in Transition: A Social-ecological Approach. Hartel, T. & Plieninger, T. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 113-131 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  36. Published

    Reconstruction of Past and Prediction of Future Benzo[a]pyrene Concentrations Over Europe

    Bieser, J., Aulinger, A., Matthias, V. & Quante, M., 01.01.2014, Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXII: Environmental Security. Steyn, D., Builtjes, P. & Timmermans, R. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 59-63 5 p. (NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security; vol. 137).

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

  37. Published

    Remediation of PAHs, NSO-Heterocycles, and Related Aromatic Compounds in Permeable Reactive Barriers Using Activated Carbon

    Palm, W.-U., Mänz, J. S. & Ruck, W., 01.01.2014, Permeable Reactive Barrier: sustainable groundwater remediation. Naidu, R. & Birke, V. (eds.). Boca Raton: CRC Press, p. 215-248 34 p. (Advances in Trace Elements in the Environment).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  38. Published

    The importance of ecosystem services for rural inhabitants in a changing cultural landscape in Romania

    Hartel, T., Fischer, J., Câmpeanu, C., Milcu, A. I., Hanspach, J. & Fazey, I., 01.01.2014, In: Ecology and Society. 19, 2, 9 p., 42.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    The Population Trajectories Both of the Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Spain: Implications for Conservation

    Lozano Mendoza, J., Cabezas-Díaz, S. & Virgós, E., 01.01.2014, Trends in Environmental Science. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., p. 105-132 28 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  40. Published

    The Role of Campus, Curriculum, and Community in Higher Education for Sustainable Development: a Conference Report

    Müller-Christ, G., Sterling, S., van Dam-Mieras, R., Adomßent, M., Fischer, D. & Rieckmann, M., 01.01.2014, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 62, p. 134-137 4 p.

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

  41. Published

    Use: What is needed to Support Sustainability?

    Mikkelsen, R. L., Binder, C. R., Frossard, E., Brand, F. S., Scholz, R. W. & Vilsmaier, U., 01.01.2014, Sustainable Phosphorus Management: A Global Transdisciplinary Roadmap. Scholz, R. W., Roy, A. H., Brand, F. S., Hellums, D. T. & Ulrich, A. E. (eds.). 1 ed. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 207-246 40 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  42. Published

    Wood-pasture management in southern Transylvania (Romania): From communal to where?

    Sutcliffe, L. M. E., Öllerer, K. & Röllig, M., 01.01.2014, European Wood-pastures in Transition: A social-ecological approach. Hartel, T. & Plieninger, T. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 219-234 16 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  43. Published

    Wood-pasture management in southern Transylvania (Romania): From communal to where?

    Sutcliffe, L., Öllerer, K., Roellig, M. & Hartel, T., 01.01.2014, European Wood-pastures in Transition: A Social-ecological Approach. Hartel, T. & Plieninger, T. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 219-234 16 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  44. Published

    Designing forest biodiversity experiments: General considerations illustrated by a new large experiment in subtropical China

    Bruelheide, H., Nadrowski, K., Aßmann, T., Bauhus, J., Both, S., Buscot, F., Chen, X.-Y., Ding, B.-Y., Durka, W., Erfmeier, A., Gutknecht, J., Guo, D., Guo, L.-D., Härdtle, W., He, J.-S., Klein, A.-M., Kühn, P., Liang, Y., Liu, X., Michalski, S. G., Niklaus, P. A., Pei, K., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Scholten, T., Schuldt, A., Seidler, G., Trogisch, S., Oheimb, G., Welk, E., Wirth, C., Wubet, T., Yang, X., Yu, M., Zhang, S., Zhou, H., Fischer, M., Ma, K. & Schmid, B., 01.2014, In: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 5, 1, p. 74-89 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Geochemical Assessment of Sediment Quality Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Ennore Creek, North of Chennai, SE Coast of India.

    Muthumanickam, J., Nagarajan, R., Velmurugan, P. M., Giridharan, L., Neetha, V. & Urban, B., 01.2014, In: Journal of Science and Technology. 22, 1, p. 315-328 14 p., JST-0407-2012.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Multifunctionality and biodiversity: Ecosystem services in temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, USA

    Brandt, P., Abson, D., DellaSala, D. A., Feller, R. & von Wehrden, H., 01.2014, In: Biological Conservation. 169, p. 362-371 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Online-Trainings zur Stressbewältigung - eine neue Chance zur Gesundheitsförderung im Lehrerberuf?

    Lehr, D., Eckert, M., Baum, K., Thiart, H., Heber, E., Berking, M., Sieland, B. & Ebert, D. D., 01.2014, In: Lehrerbildung auf dem Prüfstand. 7, 2, p. 190-212 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Space and habitat use by wild Bactrian camels in the Transaltai Gobi of southern Mongolia

    Kaczensky, P., Adiya, Y. A., von Wehrden, H., Mijiddorj, B., Walzer, C., Güthlin, D., Ebkhbileg, D. & Reading, R. P., 01.2014, In: Biological Conservation. 169, p. 311-318 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Uncertainty in the river export modelling of pesticides and transformation products

    Gassmann, M., Khodorkovsky, M., Friedler, E., Dubowski, Y. & Olsson, O., 01.2014, In: Environmental Modelling & Software. 51, p. 35-44 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    § 43 Erlaubnisfreie Benutzungen von Küstengewässern

    Sanden, J., 2014, Beck'scher Online-Kommentar Umweltrecht. Giesberts, L. & Reinhardt, M. (eds.). Ed. 34 ed. München: C.H. Beck Verlag

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions in collection of commentariesResearch

  51. Published

    § 45 Reinhaltung von Küstengewässern

    Sanden, J., 2014, Beck'scher Online-Kommentar Umweltrecht. Giesberts, L. & Reinhardt, M. (eds.). Ed. 34 ed. München: C.H. Beck Verlag

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions in collection of commentariesResearch

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  1. Bildung und Erziehung