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. 2013
  2. Published

    Long-term trends in tree-ring width and isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) of Fagus sylvatica L. on soils with contrasting water supply

    Härdtle, W., Niemeyer, T., Aßmann, T., Baiboks, S., Fichtner, A., Friedrich, U., Lang, A. C., Neuwirth, B., Pfister, L., Ries, C., Schuldt, A., Simon, N. & Oheimb, G., 12.2013, In: Ecosystems. 16, 8, p. 1413-1428 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Neue Wege

    Kümmerer, K., 12.2013, Zukunft Chemie: Perspektiven auf die Welt von morgen. Mohr, R. & Utikal, H. (eds.). Frankfurt: F.A.Z.-Institut für Management-, Markt- und Medieninformationen GmbH, p. 214-235 6 p.

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

  4. Published

    Post-dispersal seed predation of three grassland species in a plant diversity experiment

    Pufal, G. & Klein, A.-M., 12.2013, In: The Journal of Ecology. 6, 6, p. 468-479 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Spatial and seasonal distribution of trace metals in floodplain soils: A case study with the middle Elbe river, Germany

    Schulz-Zunkel, C., Krüger, F., Rupp, H., Meißner, R., Gruber, B., Gerisch, M. & Bork, H. R., 12.2013, In: Geoderma. 211-212, p. 128-137 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Subsistence and substitutability in consumer preferences

    Baumgärtner, S., Drupp, M. & Quaas, M. F., 12.2013, Lüneburg: Institut für Volkswirtschaftslehre der Universität Lüneburg, 28 p. (University of Lüneburg Working Paper Series in Economics; no. 290).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  7. Published
  8. Published

    Differential reproductive responses to stress reveal the role of life-history strategies within a species

    Schultner, J., Kitaysky, A. S., Gabrielsen, G. W., Hatch, S. A. & Bech, C., 22.11.2013, In: Proceedings of the Royal Society B . 280, 1771, 10 p., 20132090.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Effective change management, governance and policy for sustainability transformation in higher education

    Mader, C., Scott, G. & Razak, D. A., 18.11.2013, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 4, 3, p. 264-284 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Comparing the performance of computational estimation methods for physicochemical properties of dimethylsiloxanes and selected siloxanols

    Buser, A. M., Schenker, S., Scheringer, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 14.11.2013, In: Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data. 58, 11, p. 3170-3178 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Countering Hybrid Eco-threats to Global Security Under International Law: The Need for an Comprehensive Legal Approach

    Sanden, J. & Bachmann, S. D., 01.11.2013, In: Liverpool Law Review. 34, 3, p. 261-289 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Coupling ordination techniques and GAM to spatially predict vegetation assemblages along a climatic gradient in an ENSO-affected region of extremely high climate variability

    Muenchow, J., Feilhauer, H., Bräuning, A., Bayer, F., Rodríguez, E. F., Rodríguez, R. A. & von Wehrden, H., 01.11.2013, In: Journal of Vegetation Science. 24, 6, p. 1154-1166 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Gremlin-1 is an inhibitor of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and attenuates atherosclerotic plaque growth in ApoE-/- mice

    Müller, I., Schönberger, T., Schneider, M., Borst, O., Ziegler, M., Seizer, P., Leder, C., Müller, K., Lang, M., Appenzeller, F., Lunov, O., Büchele, B., Fahrleitner, M., Olbrich, M., Langer, H., Geisler, T., Lang, F., Chatterjee, M., de Boer, J. F., Tietge, U. J., Bernhagen, J., Simmet, T. & Gawaz, M., 01.11.2013, In: The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 288, 44, p. 31635-31645 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Energy: German Utilities and Renewable Energy

    Richter, M., 11.2013, In: Energy Policy. 62, November, p. 1226-1237 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Developmentalities and donor-NGO relations: Contesting foreign aid policies in new zealand/aotearoa

    Mcgregor, A., Challies, E., Overton, J. & Sentes, L., 11.2013, In: Antipode. 45, 5, p. 1232-1253 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Humanistic Management and Sustainable Transformation with Regional Scope on Germany, Austria and Switzerland

    Mader, C., 11.2013, World Humanism: Cross-cultural Perspectives on Ethical Practices in Organizations. Khan, S. & Amann, W. (eds.). London: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 81-95 15 p. 6. (Humanism in Business Series).

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

  17. Published

    Response to comment on "In situ air-water and particle-water partitioning of perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluorosulfonic acids and perfluorooctyl sulfonamide at a wastewater treatment plant"

    Vierke, L., Ahrens, L., Shoeib, M., Palm, W.-U., Webster, E. M., Ellis, D. A. F., Ebinghaus, R. & Harner, T. J., 11.2013, In: Chemosphere. 93, 9, p. 2207-2207 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  18. Published

    Strategische Nachhaltigkeitspolitik: Herausforderungen und Chancen für Deutschland

    Heinrichs, H., Laws, N. & Riedel, H., 11.2013, Erfolgreiche Strategien für eine nachhaltige Zukunft: Reinhard Mohn Preis 2013. Bertelsmann Stiftung (ed.). Gütersloh: WBV Bertelsmann Verlag, p. 43-58 16 p.

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

  19. Published

    Testing Cort-Fitness and Cort-Adaptation hypotheses in a habitat suitability gradient for roe deer

    Escribano-Avila, G., Pettorelli, N., Virgós, E., Lara-Romero, C., Lozano Mendoza, J., Barja, I., Cuadra, F. S. & Puerta, M., 11.2013, In: Acta Oecologica. 53, p. 38-48 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Traits of butterfly communities change from specialist to generalist characteristics with increasing land-use intensity

    Börschig, C., Klein, A.-M., von Wehrden, H. & Krauss, J., 11.2013, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 14, 7, p. 547–554 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Wood-inhabiting beetles (Coleoptera) associated with oaks in a global biodiversity hotspot: A case study and checklist for Israel

    Buse, J., Assmann, T., Friedman, A. L. L., Rittner, O. & Pavlícek, T., 11.2013, In: Insect Conservation and Diversity. 6, 6, p. 687-703 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Ecosystem services: Response

    Bateman, I. J., Harwood, A. R., Mace, G. M., Watson, R. T., Abson, D. J., Andrews, B., Binner, A., Crowe, A. M., Day, B., Dugdale, S., Fezzi, C., Foden, J., Hadley, D. J., Haines-Young, R. H., Hulme, M. F., Kontoleon, A. A., Lovett, A. A., Munday, P., Pascual, U., Paterson, J. S., Perino, G., Sen, A., Siriwardena, G., Van Soest, D. P. & Termansen, M., 25.10.2013, In: Science. 342, 6157, p. 421-422 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  23. Published

    Three steps to a solar system: From 1% to 40% and 100%

    Lehmann, H., 21.10.2013, Solar Power for the World: What You Wanted to Know about Photovoltaics. Palz, W. (ed.). Pan Stanford Publishing, p. 557-576 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  24. Published

    Buchbesprechung: Lutz Mitto, Energierecht

    Schomerus, T., 15.10.2013, In: Zeitschrift für das gesamte Recht der Energiewirtschaft EnWZ. 2013, 10, p. X (Aktuell) 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsTransfer

  25. Published

    Welchen Journalismus braucht die Nachhaltigkeit? Bestandsaufnahme und Bedarfsanalyse in Wissenschaft und Praxis – Ergebnisse eines iterativen Delphis

    Humburg, A., Fischer, D., Marwege, R. & Michelsen, G., 10.10.2013, Lüneburg: Institut für Umweltkommunikation der Universität Lüneburg, 39 p. (INFU-Diskussionspapiere; no. 38/2013).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  26. Published

    Aquatic photochemistry, abiotic and aerobic biodegradability of thalidomide: Identification of stable transformation products by LC-UV-MS(n.)

    Mahmoud, W. M. M., Trautwein, C., Leder, C. & Kümmerer, K., 01.10.2013, In: The Science of The Total Environment. 463-464, p. 140-150 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Does location really matter? An inter-colony comparison of seabirds breeding at varying distances from productive oceanographic features in the Bering Sea

    Harding, A., Paredes, R., Suryan, R., Roby, D., Irons, D., Orben, R., Renner, H., Young, R., Barger, C., Dorresteijn, I. & Kitaysky, A., 01.10.2013, In: Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. 94, p. 178-191 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Estimation of the acid dissociation constant of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids through an experimental investigation of their water-to-air transport

    Vierke, L., Berger, U. & Cousins, I. T., 01.10.2013, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 47, 19, p. 11032-11039 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Wood-pastures in a traditional rural region of Eastern Europe: Characteristics, management and status

    Hartel, T., Dorresteijn, I., Klein, C., Máthé, O., Moga, C. I., Öllerer, K., Roellig, M., von Wehrden, H. & Fischer, J., 01.10.2013, In: Biological Conservation. 166, p. 267-275 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    A systematic review of guiding principles for sustainable urban neighborhood development

    Lüderitz, C., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 10.2013, In: Landscape and Urban Planning. 118, October, p. 40-52 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  31. Published

    Erneuerbare Energien in der Region und deren Finanzierung

    Degenhart, H. & Schomerus, T., 10.2013, Handbuch Nachhaltigkeit: Strategie - Forschung - Praxis. Schäfer, H. & Krummrich, K. (eds.). 1. ed. Stuttgart: Deutscher Sparkassen Verlag, p. 172-185 14 p.

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

  32. Published

    Toxicity testing with luminescent bacteria - Characterization of an automated method for the combined assessment of acute and chronic effects

    Menz, J., Schneider, M. & Kümmerer, K., 10.2013, In: Chemosphere. 93, 6, p. 990-996 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    An Optimization of Salt Hydrates for Thermochemical Heat Storage

    Rammelberg, H., Myrau, M., Schmidt, T. & Ruck, W., 04.09.2013, Innovative Materials for Processes in Energy Systems 2013: Innovative Materials for Processes in Energy Systems. Shobo, T. (ed.). p. 550-555 6 p. (Chemical Science & Engineering Series; vol. 3).

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

  34. Published

    Gemeinsam entscheiden in Unternehmen. Einbindung von Stakeholdern in strategische Entscheidungen

    Hansen, E. G. & Spitzeck, H., 02.09.2013, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 28, 3, p. 12-13 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  35. Published

    Climatic responses of tree-ring width and δ13C signatures of sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) on soils with contrasting water supply

    Härdtle, W., Niemeyer, T., Aßmann, T., Aulinger, A., Fichtner, A., Lang, A. C., Leuschner, C., Neuwirth, B., Pfister, L., Quante, M., Ries, C., Schuldt, A. & Oheimb, G., 01.09.2013, In: Plant Ecology. 214, 9, p. 1147-1156 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Cultural ecosystem services: A literature review and prospects for future research

    Milcu, A. I., Hanspach, J., Abson, D. & Fischer, J., 01.09.2013, In: Ecology and Society. 18, 3, 34 p., 44.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Soil texture and altitude, respectively, largely determine the floristic gradient of the most diverse fog oasis in the Peruvian desert

    Muenchow, J., Hauenstein, S., Bräuning, A., Bäumler, R., Rodríguez, E. F. & von Wehrden, H., 01.09.2013, In: Journal of Tropical Ecology. 29, 5, p. 427-438 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Economic/ecological tradeoffs among ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation

    Hussain, A. M. T. & Tschirhart, J., 09.2013, In: Ecological Economics. 93, p. 116-127 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Economic gain, stability of pollination and bee diversity decrease from southern to northern Europe

    Leonhardt, S., Gallai, N., Garibaldi, L. A., Kuhlmann, M. & Klein, A.-M., 09.2013, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 14, 6, p. 461-471 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Fatty Acid Profile of the Initial Oral Biofilm (Pellicle): an In-Situ Study

    Reich, M., Kümmerer, K., Al-Ahmad, A. & Hannig, C., 09.2013, In: Lipids. 48, 9, p. 929-937 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    How to specify the structure of substituted blade-like zigzag diamondoids

    Balaban, A. T. & Rücker, C., 09.2013, In: Central European Journal of Chemistry. 11, 9, p. 1423-1430 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Non-technical success factors for bioenergy projects-Learning from a multiple case study in Japan

    Blumer, Y. B., Stauffacher, M., Lang, D. J., Hayashi, K. & Uchida, S., 09.2013, In: Energy Policy. 60, 9, p. 386 - 395 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Predictive mapping of species richness and plant species' distributions of a peruvian fog oasis along an altitudinal gradient

    Muenchow, J., Bräuning, A., Rodríguez, E. F. & von Wehrden, H., 09.2013, In: Biotropica. 45, 5, p. 557-566 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Signalarten - ein praxisnaher Beitrag zur Erfassung der Naturnähe und Biodiversität in Wäldern

    Fichtner, A. & Lüderitz, M., 09.2013, In: Natur und Landschaft. 88, 9/10, p. 392-399 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Simultaneous Determination of 11 Sulfonamides by HPLC–UV and Application for Fast Screening of Their Aerobic Elimination and Biodegradation in a Simple Test

    Mahmoud, W. M. M., Khaleel, N. D. H., Hadad, G. M., Abdel-Salam, R. A., Haiß, A. & Kümmerer, K., 09.2013, In: Clean - Soil, Air, Water. 41, 9, p. 907-916 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Mountain cold-trapping increases transfer of persistent organic pollutants from atmosphere to cows' milk

    Shunthirasingham, C., Wania, F., MacLeod, M., Lei, Y. D., Quinn, C. L., Zhang, X., Scheringer, M., Wegmann, F., Hungerbühler, K., Ivemeyer, S., Heil, F., Klocke, P., Pacepavicius, G. & Alaee, M., 20.08.2013, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 47, 16, p. 9175-9181 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Develop, then intensify

    Hanspach, J., Abson, D. J., Loos, J., Tichit, M., Chappell, M. J. & Fischer, J., 16.08.2013, In: Science. 341, 6147, p. 713-713 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Crown size-growth relationships of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are driven by the interplay of disturbance intensity and inter-specific competition

    Fichtner, A., Sturm, K., Rickert, C., von Oheimb, G. & Härdtle, W., 15.08.2013, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 302, p. 178-184 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    A comparative survey of chemistry-driven in silico methods to identify hazardous substances under REACH

    Nendza, M., Gabbert, S., Kühne, R., Lombardo, A., Roncaglioni, A., Benfenati, E., Benigni, R., Bossa, C., Strempel, S., Scheringer, M., Fernández, A., Rallo, R., Giralt, F., Dimitrov, S., Mekenyan, O., Bringezu, F. & Schüürmann, G., 01.08.2013, In: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP. 66, 3, p. 301-314 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Pesticide and Greenhouse Gas Externalities from US Agriculture: The Impact of their Internalization and Climate Change

    Shakhramanyan, D. N. G., Schneider, U. A. & McCarl, B. A., 01.08.2013, In: Climate Change Economics. 4, 3, 28 p., 1350008 .

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Ant seed predation, pesticide applications and farmers income from tropical multi-cropping gardens

    Motzke, I., Tscharntke, T., Klein, A.-M., Wanger, T. C. & Sodhi, N. S., 08.2013, In: Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 15, 3, p. 245-254 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review