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. 2021
  2. Published

    Leverage points for addressing marine and coastal pollution: A review

    Riechers, M., Brunner, B. P., Dajka, J. C., Dușe, I. A., Lübker, H. M., Manlosa, A. O., Sala, J. E., Schaal, T. & Weidlich, S., 01.06.2021, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 167, 10 p., 112263.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Sustainable consumption communication: A review of an emerging field of research

    Fischer, D., Reinermann, J. L., Guillen Mandujano, G., DesRoches, C. T., Diddi, S. & Vergragt, P. J., 01.06.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 300, 14 p., 126880.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  4. Published

    The new European database for chemicals of concern: How useful is SCIP for waste management?

    Friege, H., Zeschmar-Lahl, B., Kummer, B. & Wagner, J., 01.06.2021, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 21, 100430.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Business Model Experimentation for the Circular Economy: Definition and Approaches

    Bocken, N. M. P., Weissbrod, I. & Antikainen, M., 06.2021, In: Circular Economy and Sustainability. 1, 1, p. 49-81 33 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Decision Support System

    Schrickel, I., 06.2021, Enzyklopädie der Genauigkeit. Krajewski, M., von Schöning, A. & Wimmer, M. (eds.). Konstanz: Konstanz University Press, p. 62-73 12 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  7. Published

    Ein Unterstützungsraster zur Planung und Reflexion inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Unterrichts

    González, L. F., Fühner, L., Sührig, L., Weck, H., Weirauch, K. & Abels, S., 06.2021, Naturwissenschaftsdidaktik und Inklusion. Abels, S., Hundertmark, S., Nehring, A., Schildknecht, R., Seremet, V. & Sun, X. (eds.). Weinheim: Beltz Juventa Verlag, p. 191-215 25 p.

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

  8. Published

    Experimentieren 4.0 – Zum Einsatz von Experimenten im Biologieunterricht

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 06.2021, In: Digital unterrichten. Biologie. 2021, 6, p. 3-3 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsEducation

  9. Published

    Naturwissenschaftsdidaktik und Inklusion

    Hundertmark, S. (Editor), Sun, X. (Editor), Abels, S. (Editor), Nehring, A. (Editor), Schildknecht, R. (Editor), Seremet, V. (Editor) & Lindmeier, C. (Editor), 06.2021, Weinheim, Basel: Beltz Juventa Verlag. 282 p. (Beiheft Sonderpädagogische Förderung heute; no. 4)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesEducation

  10. Published

    Rhizosphere microbiome modulated effects of biochar on ryegrass 15N uptake and rhizodeposited 13C allocation in soil

    Fu, Y., Kumar, A., Chen, L., Jiang, Y., Ling, N., Wang, R., Pan, Q., Singh, B. P., Redmile-Gordon, M., Luan, L., Li, Q., Shi, Q., Reid, B. J., Fang, Y., Kuzyakov, Y., Luo, Y. & Xu, J., 06.2021, In: Plant and Soil. 463, 1-2, p. 359-377 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Tree diversity promotes predatory wasps and parasitoids but not pollinator bees in a subtropical experimental forest

    Guo, P. F., Wang, M. Q., Orr, M., Li, Y., Chen, J. T., Zhou, Q. S., Staab, M., Fornoff, F., Chen, G. H., Zhang, N. L., Klein, A. M. & Zhu, C. D., 06.2021, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 53, p. 134-142 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Well done (for someone of your gender)! Experimental evidence of teachers’ stereotype-based shifting standards for test grading and elaborated feedback

    Schuster, C., Narciss, S. & Bilz, J., 06.2021, In: Social Psychology of Education. 24, 3, p. 809-834 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Forests, farms, and fallows: The dynamics of tree cover transition in the southern part of the uluguru mountains, tanzania

    Mpanda, M., Kashindye, A., Aynekulu, E., Jonas, E., Rosenstock, T. S. & Giliba, R. A., 28.05.2021, In: Land. 10, 6, 15 p., 571.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    International scaling of sustainability continuing professional development for in-service teachers

    Redman, E., Murphy, C., Mancilla, Y., Mallon, B., Kater-Wettstädt, L., Barth, M., Ortiz, M. G., Smith, G. & Kelly, O., 27.05.2021, In: Interdisziplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education. 17, 3, 13 p., e2243.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  15. Published

    Environmental Accounting and the Management Challenge

    Burritt, R., Schaltegger, S. & Christ, K. L., 26.05.2021, Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. Shugart, H. H. (ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 19 p. (Oxford Research Encyclopedias).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  16. Published

    Exploring the influence of testimonial source on attitudes towards e-mental health interventions among university students: Four-group randomized controlled trial

    Apolinário-Hagen, J., Harrer, M., Dederichs, M., Fritsche, L., Wopperer, J., Wals, F., Loerbroks, A., Lehr, D., Salewski, C., Angerer, P. & Ebert, D. D., 26.05.2021, In: PLoS ONE. 16, 5, 24 p., e0252012.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: Health-economic evaluation from the societal and public health care perspective alongside a randomized controlled trial

    Buntrock, C., Lehr, D., Smit, F., Horvath, H., Berking, M., Spiegelhalder, K., Riper, H. & Ebert, D. D., 24.05.2021, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 23, 5, e25609.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Assessing nature-based solutions for transformative change

    Palomo, I., Locatelli, B., Otero, I., Colloff, M. J., Crouzat, E., Cuni-Sanchez, A., Gómez-Baggethun, E., González-García, A., Grêt-Regamey, A., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Martín-López, B., Pascual, U., Zafra-Calvo, N., Bruley, E., Fischborn, M., Metz, R. & Lavorel, S., 21.05.2021, In: One Earth. 4, 5, p. 730-741 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Happy just because. A cross-cultural study on subjective wellbeing in three Indigenous societies

    Reyes-Garcia, V., Gallois, S., Pyhala, A., Diaz-Reviriego, I., Fernandez-Llamazares, A., Galbraith, E., Miñarro, S. & Napitupulu, L., 13.05.2021, In: PLoS ONE. 16, 5, 16 p., e0251551.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Human-nature connectedness as leverage point

    Riechers, M., Balázsi, Á., García-Llorente, M. & Loos, J., 13.05.2021, In: Ecosystems and People. 17, 1, p. 215-221 7 p.

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

  21. Published

    Energy conservation attitudes and intentions: investigating place attachment in Eastern Transylvania, Romania

    Klaniecki, K., Duse, I. A., Engler, J. O., Leventon, J. & Abson, D. J., 05.05.2021, In: Psyecology. 12, 2, p. 177-201 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Teaching the Teachers about Language Support Strategies: Effects on Young Children’s Language Development

    Voltmer, K., Hormann, O., Pietsch, M., Mähler, C. & Salisch, M., 04.05.2021, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 12, 11 p., 660750.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Evidence for the age and timing of environmental change associated with a Lower Palaeolithic site within the Middle Pleistocene Reinsdorf sequence of the Schöningen coal mine, Germany

    Tucci, M., Krahn, K. J., Richter, D., van Kolfschoten, T., Álvarez, B. R., Verheijen, I., Serangeli, J., Lehmann, J., Degering, D., Schwalb, A. & Urban, B., 01.05.2021, In: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 569, 110309.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Just another buzzword? A systematic literature review of knowledge-related concepts in sustainability science

    Apetrei, C. I., Caniglia, G., von Wehrden, H. & Lang, D. J., 01.05.2021, In: Global Environmental Change. 68, 33 p., 102222.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  25. Published

    A leverage points perspective on institutions for food security in a smallholder-dominated landscape in southwestern Ethiopia

    Jiren, T. S., Riechers, M., Bergsten, A. & Fischer, J., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 767-779 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    A leverage points perspective on social networks to understand sustainability transformations: evidence from Southern Transylvania

    Lam, D. P. M., Martín-López, B., Horcea-Milcu, A. I. & Lang, D. J., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 809-826 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Biochar decreased rhizodeposits stabilization via opposite effects on bacteria and fungi: diminished fungi-promoted aggregation and enhanced bacterial mineralization

    Chen, Z., Kumar, A., Fu, Y., Singh, B. P., Ge, T., Tu, H., Luo, Y. & Xu, J., 05.2021, In: Biology and Fertility of Soils. 57, 4, p. 533-546 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Inner transformation to sustainability as a deep leverage point: fostering new avenues for change through dialogue and reflection

    Woiwode, C., Schäpke, N., Bina, O., Veciana, S., Kunze, I., Parodi, O., Schweizer-Ries, P. & Wamsler, C., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 841-858 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Leverage points for sustainability transformations: nine guiding questions for sustainability science and practice

    Leventon, J., Abson, D. J. & Lang, D. J., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 721-726 6 p.

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

  30. Published

    Circular Business Models: OVercoming Barriers, Unleashing Potentials

    Schomerus, T., Hansen, E. G., Ahle, U., Alcayaga, A., Blomsma, F., Büchle, D., Denker, A.-K., Fichter, K., Fiolka, K., Fröhling, M., Häge, A., Hoffmann, V., Jaeger-Erben, M., Kohl, H., Lüdeke-Freund, F., Nitz, T., Schiller, C., Tauer, R., Tischner, C., Vollkommer, D., Wilhelm, D. & Zefferer, H., 29.04.2021, München: acatech/SYSTEMIQ, 150 p.

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsTransfer

  31. Published

    Effects of local neighbourhood diversity on crown structure and productivity of individual trees in mature mixed-species forests

    Georgi, L., Kunz, M., Fichtner, A., Reich, K. F., Bienert, A., Maas, H.-G. & von Oheimb, G., 26.04.2021, In: Forest Ecosystems. 8, 1, 12 p., 26.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations

    Riechers, M., Loos, J., Balázsi, Á., García-Llorente, M., Bieling, C., Burgos-Ayala, A., Chakroun, L., Mattijssen, T. J. M., Muhr, M. M., Pérez-Ramírez, I., Raatikainen, K. J., Rana, S., Richardson, M., Rosengren, L. & West, S., 25.04.2021, In: Ecosystems and People. 17, 1, p. 205-214 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    A review of fire effects across South American ecosystems: the role of climate and time since fire

    Giorgis, M. A., Zeballos, S. R., Carbone, L., Zimmermann, H., von Wehrden, H., Aguilar, R., Ferreras, A. E., Tecco, P. A., Kowaljow, E., Barri, F., Gurvich, D. E., Villagra, P. & Jaureguiberry, P., 23.04.2021, In: Fire Ecology. 17, 1, 20 p., 11.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  34. Published

    Sustainability in Higher Education

    Barth, M., 21.04.2021, Oxford Bibliographies in "Education". Hynds, A. & Meyer, L. (eds.). Oxford University Press, (Oxford Bibliographies in "Education").

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  35. Published

    Hybrid life cycle assessment of an onshore wind farm including direct and indirect services: A case study in Guajira, Colombia

    Vélez-Henao, J. A. & Vivanco, D. F., 15.04.2021, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 284, 112058.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published
  37. Published
  38. Published

    Integrating Sustainability into Learning in Chemistry

    Wissinger, J. E., Visa, A., Saha, B. B., Matlin, S. A., Mahaffy, P. G., Kümmerer, K. & Cornell, S., 13.04.2021, In: Journal of Chemical Education. 98, 4, p. 1061-1063 3 p.

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

  39. Published

    Perspectivas urbano-rurales sobre la circulación de dos frutos silvestres del Bosque Altoandino en sistemas agroalimentarios de Bogotá, Colombia

    Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Consuegra, C., van der Hammen, M. C. & Pérez, D., 13.04.2021, In: Revista Etnobiología. 19, 1, p. 81-95 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Corporate contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals: An empirical analysis informed by legitimacy theory

    Silva, S., 10.04.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 292, 125962.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    A change of values is in the air

    Fischer, J., 01.04.2021, In: Nature Sustainability. 4, 4, p. 292-293 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  42. Published

    Contextualizing certification and auditing: Soy certification and access of local communities to land and water in Brazil

    Schilling-Vacaflor, A., Lenschow, A., Challies, E., Cotta, B. & Newig, J., 01.04.2021, In: World Development. 140, 12 p., 105281.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Controller als Partner im Nachhaltigkeits-Management

    Petersen, H., Lühn, M., Nuzum, A.-K., Schaltegger, S. & Wenzig, J., 01.04.2021, In: Controlling & Management Review. 65, 3, p. 8-15 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Corridors as a tool for linking habitats – Shortcomings and perspectives for plant conservation

    Travers, E., Härdtle, W. & Matthies, D., 01.04.2021, In: Journal for Nature Conservation. 60, 125974.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Corrigendum to “Flexible electricity generation, grid exchange and storage for the transition to a 100% renewable energy system in Europe” [Renew. Energy 139 (2019) 80-101]

    Child, M., Kemfert, C., Bogdanov, D. & Breyer, C., 01.04.2021, In: Renewable Energy. 167, p. 960 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  46. Published

    Die "Energiewende" im Bundestag: ein politisches Transformationsprojekt? Eine Diskursanalyse aus feministischer und sozial-ökologischer Perspektive

    Amri-Henkel, A., 01.04.2021, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 364 p. (Edition Politik; vol. 106)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesBook

  47. Published

    Ecosystem service mapping needs to capture more effectively the biodiversity important for service supply

    Ceausu, S., Apaza-Quevedo, A., Schmid, M., Martín-López, B., Cortés-Avizanda, A., Maes, J., Brotons, L., Queiroz, C. & Pereira, H. M., 01.04.2021, In: Ecosystem Services. 48, 10 p., 101259.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Ecosystem services from forest and farmland: Present and past access separates beneficiaries in rural Ethiopia

    Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I., Manlosa, A. O., von Wehrden, H., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 01.04.2021, In: Ecosystem Services. 48, 101263.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Effect of an internet- and app-based stress intervention compared to online psychoeducation in university students with depressive symptoms: Results of a randomized controlled trial

    Harrer, M., Apolinário-Hagen, J., Fritsche, L., Salewski, C., Zarski, A. C., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Cuijpers, P. & Ebert, D. D., 01.04.2021, In: Internet Interventions. 24, 11 p., 100374.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Interactions between species richness, herbivory and precipitation affect standing biomass in Mongolian rangelands

    Ahlborn, J., Wesche, K., Lang, B., Oyunbileg, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Römermann, C., French Collier, N. & von Wehrden, H., 01.04.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 2, 12 p., e12581.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Plant intraspecific competition and growth stage alter carbon and nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere

    Sun, Y., Zang, H., Splettstößer, T., Kumar, A., Xu, X., Kuzyakov, Y. & Pausch, J., 01.04.2021, In: Plant, Cell and Environment. 44, 4, p. 1231-1242 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review