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. 2011
  2. Published
  3. Published

    Development and Testing of Water-Filled Tube Systems for Flood Protection Measures

    Koppe, B. & Brinkmann, B., 12.2011, STRUCTURAL MEMBRANES 2011: V International Conference on Textile Composites and Inflatable Structures. Onate, E., Kröplin, B. & Bletzinger, K.-U. (eds.). Barcelona: International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), p. 319-329 11 p. (Structural Membranes 2011 - 5th International Conference on Textile Composites and Inflatable Structures).

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

  4. Published

    Eresus kollari (Araneae: Eresidae) calls for heathland management.

    Krause, R. H., Buse, J., Matern, A., Schröder, B., Härdtle, W. & Aßmann, T., 12.2011, In: The Journal of Arachnology. 39, 3, p. 384–392 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Gender mainstreaming and participative planning for sustainable land management

    Evers, M. & Hofmeister, S., 12.2011, In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. 54, 10, p. 1315-1329 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Genetic erosion in habitat specialist shows need to protect large peat bogs

    Drees, C., Zumstein, P., Buck-Dobrick, T., Härdtle, W., Matern, A., Meyer, H., Oheimb, G. & Aßmann, T., 12.2011, In: Conservation Genetics. 12, 6, p. 1651-1656 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Scenarios for the Implementation of EU Waste Legislation at National Level and their Consequences for Emissions from Municipal Waste Incineration

    Saner, D., Blumer, Y. B., Lang, D. & Koehler, A., 12.2011, In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 57, p. 67-77 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Two high-mountain burnet moth species (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae) react differently to the global change drivers climate and land-use

    Dieker, P., Drees, C. & Aßmann, T., 12.2011, In: Biological Conservation. 144, 12, p. 2810–2818 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Conservation: Limits of land sparing

    Fischer, J., Batáry, P., Bawa, K. S., Brussaard, L., Chappell, M. J., Clough, Y., Daily, G. C., Dorrough, J., Hartel, T., Jackson, L. E., Klein, A. M., Kremen, C., Kuemmerle, T., Lindenmayer, D. B., Mooney, H. A., Perfecto, I., Philpott, S. M., Tscharntke, T., Vandermeer, J., Wanger, T. C. & von Wehrden, H., 04.11.2011, In: Science. 334, 6056, p. 593-594 1 p.

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

  10. Published

    Utilities’ Business Models for Renewable Energy: Evidence from Germany

    Richter, M., 03.11.2011, Conference Proceedings of the World Renewable Energy Congress 2011: Policy Issues. Moshfegh, B. (ed.). Linköping: Linköping University Electronic Press, Vol. 10. p. 2385-2392 8 p. (Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings).

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

  11. Published

    A Glance at the World

    Sasu, S., Metzger, J., Kranert, M. & Kümmerer, K., 11.2011, In: Waste Management. 31, 11, p. 2361-2364 4 p.

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

  12. Published

    A new approach to data evaluation in the non-target screening of organic trace substances in water analysis

    Müller, A., Ruck, W., Weber, W. H. & Schulz, W., 11.2011, In: Chemosphere. 85, 8, p. 1211–1219 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Energie als Schlüsselthema einer Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung: Ergebnisse aus der Evaluation und Konsequenzen für die pädagogische Praxis in der Diskussion

    Benoist, B., Moths, K. & Kosler, T., 11.2011, Hier spielt die Zukunft : Kinder. Werte. Klimaschutz: Dokumentation zur Fachtagung vom 02.12. - 03.12.2010/Potsdam. Müller, A. (ed.). Leuchtpol, p. 57 -59 3 p. (Schriftenreihe der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und Umweltbildung Bundesverand e.V.; no. 19)(Leuchtpol Bibliothek Sonderedition; no. 4).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherResearch

  14. Published

    Habitat invasion risk assessment based on Landsat 5 data, exemplified by the shrub Rosa rubiginosa in southern Argentina

    Zimmermann, H., von Wehrden, H., Damascos, M., Bran, D., Welk, E., Renison, D. & Hensen, I., 11.2011, In: Austral Ecology. 36, 7, p. 870-880 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Werte im Konzept einer Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Stoltenberg, U., 11.2011, Hier spielt die Zukunft. Kinder. Werte. Klimaschutz: Dokumentation zur Fachtagung vom 02.12. - 03.12.2010/Potsdam. Müller, A. (ed.). Frankfurt am Main: Leuchtpol, p. 10-18 9 p. (Schriftenreihe der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und Umweltbildung Bundesverband e.V.; vol. 19)(Leuchtpol Bibliothek Sonderedition; no. 4).

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

  16. Published

    Environmental Management Accounting

    Bennett, M., Schaltegger, S. & Zvezdov, D., 26.10.2011, Review of Management Accounting Research. Abdel-Kader, M. (ed.). Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 53-84 32 p.

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

  17. Published

    Religiöse und Ästhetische Strategien der Erhaltung und Erinnerung oraler Traditionen: jüdische Textkultur und das Werk Arnold Dreyblatts – zwischen Performanz und digitaler Remedialisierung

    Holz, V., 07.10.2011, Neues Erbe: Aspekte, Perspektiven und Konsequenzen der digitalen Überlieferung. Robertson-von Trotha, C. Y. & Hauser, R. (eds.). Karlsruhe: KIT Scientific Publishing, p. 163-180 18 p. (Kulturelle Überlieferung - Digital; vol. 1).

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

  18. Published

    Fusionsprotein und dessen Verwendungen

    Leder, C., Gawaz, M., Ziegler, M. & Stellos, K., 06.10.2011, IPC No. DE 102010013887A1, Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt, 30.03.2010

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  19. Published

    Genetic relatedness and chemical profiles in an unusually peaceful eusocial bee

    Leonhardt, S. D., Form, S., Blüthgen, N., Schmitt, T. & Feldhaar, H., 01.10.2011, In: Journal of Chemical Ecology. 37, 10, p. 1117-1126 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Release of monomers from four different composite materials after halogen and LED curing

    Polydorou, O., König, A., Altenburger, M. J., Wolkewitz, M., Hellwig, E. & Kümmerer, K., 01.10.2011, In: American Journal of Dentistry. 24, 5, p. 315-321 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Surveying Southern Mongolia: Application of multivariate classification methods in drylands with low diversity and long floristic gradients

    Wesche, K. & Von Wehrden, H., 01.10.2011, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 14, 4, p. 561-570 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Continental-scale ecology versus landscape-scale case studies

    Fischer, J., Hanspach, J. & Hartel, T., 10.2011, In: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 9, 8, p. 430-430 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  23. Published

    Emerging Contaminants versus Micro-pollutants

    Kümmerer, K., 10.2011, In: Clean - Soil, Air, Water. 39, 10, p. 889–890 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  24. Published

    Incomplete aerobic degradation of the antidiabetic drug Metformin and identification of the bacterial dead-end transformation product Guanylurea

    Trautwein, C. & Kümmerer, K., 10.2011, In: Chemosphere. 85, 5, p. 765-773 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Joint Management-Stakeholder Committees: A New Path to Stakeholder Governance?

    Spitzeck, H., Hansen, E. G. & Grayson, D., 10.2011, In: Corporate Governance. 11, 5, p. 560–568 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Kleidungspraktiken erforschen! „Kulturelle Dimensionen“ der Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung befragen

    Offen, S., 10.2011, In: www.widerstreit-sachunterricht.de. 17, 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  27. Published

    Stability of pollination services decreases with isolation from natural areas despite honey bee visits

    Garibaldi, L. A., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Kremen, C., Morales, J. M., Bommarco, R., Cunningham, S. A., Carvalheiro, L. G., Chacoff, N. P., Dudenhöffer, J. H., Greenleaf, S. S., Holzschuh, A., Isaacs, R., Krewenka, K., Mandelik, Y., Mayfield, M. M., Morandin, L. A., Potts, S. G., Ricketts, T. H., Szentgyörgyi, H., Viana, B. F., Westphal, C., Winfree, R. & Klein, A. M., 10.2011, In: Ecology Letters. 14, 10, p. 1062-1072 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  28. Published

    Stoffstromnetzbasierte Planung und Optimierung komplexer Produktionssysteme

    Viere, T., Brünner, H. & Hedemann, J., 10.2011, In: Chemie-Ingenieur-Technik. 83, 10, p. 1565-1572 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Sustainability Innovation Contests: Evaluating Contributions with an Eco Impact-Innovativeness Typology

    Hansen, E. G., Bullinger, A. C. & Reichwald, R., 10.2011, In: International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development. 5, 2/3, p. 221–245 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published
  31. Published
  32. Published

    Vertical emission profiles for Europe based on plume rise calculations

    Bieser, J., Aulinger, A., Matthias, V., Quante, M. & Denier Van Der Gon, H. A. C., 10.2011, In: Environmental Pollution. 159, 10, p. 2935-2946 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Identifying the Research and Infrastructure Needs for the Global Assessment of Hazardous Chemicals Ten Years after Establishing the Stockholm Convention

    Klánová, J., Diamond, M., Jones, K., Lammel, G., Lohmann, R., Pirrone, N., Scheringer, M., Balducci, C., Bidleman, T., Bláha, K., Bláha, L., Booij, K., Bouwman, H., Breivik, K., Eckhardt, S., Fiedler, H., Garrigues, P., Harner, T., Holoubek, I., Hung, H., MacLeod, M., Magulova, K., Mosca, S., Pistocchi, A., Simonich, S., Smedes, F., Stephanou, E., Sweetman, A., Sebková, K., Venier, M., Vighi, M., Vrana, B., Wania, F., Weber, R. & Weiss, P., 15.09.2011, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 45, 18, p. 7617-7619 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  34. Published

    Pitfalls and potential of institutional change: rain-index insurance and the sustainability of rangeland management

    Müller, B., Quaas, M., Frank, K. & Baumgärtner, S., 15.09.2011, In: Ecological Economics. 70, 11, p. 2137-2144 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Pitfalls and potential of institutional change: Rain-index insurance and the sustainability of rangeland management

    Müller, B., Quaas, M. F., Frank, K. & Baumgärtner, S., 15.09.2011, In: Ecological Economics. 70, 11, p. 2137-2144 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Prizewinning Concept for the Redevelopment of 125 ha in the Heart of the Port of Hamburg, Germany

    Brinkmann, B., 15.09.2011, 20th Australasian Coastal and Ocean Engineering Conference 2011 and the 13th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference 2011 : (Coasts & Ports 2011) . Engineers Australia, p. 436-440 5 p. (20th Australasian Coastal and Ocean Engineering Conference 2011 and the 13th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference 2011, COASTS and PORTS 2011).

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

  37. Published

    Assessing Corporate Sustainability Through Ratings: Challenges and Their Causes

    Windolph, S. E., 09.2011, In: Journal of Environmental Sustainability. 1, 1, p. 61-80 22 p., 5.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Environmental Sustainability and Supply Chain Management: A Framework of Cross-Functional Integration and Knowledge Transfer

    Harms, D., 09.2011, In: Journal of Environmental Sustainability. 1, 1, p. 121-141 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Offensive GHG-Management and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

    Hesselbarth, C. & Castrellon Gutierrez, B., 09.2011, Emissions Trading and Business: Institutional Design, Decision Making and Corporate Strategies. Antes, R., Hansjürgens, B., Letmathe, P. & Pickl, S. (eds.). 2. ed. Heidelberg u.a.: Springer Verlag, p. 181-192 14 p.

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

  40. Published

    Ökoeffizienz in deutschen Unternehmen

    Zeyen, A., Klewitz, J. & Hansen, E. G., 31.08.2011, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 26, 3, p. 47-50 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  41. Published

    Spray-dried chitosan-metal microparticles for ciprofloxacin adsorption: Kinetic and equilibrium studies

    Reynaud, F., Tsapis, N., Deyme, M., Vasconcelos, T. G., Gueutin, C., Guterres, S. S., Pohlmann, A. R. & Fattal , E., 21.08.2011, In: Soft Matter. 7, 16, p. 7304-7312 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Verfahren, Wärmespeicher und Wärmespeichersystem zur Erwärmung und Abkühlung eines Arbeitsfluides

    Ruck, W., Opel, O. & Homberger, G., 18.08.2011, IPC No. F01K25/06 , F01K3/00 , F28D17/00 , F28D20/003, Y02E60/14, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. WO2011098228A2, 03.02.2011, Priority date 15.02.2010, Priority No. DE102010008111A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  43. Published

    New evidence for vegetation development and timing of Upper Middle Pleistocene interglacials in Northern Germany and tentative correlations

    Urban, B., Sierralta, M. & Frechen, M., 15.08.2011, In: Quaternary International. 241, 1-2, p. 125-142 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Tree resin composition, collection behavior and selective filters shape chemical profiles of tropical bees (Apidae: Meliponini)

    Leonhardt, S. D., Schmitt, T. & Blüthgen, N., 08.08.2011, In: PLoS ONE. 6, 8, 10 p., e23445.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Cost-effective Biodiversity Conservation: Procurement Auctions and Payment-by-Results

    Groth, M., 04.08.2011, In: EuroChoices. 10, 2, p. 32-37 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Identifizierung und Bewertung ausgewählter Arzneimittel und ihrer Metaboliten (Ab- und Umbauprodukte) im Wasserkreislauf

    Kümmerer, K., Schuster, A., Längin, A., Happel, O., Thoma, A., Schneider, K., Hassauer, M., Gartiser, S. & Hafner, C., 01.08.2011, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 195 p. (Texte; vol. 46/2011).

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsTransfer

  47. Published

    Australia’s Stock Route Network: 1. A review of its values, and implications for future management

    Lentini, P. E., Fischer, J., Gibbons, P., Lindenmayer, D. & Martin, T., 08.2011, In: Ecological Management & Restoration. 12, 2, p. 119-127 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    Australia’s Stock Route Network: 2. Representation of fertile landscapes

    Lentini, P. E., Fischer, J., Gibbons, P., Lindenmayer, D. & Martin, T., 08.2011, In: Ecological Management & Restoration. 12, 2, p. 148-151 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Competitive Markets, Corporate Firms, and New Governance: An Ordonomic Conceptualization

    Pies, I., Beckmann, M. & Hielscher, S., 08.2011, Corporate Citizenship and New Governance: The Political Role of Corporations. Pies, I. & Koslowski , P. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Verlag, p. 171-188 18 p. (Ethical Economics : Studies in Economic Ethics and Philosophy).

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

  50. Published

    Debt for Brands: Tracking Down a Bias in Financing Photovoltaic Projects in Germany

    Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Loock, M., 08.2011, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 19, 12, p. 1356-1364 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Dissolved carbon leaching from an Irish cropland soil is increased by reduced tillage and cover cropping

    Walmsley, D. C., Siemens, J., Kindler, R., Kirwan, L., Saunders, M., Kaupenjohann, M., Osborne, B. A. & Kaiser, K., 08.2011, In: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 142, 3-4, p. 393-402 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review