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

    To Own or to Use? How Product-Service Systems Facilitate Eco-Innovation Behavior

    Tietze, F. & Hansen, E. G., 2013, In: Academy of Management Proceedings. 2013, 1, 1 p., Article no. 12213.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Transdisciplinarity in Corporate Sustainability

    Schaltegger, S. (Editor), Beckmann, M. (Editor) & Hansen, E. G. (Editor), 2013, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 66 p. (Business Strategy and the Environment; vol. 22, no. 4)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  4. Published

    Transformative Impulse: Die Effekte der Rio+20 UN Konferenz für nachhaltige Entwicklung auf Bildung und Forschung

    Mader, C. & Schöffmann, P., 2013, Bildung für Nachhaltige Entwicklung: Jahrbuch 2013. F. U. F. N. E. (ed.). Wien: FORUM Umweltbildung im Umweltdachverband, p. 19-24 6 p.

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

  5. Published

    Transition management as an approach to deal with climate change

    Wesely, J., Feiner, G., Omann, I. & Schäpke, N., 2013, Transformation in a Changing Climate: Proceedings; International Conference in Oslo 19 - 21 June 2013. U. O. O. (ed.). Oslo: University of Oslo, p. 43-52 10 p.

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

  6. Published

    Umweltprüfungen und Bürgerbeteiligung bei der Planung des Ausbaus des deutschen Übertragungsnetzes: Welche Neuerungen bringen das Gesetz zur Neuregelung energiewirtschaftsrechtlicher Vorschriften (EnWG) und das Netzausbaubeschleunigungsgesetz (NABEG)?

    Schomerus, T. & Schäffler, A., 2013, Neue Energien - Neue Herausforderungen: Naturschutz in Zeiten der Energiewende. B. B. N. (ed.). Bonn: Bundesverband Beruflicher Naturschutz, p. 98-107 10 p. (Jahrbuch für Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege; vol. 59).

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

  7. Published

    Unternehmerische Nachhaltigkeitsinnovationen durch nachhaltiges Unternehmertum

    Schaltegger, S. & Hansen, E. G., 2013, CSR und Innovationsmanagement: Gesellschaftliche Verantwortung als Innovationstreiber und Wettbewerbsvorteil. Altenburger, R. (ed.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Gabler Verlag, p. 19-30 12 p. (Management-Reihe Corporate Social Responsibility; vol. CSR und Innovationsmanagement).

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

  8. Published

    Vermeidung von Lichtverschmutzung - Schutz der Nacht: Handlungsmöglichkeiten der Raum- und Umweltplanung

    Hofmeister, S., 2013, Schutz der Nacht- Lichtverschmutzung, Biodiversität und Nachtlandschaft: Grundlagen, Folgen, Handlungsansätze, Beispiele guter Praxis. Held, M., Hölker, F. & Jessel, B. (eds.). Bonn: Bundesamt für Naturschutz, p. 133-136 4 p. (BfN-Skripten; no. 336).

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

  9. Published

    Vers des modes de vie durables: Une variété de modes de vie pour une ambition unique : la société postcarbone.

    Huber, A., Girard, S. & le Marre, P., 2013, In: Futuribles. 392, p. 43-60 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Von sozialer Verantwortung zu unternehmerischer Nachhaltigkeit: Bedeutung und Ausgestaltung von „Business Cases for Sustainability“

    Schaltegger, S. & Lüdeke-Freund, F., 2013, Sustainability Management: Nachhaltige und Stakeholder-orientierte Wertsteigerung . Keuper, F. & Neumann, F. (eds.). Berlin: Logos Verlag, p. 51-68 17 p.

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

  11. Published

    Vorüberlegungen zu strategischen Betrieblichen Umweltinformationssystemen

    Möller, A., 2013, IT-Gestütztes Ressourcen- und Energiemanagement: Konferenzband zu den 5. BUIS-Tagen. Marx-Gomez, J., Lang, C. & Wohlgemuth, V. (eds.). 1 ed. Springer Verlag, Vol. 1. p. 335-345 11 p.

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

  12. Published

    Was prägt das Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement: Gewinnmaximierung oder Legitimitätssicherung?

    Schaltegger, S. & Hörisch, J., 2013, In: Forum Wirtschaftsethik. 21, 4, p. 1-4 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Weltorientierung durch Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung: Theoretische Grundlagen und Praxis des Sachunterrichts in der Grundschule

    Stoltenberg, U. (Editor), 2013, 1 ed. Bad Homburg: VAS Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 207 p. (Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung in Kindergarten und Grundschule. Lüneburger Beiträge.; vol. 1)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  14. Published

    Weltorientierung fängt in der Kita an! Neue Perspektiven für die Zusammenarbeit von Schule und Kita durch das Konzept Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Benoist, B., 2013, Weltorientierung durch Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung: Theoretische Grundlagen und Praxis des Sachunterrichts in der Grundschule. Stoltenberg, U. (ed.). Bad Homburg: VAS Verlag für Akademische Schriften, Vol. 1. p. 129-149 21 p. (Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung in Kindergarten und Grundschule. Lüneburger Beiträge.; vol. 1).

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

  15. Published
  16. Published

    What Triggers Corporate Sustainability: A Quantitative Multi-Model Analysis

    Hörisch, J. & Schaltegger, S., 2013, British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference “Managing to Make a Difference”. British Academy of Management, 13 p.

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

  17. Published

    Wie viel Kritik darf‘s denn sein? Die Kategorie Geschlecht in der Nachhaltigkeitsforschung

    Gottschlich, D. & Katz, C., 2013, In: Politische Ökologie. 135, p. 136-139 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  18. Published

    Wirtschaften in Netzen – Stärkung ländlicher Regionen durch Zusammenarbeit

    Burandt, A. & Lang, F. J., 2013, In: Ländlicher Raum. 64, 3, p. 49-51 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Wirtschaften und Arbeiten in feministischer Perspektive – geschlechtergerecht und nachhaltig?

    Biesecker, A. & Gottschlich, D., 2013, Geschlechterverhältnisse und Nachhaltigkeit: Die Kategorie Geschlecht in den Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Hofmeister, S., Katz, C. & Mölders, T. (eds.). Opladen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 178-190

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

  20. Published

    Wirtschaftsethik als Service

    Meyer, E. M., 2013, ReThink: Investing Society. Brink, A. & Rohrmann, D. (eds.). Bayreuth: Universität Bayreuth, p. 31-72 42 p.

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

  21. Published

    Wo die wilden Kerle wohnen: Nachhaltigkeitsorientierte Waldwirtschaft und"kulturelle Weiblichkeit"

    Katz, C., 2013, In: Politische Ökologie. 132, p. 50-57 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  22. Published

    Zeit für Systematik: Nachhaltigkeit zwischen Risiko- und Chancenmanagement

    Schaltegger, S., 2013, In: OSCAR.trends. p. 46-50 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  23. Published

    Zielablösezyklus: Disengagement cycle

    Klinger, E., Sevincer, A. T. & Oettingen, G., 2013, Dorsch Psychologisches Wörterbuch. Wirtz, M. A. (ed.). 16., vollst. überarb. Aufl. ed. Bern: Huber Verlag

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  24. Published

    Zielhierarchie: Goal hierarchy

    Sevincer, A. T. & Oettingen, G., 2013, Dorsch Psychologisches Wörterbuch. Huber Verlag

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  25. Published

    Zugänge zur Bildung von Lehrerinnen und Lehrern in der Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung: professionelle Anforderungen an einen Sachunterricht in Bildungslandschaften

    Offen, S., 2013, Der Sachunterricht und seine Didaktik: Bestände prüfen und Perspektiven entwickeln. Fischer, H.-J., Giest, H. & Pech, D. (eds.). 1 ed. Bad Heilbrunn: Klinkhardt, p. 114-116 3 p. (Probleme und Perspektiven des Sachunterrichts; vol. 23).

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

  26. Published

    Zukunftscamp „Future Now“

    Stoltenberg, U., 2013, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Aktuelle theoretische Konzepte und Beispiele praktischer Umsetzung. Pütz, N., Schweer , M. K. W. & Logemann, N. (eds.). Frankfurt a.M.: PL Acad. Research, p. 209-222 14 p. (Psychologie und Gesellschaft; vol. 11).

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

  27. Published

    Zur Glaubwürdigkeit nachhaltiger Aktienfonds: Eine Untersuchung informationsökonomischer Probleme, konventioneller Lösungsansätze und konzeptioneller Weiterentwicklungen

    Kroschinski, J., 2013, Lüneburg: Centre for Sustainability Management, 150 p.

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  28. Published

    Zur Produktivität des „Reproduktiven“: Fürsorgliche Praxis als Element einer Ökonomie der Vorsorge

    Biesecker, A. & Hofmeister, S., 2013, In: Feministische Studien. 31, 2, p. 240-252 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  29. 2012
  30. Published

    Risikokommunikation zu unterirdischen Schadenspotenzialen durch Grundhochwasser

    Grunenberg, H., 20.12.2012, Unterirdische Schadenspotentiale durch Grundhochwasser in urbanen Lebensräumen. Sommer, T., Deilmann, C., Kreibich, H., Grunenberg, H., Bothmer, D. & Ullrich, K. (eds.). Dresden: Dresdner Grundwasserforschungszentrum, p. 89-137 48 p. (Gemeinsame Mitteilungen des Dresdner Grundwasserforschungszentrums e.V. und seiner Partner; no. 6).

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

  31. Published

    Germination performance of native and non-native Ulmus pumila populations

    Hirsch, H., Wypior, C., von Wehrden, H., Wesche, K., Renison, D. & Hensen, I., 14.12.2012, In: NeoBiota. 15, 15, p. 53-68 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Towards a More Sustainable Use of Scarce Metals: A Review of Intervention Options along the Metals Life Cycle

    Wäger, P. A., Lang, D. J., Wittmer, D., Bleischwitz, R. & Hagelüken, C., 11.12.2012, In: GAIA. 21, 4, p. 300 - 309 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  33. Published

    Umweltbewusstsein und Medien: Können Filme unser Alltagshandeln verändern?

    Lüdecke, G., 07.12.2012, Hier spielt die Zukunft. : Mit Kindern Nachhaltigkeit entdecken, verstehen – und gemeinsam handeln. 1 ed. Leuchtpol, Vol. 1. p. 35-36 2 p. (Schriftenreihe der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und Umweltbildung Bundesverband e. V.; vol. 26)(Leuchtpol Bibliothek; vol. 11).

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

  34. Published

    A longitudinal analysis of the knowledge and application of sustainability management tools in large German companies

    Schaltegger, S., Windolph, S. E. & Herzig, C., 01.12.2012, In: Society and Economy. 34, 4, p. 549-579 31 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Rolling out Corporate Sustainability Accounting: A Set of Challenges

    Zvezdov, D., 01.12.2012, In: Journal of Environmental Sustainability. 2, 2, p. 19-28 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published
  37. Published

    Assessment of trace metal contamination in a historical freshwater canal (Buckingham Canal), Chennai, India

    Jayaprakash, M., Nagarajan, R., Velmurugan, P. M., Sathiyamoorthy, J., Krishnamurthy, R. R. & Urban, B., 12.2012, In: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 184, 12, p. 7407-7424 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Competition response of European beech Fagus sylvatica L. varies with tree size and abiotic stress: Minimizing anthropogenic disturbances in forests

    Fichtner, A., Sturm, K., Rickert, C., Härdtle, W. & Schrautzer, J., 12.2012, In: The Journal of Applied Ecology. 49, 6, p. 1306-1315 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  39. Published

    High Trophic Similarity in the Sympatric North European Trawling Bat Species Myotis daubentonii and Myotis dasycneme

    Krüger, F., Harms, I., Fichtner, A., Wolz, I. & Sommer, R. S., 12.2012, In: Acta Chiropterologica. 14, 2, p. 347-356 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Linking bird species traits to vegetation characteristics in a future urban development zone: Implications for urban planning

    Ikin, K., Lindenmayer, D. B., Fischer, J., Manning, A. D. & Knight, E., 12.2012, In: Urban Ecosystems. 15, 4, p. 961-977 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Primary source regions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured in the Arctic

    Ubl, S., Scheringer, M., Stohl, A., Burkhart, J. & Hungerbühler, K., 12.2012, In: Atmospheric Environment. 62, p. 391-399 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Prozesse der Energiewende wissenschaftlich gestalten: Wichtige Impulse aus den NaWis-Institutionen

    Heinrichs, H., Mans, U., Alvarez, A., Schomerus, T. & Goldammer, K., 12.2012, In: GAIA. 21, 4, p. 316-318 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    German climate and energy legislation: an ambitious but fragmented framework

    Schomerus, T., 30.11.2012, Climate Law in EU Member States: Towards National Legislation for Climate Protection. Peeters, M., Stallworthy, M. & de Cendra de Larragan, J. (eds.). Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 178-202 25 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  44. Published

    Biodiversität erfolgreich managen

    Schaltegger, S., 23.11.2012, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 27, 4, p. 10-11 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  45. Published

    Lessons from community-based payment for ecosystem service schemes: From forests to rangelands

    Dougill, A. J., Stringer, L. C., Leventon, J., Riddell, M., Rueff, H., Spracklen, D. V. & Butt, E., 19.11.2012, In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 367, 1606, p. 3178-3190 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Measuring the (Un-)Sustainability of Industrial Biomass Production and Use

    Burritt, R. & Schaltegger, S., 16.11.2012, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 3, 2, p. 109-133 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Bats in a Farming Landscape Benefit from Linear Remnants and Unimproved Pastures

    Lentini, P. E., Gibbons, P., Fischer, J., Law, B., Hanspach, J. & Martin, T. G., 14.11.2012, In: PLoS ONE. 7, 11, 13 p., e48201.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    An academia beyond quantity: a reply to Loyola et al. and Halme et al.

    Fischer, J., Hanspach, J. & Ritchie, E. G., 01.11.2012, In: Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 27, 11, p. 587-588 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  49. Published

    Decline of an endangered amphibian during an extreme climatic event

    Scheele, B. C., Driscoll, D. A., Fischer, J. & Hunter, D. A., 01.11.2012, In: Ecosphere. 3, 11, p. 1-15 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Fukushima disaster indirectly threatens lake ecosystems

    Matsuzaki, S.-I., Von Wehrden, H., Møller, A. P. & Takamura, N., 01.11.2012, In: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 10, 9, p. 464-464 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  51. Published

    Functional trait similarity of native and invasive herb species in subtropical China-Environment-specific differences are the key

    Bachmann, D., Both, S., Bruelheide, H., Erfmeier, A., Ding, B.-Y., Gao, M., Härdtle, W. & Scherer-Lorenzen, M., 01.11.2012, In: Environmental and Experimental Botany. 83, p. 82-92 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  52. Published

    Carbon Accounting for Sustainability and Management: Status Quo and Challenges

    Schaltegger, S. & Csutora, M., 11.2012, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 36, p. 1-16 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review