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. 2008
  2. Published

    The Role of Formalisation, Participation and Context in the Success of Public Involvement Mechanisms in Resource Management

    Newig, J., Gaube, V., Berkhoff, K., Kaldrack, K., Kastens, B., Lutz, J., Schlussmeier, B., Adensam, H. & Haberl, H., 01.12.2008, In: Systemic Practice and Action Research. 21, 6, p. 423-441 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    The European species of Chalarus Walker, 1834 revisited (Diptera: Pipunculidae)

    Kehlmaier, C. & Aßmann, T., 19.11.2008, In: Zootaxa. 1936, 1, p. 1-39 39 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Long-term stream invertebrate community alterations induced by the insecticide thiacloprid: Effect concentrations and recovery dynamics

    Beketov, M. A., Marwitz, A., Paschke, A., Liess, M. & Schäfer, R. B., 01.11.2008, In: The Science of The Total Environment. 405, 1-3, p. 96-108 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Macroecological patterns of spider species richness across Europe

    Finch, O.-D., Blick, T. & Schuldt, A., 11.2008, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 17, 12, p. 2849-2868 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Xenotransplantation: Prävention des xenogenen Infektionsrisikos: Eine Untersuchung zum deutschen und spanischen Recht

    Guerra González, J., 20.10.2008, Frankfurt: Peter Lang Verlag. 348 p. (Recht und Medizin; vol. 91)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsEducation

  7. Published

    Relating the philosophy and practice of ecological economics: the role of concepts, models, and case studies in inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability research

    Baumgärtner, S., Becker, C., Frank, K., Müller, B. & Quaas, M., 15.10.2008, In: Ecological Economics. 67, 3, p. 384-393 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Agro-biodiversity as natural insurance and the development of financial insurance markets

    Baumgärtner, S. & Quaas, M. F., 06.10.2008, Agrobiodiversity conservation and economic development. Kontoleon, A., Pascual, U. & Smale, M. (eds.). Abingdon: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 293-317 25 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  9. Published

    Microsatellites and allozymes as the genetic memory of habitat fragmentation and defragmentation in populations of the ground beetle Carabus auronitens (Col., Carabidae)

    Drees, C., Matern, A., Rasplus, J.-Y., Terlutter, H., Aßmann, T. & Weber, F., 01.10.2008, In: Journal of Biogeography. 35, 10, p. 1937-1949 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    A new species of Philorhizus Hope, 1838 from Greece (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini)

    Wrase, D. W. & Aßmann, T., 16.09.2008, In: ZooKeys. 3, p. 1-10 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Time sensitivity: a delicate and crucial starting point of reflexive methods for studying time in management and organisations

    Sabelis, I., 09.09.2008, Time in organizational research. Roe, R. A., Walter, M. J. & Clegg, S. R. (eds.). London [u.a.]: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 167-185 19 p. (Routledge Studies in Management, Organizations and Society; vol. 3).

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

  12. Published

    Calibration of the Chemcatcher ® passive sampler for monitoring selected polar and semi-polar pesticides in surface water

    Gunold, R., Schäfer, R. B., Paschke, A., Schüermann, G. & Liess, M., 01.09.2008, In: Environmental Pollution. 155, 1, p. 52-60 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Ecological design & engineering for urban environments

    Braungart, M., Darlington, A., Garland, J., Lucey, W. P., Peck, S. & Peeters, J., 01.09.2008, In: Industrial Biotechnology. 4, 3, p. 211-223 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  14. Published

    Editorial: Questioning the construction of "balance": a time perspective on gender and organization

    Sabelis, I., Nencel, L., Knights, D. & Odih, P., 01.09.2008, In: Gender, Work & Organization. 15, 5, p. 423-429 7 p.

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

  15. Published

    Erbguth/Schlacke: Umweltrecht

    Schomerus, T., 09.2008, In: Natur und Recht. 30, 9, p. 626-626 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsResearch

  16. Published

    Sustainability, Substance Flow Management and Time: Part I: Temporal Analysis of Substance Flows

    Kümmerer, K. & Hofmeister, S., 09.2008, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 88, 4, p. 1333-1342 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Bedrohte Vielfalt: Biodiversität

    Busch, A. & Kuhn, K., 26.08.2008, 1. ed. Bonn: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. 72 p. (Themenblätter im Unterricht; no. 75)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCompendium/lecture notesEducation

  18. Published

    HPLC and chemometrics-assisted UV-spectroscopy methods for the simultaneous determination of ambroxol and doxycycline in capsule.

    Hadad, G. M., El-Gindy, A. & Mahmoud, W. M. M., 01.08.2008, In: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy. 70, 3, p. 655-663 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  19. Published

    NH4+ ad-/desorption in sequencing batch reactors: simulation, laboratory and full-scale studies

    Schwitalla, P., Mennerich, A., Austermann-Haun, U., Müller, A., Gruber-Dorninger, C., Daims, H., Holm, N. C. & Rönner-Holm, S. G. E., 01.08.2008, In: Water Science and Technology. 58, 2, p. 345-350 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    The Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Company-Level Measurement Approach for CSR

    Weber, M., 01.08.2008, In: European Management Journal. 26, 4, p. 247-261 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  21. Published
  22. Published

    The Carabus fauna of Israel - updated identification key, faunistics, and habitats (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

    Aßmann, T., Buse, J., Drees, C., Friedman, A.-L.-L., Levanony, T., Matern, A., Timm, A. & Wrase, D. W., 04.07.2008, In: ZooKeys. 1, p. 9-22 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    ZooKeys, unlocking Earth's incredible biodiversity and building a sustainable bridge into the public domain: From "print-based" to "web-based" taxonomy, systematics, and natural history ZooKeys Editorial Opening Paper

    Penev, L. D., Erwin, T. L., Thompson, F. C., Sues, H.-D., Engel, M. S., Agosti, D., Pyle, R., Ivie, M., Henry, T., Miller, J., Ananjeva, N. B., Casale, A., Lourenco, W., Golovatch, S., Fagerholm, H.-P., Taiti, S., Alonso-Zarazaga, M., van Nieukerken, E. & Aßmann, T., 04.07.2008, In: ZooKeys. 1, p. 1-7 7 p.

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

  24. Published

    Factors affecting fruit set in Aizoaceae species of the Succulent Karoo

    Pufal, G., Mayer, C., Porembski, S. & Juergens, N., 01.07.2008, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 9, 4, p. 401-409 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Peer group influences on fifth graders' reading motivation

    von Salisch, M., Philipp, M. & Gölitz, D., 01.06.2008, In: International Journal of Psychology. 43, 3-4, p. 214 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  26. Published

    Legitimizing climate policy: The "risk construct" of global climate change in the German mass media

    Peters, H. P. & Heinrichs, H., 06.2008, In: International Journal of Sustainability Communication. 3, p. 14-36 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    On the stabilization of parallel-chord girders for timber constructions

    Eilering, S. & Hente, C., 06.2008, In: Bauingenieur. 83, JUNE, p. 288-296 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Medialisierung der Wissenschaft als Voraussetzung ihrer Legitimierung und politischen Relevanz

    Peters, H. P., Heinrichs, H., Jung, A., Kallfass, M. & Petersen, I., 27.05.2008, Wissensproduktion und Wissenstransfer: Wissen im Spannungsfeld von Wissenschaft, Politik und Öffentlichkeit. Mayntz, R., Neidhardt, F., Weingart, P. & Wengenroth, U. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 269-292 24 p. (Science Studies).

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

  29. Published

    Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered butterfly Lycaena helle (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

    Habel, J. C., Finger, A., Meyer, M., Schmitt, T. & Aßmann, T., 15.05.2008, In: European Journal of Entomology. 105, 2, p. 361-362 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published
  31. Published

    Performance of the Chemcatcher ® passive sampler when used to monitor 10 polar and semi-polar pesticides in 16 Central European streams, and comparison with two other sampling methods

    Paschke, A., Vrana, B., Mueller, R., Liess, M. & Schäfer, R. B., 01.05.2008, In: Water Research. 42, 10-11, p. 2707-2717 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Site use of grazing cattle and sheep in a large-scale pasture landscape: a GPS/GIS assessment

    Putfarken, D., Dengler, J., Lehmann, S. & Härdtle, W., 01.05.2008, In: Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 111, 1-2, p. 54-67 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Types of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Conditions for Sustainability Innovation: From the Administration of a Technical Challenge to the Management of an Entrepreneurial Opportunity

    Schaltegger, S. & Wagner, M., 30.04.2008, Sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship: New Perspectives in Research on Corporate Sustainability series . Wüstenhagen, R., Hamschmidt, J., Sharma, S. & Starik, M. (eds.). Cheltenham [u.a.]: Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 27-48 22 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  34. Published
  35. Published

    Long-term effects of historical heathland farming on soil properties of forest ecosystems

    von Oheimb, G., Haerdtle, W., Naumann, P. S., Westphal, C., Meyer, H. & Aßmann, T., 05.04.2008, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 255, 5-6, p. 1984-1993 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    An endangered longhorn beetle associated with old oaks and its possible role as an ecosystem engineer

    Buse, J., Ranius, T. & Aßmann, T., 01.04.2008, In: Conservation Biology. 22, 2, p. 329-337 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Natural vs. financial insurance in the management of public-good ecosystems

    Quaas, M. F. & Baumgärtner, S., 01.04.2008, In: Ecological Economics. 65, 2, p. 397-406 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Ertrags-/Risikooptimierung von Nachhaltigkeitsfonds: eine konzeptionelle und empirische Untersuchung

    Peylo, B. T., 04.2008, Lüneburg: Centre for Sustainability Management, 174 p.

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  39. Published

    A synthesis of atmospheric mercury depletion event chemistry in the atmosphere and snow

    Steffen, A., Douglas, T., Amyot, M., Ariya, P., Aspmo, K., Berg, T., Bottenheim, J., Brooks, S., Cobbett, F., Dastoor, A., Dommergue, A., Ebinghaus, R., Ferrari, C. P., Gardfeldt, K., Goodsite, M. E., Lean, D. R. S., Poulain, A. J., Scherz, C., Skov, H., Sommar, J. & Temme, C., 12.03.2008, In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 8, 6, p. 1445-1482 38 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Der Einfluss von Zwischenhölzern auf das Biegedrillknickverhalten zweiteiliger Brettschichtholzträger

    Eilering, S., 01.03.2008, In: Bautechnik. 85, 3, p. 175-182 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Umweltchemie 2007: Trendbericht

    Lammel, G., Feichter, J., Kurtenbach, R., Wiesen, P., Kreuzig, R., Mueller, S., Zachmann, D. W., Knocker, T., Lamshöft, M., Schaeffer, A., Endres, F., Goss, K.-U., Palm, W.-U. & Scheringer, M., 01.03.2008, In: Nachrichten aus der Chemie. 56, 3, p. 346-352 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  42. Published

    Development of an Interdisciplinary, Intercultural Master’s Program on Sustainability: Learning from the Richness of Diversity

    van Dam-Mieras, R., Lansu, A., Rieckmann, M. & Michelsen, G., 03.2008, In: Innovative Higher Education. 32, 5, p. 251-264 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    The informed society: Final report on the cooperation programme INTERREG-IIIB project “SAFECOAST”

    Lüdecke, G. & Knolle, M., 03.2008, 41 p.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  44. Published

    Determination of 10 particle-associated multiclass polar and semi-polar pesticides from small streams using accelerated solvent extraction

    Mueller, R., Brack, W., Wenzel, K.-D., Streck, G., Ruck, W., Liess, M. & Schäfer, R. B., 01.02.2008, In: Chemosphere. 70, 11, p. 1952-1960 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Levels of indicator development for education for sustainable development

    Rode, H. & Michelsen, G., 01.02.2008, In: Environmental Education Research. 14, 1, p. 19-33 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Wie Human Ressource Management und gesellschaftliches Engagement Hand in Hand gehen: Corporate Volunteering zur Mitarbeiterbindung und -entwicklung

    Pinter, A., 29.01.2008, ALTOP Verlags- und Vertriebsgesellschaft.

    Research output: other publicationsArticles in scientific forums or blogsTransfer

  47. Published

    Finnish Pipunculidae (Diptera) studies Part I: Taxonomic notes on Cephalops Fallén, 1810, Pipunculus Latreille, 1802 and Tomosvaryella Aczél, 1939

    Kehlmaier, C., 04.01.2008, In: Zootaxa. 1672, 1, p. 1-42 42 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Ärger-Aushandlungen in der Freundschaft als Weg zu sozialer und emotionaler Kompetenz

    Salisch, M., 01.01.2008, Persönlichkeitsstrukturen und ihre Folgen. Alt, C. (ed.). Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, p. 81-97 17 p. (Schriften des Deutschen Jugendinstituts; vol. 5).

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

  49. Published

    Business and Emissions Trading from a Public Choice Perspective: Waiting for a New Paradigm to Emerge

    Tschochohei, H. & Zöckler, J., 01.01.2008, Emissions trading: Institutional Design, Decision Making and Corporate Strategies. Antes, R., Hansjürgens, B. & Letmathe, P. (eds.). New York, NY: Springer New York, p. 21-35 15 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  50. Published

    Das Lernen mit Neuen Medien als Ansatz zur Vermittlung von Gestaltungskompetenz

    Barth, M., 01.01.2008, Kompetenzen der Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Operationalisierung, Messung, Rahmenbedingungen, Befunde. Bormann, I. & Haan, G. (eds.). Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, p. 199-213 15 p.

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

  51. Published

    Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) as a Support for Cleaner Production

    Schaltegger, S., Bennett, M., Burritt, R. L. & Jasch, C., 01.01.2008, Environmental Management Accounting for Cleaner Production. Schaltegger, S. (ed.). [Dordrecht]: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland, p. 3-26 24 p. (Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science; vol. 24).

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