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. 2023
  2. Published

    Social capital strengthens agency among fish farmers: Small scale aquaculture in Bulacan, Philippines

    Manlosa, A. O., Albrecht, J. & Riechers, M., 21.02.2023, In: Frontiers in Aquaculture. 2, 14 p., 1106416.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Maximal strength measurement: A critical evaluation of common methods—a narrative review

    Warneke, K., Wagner, C. M., Keiner, M., Hillebrecht, M., Schiemann, S., Behm, D. G., Wallot, S. & Wirth, K., 17.02.2023, In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 5, 11 p., 1105201.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  4. Published

    “What is a ‘very severe cyclone’ please”? Uncovering knowledge and communication gaps in climate resilience realities

    Ghosh, A., Sen, A. & Frietsch, M., 15.02.2023, In: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 86, 17 p., 103499.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of wildlife census with unmanned aerial vehicles: a simulation study

    Fust, P. & Loos, J., 09.02.2023, In: Wildlife Research. 50, 12, p. 1008-1020 13 p., WR22074.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  6. Published

    Activating an Integrative Mindset Improves the Subjective Outcomes of Value-Driven Conflicts

    Schuster, C., Harinck, F. & Trötschel, R., 01.02.2023, In: Negotiation and Conflict Management Research. 16, 1, p. 80-99 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Can rare arable plants benefit biological pest control potential of cereal aphids in croplands?

    Twerski, A., Albrecht, H., Gallé, R., Sauter, F., Császár, P. & Fischer, C., 01.02.2023, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 66, p. 40-49 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Ecological quality as a coffee quality enhancer. A review

    Torrez, V., Benavides-Frias, C., Jacobi, J. & Speranza, C. I., 01.02.2023, In: Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 43, 1, 34 p., 19.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. Published

    I enjoy hurting my classmates: On the relation of boredom and sadism in schools

    Pfattheicher, S., Lazarević, L. B., Nielsen, Y. A., Westgate, E. C., Krstić, K. & Schindler, S., 01.02.2023, In: Journal of School Psychology. 96, p. 41-56 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    What is the ‘problem’ of gender inequality represented to be in the Swedish forest sector?

    Ville, A., Wong, G., Aceituno, A. J., Downing, A., Karambiri, M. & Brockhaus, M., 01.02.2023, In: Environmental Science and Policy. 140, p. 46-55 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    When is green nudging ethically permissible?

    Tyler DesRoches, C., Fischer, D., Silver, J., Arthur, P., Livernois, R., Crichlow, T., Hersch, G., Nagatsu, M. & Abbott, J. K., 01.02.2023, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 60, 9 p., 101236.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  12. Published

    Collaborative governance or state regulation? Endless efforts but little capacity for sustainability transformation of the German textile sector

    Beyers, F., Leventon, J. & Heinrichs, H., 02.2023, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 33, 1, p. 56-77 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Indigenous and local knowledge in biocultural approaches to sustainability: a review of the literature in Spanish

    Burke, L., Díaz Reviriego, I., Lam, D. & Hanspach, J., 02.2023, In: Ecosystems and People. 19, 1, 15 p., 2157490.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  14. Published

    L'université orientée vers le soin de la richesse et les mères chercheuses durant la pandémie du Covid-19

    Sander, A. & Grauer, C., 02.2023, In: Revue Philosophique de Louvain. 120, 1, p. 41-60 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Managing entrepreneurial and corporate contributions to sustainability transitions

    Schaltegger, S., Loorbach, D. & Hörisch, J., 02.2023, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 32, 2, p. 891-902 12 p.

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

  16. Published
  17. Published

    Transformation of Seafood Side-Streams and Residuals into Valuable Products

    Siddiqui, S. A., Schulte, H., Pleissner, D., Schönfelder, S., Kvangarsnes, K., Dauksas, E., Rustad, T., Cropotova, J., Heinz, V. & Smetana, S., 16.01.2023, In: Foods. 12, 2, 25 p., 422.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  18. Published

    Sustainability impact assessment of new ventures: An emerging field of research

    Fichter, K., Lüdeke-Freund, F., Schaltegger, S. & Schillebeeckx, S. J. D., 15.01.2023, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 384, 12 p., 135452.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Towards greener and sustainable ionic liquids using naturally occurring and nature-inspired pyridinium structures

    Suk, M. & Kümmerer, K., 07.01.2023, In: Green Chemistry . 25, 1, p. 365-374 10 p., 25.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Funciones agroecológicas de los nichos de agrobiodiversidad en la ruralidad de Bogotá, Colombia

    Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Quiroga Manrique, C., Monroy-Hernández, J. & Pérez, D., 01.01.2023, In: ÍCONOS Revista de Ciencias Sociales. 27, 75, p. 201-224 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Nachhaltigkeit und Weltbeziehung: eine resonanztheoretische Untersuchung

    Gehlen, Y., 01.01.2023, Deutschland: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft. 274 p. (Umweltsoziologie; vol. 12)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  22. Published

    The role of institutions in food system transformations: lessons learned from transdisciplinary engagements in Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Indonesia

    Manlosa, A. O., Partelow, S., Jiren, T. S., Riechers, M. & Paramita, A. O., 01.01.2023, In: Ecosystems and People. 19, 1, 15 p., 2146753.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Toward a modular evaluation approach of real-world laboratories: Findings from a literature review

    Kampfmann, T., Bernert, P. & Lang, D. J., 01.01.2023, In: Research Evaluation. 32, 1, p. 128-143 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  24. Published

    Values shift in response to social learning through deliberation about protected areas

    Andrade, R., van Riper, C. J., Goodson, D. J., Johnson, D. N., Stewart, W., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Lo, V. & Raymond, C. M., 01.01.2023, In: Global Environmental Change. 78, 12 p., 102630.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Active First Movers vs. Late Free-Riders? An Empirical Analysis of UN PRI Signatories' Commitment

    Bauckloh, T., Schaltegger, S., Utz, S., Zeile, S. & Zwergel, B., 01.2023, In: Journal of Business Ethics. 182, 3, p. 747-781 35 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Assembly history modulates vertical root distribution in a grassland experiment

    Alonso-Crespo, I. M., Weidlich, E. W. A., Temperton, V. M. & Delory, B. M., 01.2023, In: Oikos. 2023, 1, 13 p., e08886.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Exploring the potential of SMEs to build individual, organizational, and community resilience through sustainability-oriented business practices

    DiBella, J., Forrest, N., Burch, S., Rao-Williams, J., Ninomiya, S. M., Hermelingmeier, V. & Chisholm, K., 01.2023, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 32, 1, p. 721-735 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    „Ben, möchtest du auch abstimmen?“: Partizipationsprozesse in Klassenräten heterogener Lerngruppen aus interaktionistischer Perspektive

    Meyn, J., 2023, Partizipation, Wissen und Kommunikation im sonderpädagogischen Diskurs. Marek, G., Wolfram, K., Christian, L., Vera, O. & Stephan, S. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 118-127 10 p. (Perspektiven sonderpädagogischer Forschung).

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

  29. Published

    Cradle to Cradle im Holzfertigbau: Analyse der Umsetzbarkeit des Cradle–to-Cradle-Prinzips bei Einfamilienhäusern in Holzfertigbauweise

    Lindner, S., 2023, Stuttgart: Fraunhofer IRB Verlag. 307 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  30. Published

    Der neue Lehrplan Chemie für die Sekundarstufe I

    Hofer, E., Lembens, A. & Spitzer, P., 2023, In: Chemie & Schule. 38, 1, p. 20-23 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  31. Published

    Environmental Management Accounting – Developments Over the Last 20 years from a Framework Perspective

    Burritt, R., Schaltegger, S. & Christ, K. L., 2023, In: Australian Accounting Review. 33, 4, p. 336-351 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Governing the co-production of nature's contributions to people: the road ahead

    Isaac, R., Albrecht, E., Felipe-Lucia, M. R., Piquer-Rodríguez, M., Winkler, K. J. & Martín-López, B., 2023, Advances in Ecological Research: Roadmaps: Part B. Bohan, D. A. & Dumbrell, A. J. (eds.). Academic Press Inc., p. 1-15 15 p. (Advances in Ecological Research; vol. 69).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  33. Published

    Healthier and Sustainable Food Systems: Integrating Underutilised Crops in a ‘Theory of Change Approach’

    Pinto, E., Ferreira, H., Santos, C. S., da Silva, M. N., Styles, D., Migliorini, P., Ntatsi, G., Karkanis, A., Brémaud, M.-F., de Mey, Y., Meuwissen, M., Petrusan, J.-I., Smetana, S., Silva, B., Krenz, L. M. M., Pleissner, D., Profeta, A., Debeljak, M., Ivanovska, A., Balázs, B., Rubiales, D., Hawes, C., Iannetta, P. P. M. & Vasconcelos, M. W., 2023, Biodiversity, Functional Ecosystems and Sustainable Food Production. Galanakis, C. M. (ed.). Springer Schweiz, p. 275-323 49 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  34. Published

    Klaus Dierßen (1948-2022) Obituary

    Härdtle, W. & Schrautzer, J., 2023, In: Tuexenia. 43, p. 357-373 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Kommentar zum Fachlehrplan Chemie (Mittelschule/AHS Unterstufe)

    Hofer, E., Lembens, A. & Müller, A., 2023, Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung (Österreich).

    Research output: other publicationsArticles in scientific forums or blogsTransfer

  36. Published

    Konzept eines Orientierungsrahmens für den Lernbereich Globale Entwicklung im Fach Informatik im Rahmen der Bildung fur Nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Anthes, J., Diethelm, I., Kern, E., Röhner, G. & Stechert, P., 2023, Informatikunterricht zwischen Aktualitat und Zeitlosigkeit, INFOS 2023, 20. GI-Fachtagung Informatik und Schule. Hellmig, L. & Hennecke, M. (eds.). Bonn: Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V., p. 383-392 10 p. (Lecture Notes in Informatics (LNI), Proceedings - Series of the Gesellschaft fur Informatik (GI); vol. P-336).

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

  37. Published

    Low-Carbon Energy Transformation in China, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan: An Overview

    Fahimi, A. & Stepputat, K., 2023, Electricity Access, Decarbonization, and Integration of Renewables: Insights and Lessons from the Energy Transformation in Bangladesh, South Asia, and Sub-Sahara Africa. Groh, S., Barner, L., Heinemann, G. & von Hirschhauen, C. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 87-112 26 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  38. Published

    “Nationals” at Forty: From an Undefined UNCLOS Term to Due Diligence Obligations on the State of Nationality to Combat IUU Fishing

    Honniball, A. N. & Schatz, V. J., 2023, In: International Law Studies. 100, p. 229-265

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Neural Networks for Energy Optimization of Production Processes in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

    Willenbacher, M., Wohlgemuth, V. & Risch, L., 2023, Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics. Wohlgemuth, V., Naumann, S., Behrens, G., Arndt, H.-K. & Höb, M. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 129-145 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  40. Published

    Perspektiven auf Zeit im Recht: Das bisherige Verständnis von Zeit im Recht und die Notwendigkeit der Betrachtung von Zeit als Ressource

    Bertram, A., 2023, Zeitliche Dimensionen und Kritische Theorie(n) des Rechts: Tagung des Jungen Forums Rechtsphilosophie (JFR) in der internationalen Vereinigung für Rechts- und Sozialphilosophie (IVR) im September 2020 und im Mai 2021 in Braunschweig und Hamburg. Stuttgart, p. 47-59

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

  41. Published

    Pflanzengesellschaft des Jahres 2023: Die Strandlingsrasen (Littorelletea uniflorae p.p.)

    Remy, D., Tischew, S., Dierschke, H., Heinken, T., Hölzel, N., Bergmeier, E., Schneider, S., Horn, K. & Härdtle, W., 2023, In: Tuexenia. 42, p. 321-350 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Plant Community of the Year 2024: Vegetation of wet meadows (Calthion palustris)

    Schneider, S., Bergmeier, E., Boch, S., Ewald, J., Härdtle, W., Heinken, T., Hölzel, N., Horn, K., Lütt, S., Remy, D., Ruthsatz, B., Schwabe, A., Tischew, S., Becker, T. & Dierschke, H., 2023, In: Tuexenia. 43, p. 277-334 58 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Rebound effects: Management and Prevention. Guideline for Companies

    Wolff, F., Gensch, C.-O., Kampffmeyer, N., Schöpflin, P., Lautermann, C., Gebauer, J., Schaltegger, S., Norris, S., Wüst, S., Thiel, D. & Buda, F., 2023, Öko-Institut.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  44. Published

    Rebound-Effekte: Management und Vermeidung. Leitfaden für Unternehmen

    Wolff, F., Gensch, C.-O., Kampffmeyer, N., Schöpflin, P., Lautermann, C., Gebauer, J., Schaltegger, S., Norris, S., Wüst, S., Thiel, D. & Buda, F., 2023, Öko-Institut.

    Research output: Working paperProject reportsResearch

  45. Published

    Schöningen: a reference site for the Middle Pleistocene

    Serangeli, J., Verheijen, I., Rodríguez-Álvarez, B., Altamura, F., Bigga, G., Schoch, W. H., Urban, B., van Kolfschoten, T., Venditti, F. & Conard, N. J., 2023, In: Journal of Mediterranean Earth Sciences. 15, p. 369-387 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Science on ecosystems and people to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

    Schröter, M., Berbés-Blázquez, M., Albert, C., Hill, R., Krause, T., Loos, J., Mannetti, L. M., Martín-López, B., Neelakantan, A., Parrotta, J. A., Quintas-Soriano, C., Abson, D. J., Alkemade, R., Amelung, B., Baptiste, B., Barrios, E., Djoudi, H., Drakou, E. G., Durance, I., García Llorente, M., Geneletti, D., Harmáčková, Z. V., Jacobs, S., Kaiser, N. N., Kingsley, J., Klain, S., Martínez-Harms, M. J., Murali, R., O’Farrell, P., Pandit, R., Pereira, L., Rana, S., Riechers, M., Rusch, G. M., Sala, J. E., Schulp, C. J. E., Sitas, N., Subramanian, S. M., Villasante, S. & van Oudenhoven, A., 2023, In: Ecosystems and People. 19, 1, 10 p., 2220913.

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

  47. Published

    The Settlement of EEZ Fisheries Access Disputes under UNCLOS: Limitations to Jurisdiction and Compulsory Conciliation

    Schatz, V. J., 2023, In: Goettingen Journal of International Law. 13, 1, p. 82-118 37 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Virtual Voting in RFMOs: A Procedural Odyssey at the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

    Schatz, V. & Perraudeau, M., 2023, In: International Organizations Law Review. 20, 3, p. 305-329 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    What factors enable social-ecological transformative potential? The role of learning practices, empowerment, and networking

    Tuckey, A. J., Harmáčková, Z. V., Peterson, G. D., Norström, A. V., Moore, M.-L., Olsson, P., Lam, D. & Jimenez-Aceituno, A., 2023, In: Ecology and Society. 28, 2, 20 p., 27.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Wirtschaftsvölkerrechtlicher Rahmen

    Bäumler, J., 2023, Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtenrecht: LkSG, GwB, EU-HolzhandelsVO, EU-KonfliktmineralienVO, BetrVG, WRegG, CSR-RL-UmsG. Kaltenborn, M., Krajewski, M., Rühl, G. & Saage-Maaß, M. (eds.). München: C.H. Beck Verlag, p. 34-44 20 p. (Beck'sche Kurz-Kommentare).

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

  51. 2022
  52. Published

    The programme on ecosystem change and society (PECS) – a decade of deepening social-ecological research through a place-based focus

    Norström, A. V., Agarwal, B., Balvanera, P., Baptiste, B., Bennett, E. M., Brondízio, E., Biggs, R., Campbell, B., Carpenter, S. R., Castilla, J. C., Castro, A. J., Cramer, W., Cumming, G. S., Felipe-Lucia, M., Fischer, J., Folke, C., DeFries, R., Gelcich, S., Groth, J., Ifejika Speranza, C., Jacobs, S., Hofmann, J., Hughes, T. P., Lam, D. P. M., Loos, J., Manyani, A., Martín-López, B., Meacham, M., Moersberger, H., Nagendra, H., Pereira, L., Polasky, S., Schoon, M., Schultz, L., Selomane, O. & Spierenburg, M., 31.12.2022, In: Ecosystems and People. 18, 1, p. 598–608 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review