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. 2020
  2. Published

    Sustainable Single-Stage Solid-Liquid Extraction of Hesperidin and Rutin from Agro-Products Using Cyrene

    Milescu, R. A., Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A., Mcelroy, C. R., Farmer, T. J., Clark, J. H. & Zuin, V. G., 14.12.2020, In: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. 8, 49, p. 18245-18257 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Transformative education: towards a relational, justice-oriented approach to sustainability

    Walsh, Z., Böhme, J., Lavelle, B. D. & Wamsler, C., 11.12.2020, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 21, 7, p. 1587-1606 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Functional domains of business incubators for refugee entrepreneurs

    Harima, A., Freudenberg, J. & Halberstadt, J., 10.12.2020, In: Journal of Enterprising Communities. 14, 5, p. 687-711 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Going beyond certificates: A systematic review of alternative trade arrangements in the global food sector

    Rathgens, J., Gröschner, S. & von Wehrden, H., 10.12.2020, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 276, 11 p., 123208.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  6. Published

    The Protection of Foreign Investments in Disputed Maritime Areas

    Benatar, M. & Schatz, V. J., 08.12.2020, Investments in Conflict Zones : The Role of International Investment Law in Armed Conflicts, Disputed Territories, and ‘Frozen’ Conflicts . Ackermann, T. & Wuschka, S. (eds.). Leiden, Niederlande: Brill | Nijhoff, p. 176 - 208 33 p. (Nijhoff International Investment Law Series; vol. 15).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  7. Published

    Wir brauchen New Green Deals

    Kemfert, C., 02.12.2020, In: DIW Wochenbericht. 87, 49, p. 918 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  8. Published

    Applying the pathways to nature connectedness at a societal scale: a leverage points perspective

    Richardson, M., Dobson, J., Abson, D. J., Lumber, R., Hunt, A., Young, R. & Moorhouse, B., 01.12.2020, In: Ecosystems and People. 16, 1, p. 387-401 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Editorial: Conversion of organic waste-to-food and feed

    Pleissner, D. & Smetana, S., 01.12.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 26, 3 p., 100394.

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

  10. Published

    Green and Sustainable Chemistry in South America: What have been done and seen there?

    Zuin, V. G. & de Souza, R. O. M. A., 01.12.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 26, 100408.

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

  11. Published
  12. Published

    Indigenous and local knowledge in environmental management for human-nature connectedness: a leverage points perspective

    Burgos-Ayala, A., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Torres-Torres, A. M., Rozas-Vásquez, D. & Lam, D. P. M., 01.12.2020, In: Ecosystems and People. 16, 1, p. 290-303 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Integrating stakeholder theory and sustainability accounting: A conceptual synthesis

    Hörisch, J., Schaltegger, S. & Freeman, R. E., 01.12.2020, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 275, 12 p., 124097.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Provenance- and life-history stage-specific responses of the dwarf shrub Calluna vulgaris to elevated vapour pressure deficit

    Ibe, K., Walmsley, D., Fichtner, A., Coners, H., Leuschner, C. & Härdtle, W., 01.12.2020, In: Plant Ecology. 221, 12, p. 1219-1232 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Targeted metabolomics of pellicle and saliva in children with different caries activity

    Schulz, A., Lang, R., Behr, J., Hertel, S., Reich, M., Kümmerer, K., Hannig, M., Hannig, C. & Hofmann, T., 01.12.2020, In: Scientific Reports. 10, 1, 11 p., 697.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Techniques to Control Microbial Contaminants in Nonsterile Microalgae Cultivation

    Pleißner, D., Lindner, A. V. & Ambati, R. R., 01.12.2020, In: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 192, 4, p. 1376-1385 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there

    Fazey, I., Schäpke, N., Caniglia, G., Hodgson, A., Kendrick, I., Lyon, C., Page, G., Patterson, J., Riedy, C., Strasser, T., Verveen, S., Adams, D., Goldstein, B., Klaes, M., Leicester, G., Linyard, A., McCurdy, A., Ryan, P., Sharpe, B., Silvestri, G., Abdurrahim, A. Y., Abson, D., Adetunji, O. S., Aldunce, P., Alvarez-Pereira, C., Amparo, J. M., Amundsen, H., Anderson, L., Andersson, L., Asquith, M., Augenstein, K., Barrie, J., Bent, D., Bentz, J., Bergsten, A., Berzonsky, C., Bina, O., Blackstock, K., Boehnert, J., Bradbury, H., Brand, C., Böhme, J., Bøjer, M. M., Carmen, E., Charli-Joseph, L., Choudhury, S., Chunhachoti-ananta, S., Cockburn, J., Colvin, J., Connon, I. L. C., Cornforth, R., Cox, R. S., Cradock-Henry, N., Cramer, L., Cremaschi, A., Dannevig, H., Day, C. T., de Lima Hutchison, C., de Vrieze, A., Desai, V., Dolley, J., Duckett, D., Durrant, R. A., Egermann, M., Elsner (Adams), E., Fremantle, C., Fullwood-Thomas, J., Galafassi, D., Gobby, J., Golland, A., González-Padrón, S. K., Gram-Hanssen, I., Grandin, J., Grenni, S., Lauren Gunnell, J., Gusmao, F., Hamann, M., Harding, B., Harper, G., Hesselgren, M., Hestad, D., Heykoop, C. A., Holmén, J., Holstead, K., Hoolohan, C., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Horlings, L. G., Howden, S. M., Howell, R. A., Huque, S. I., Inturias Canedo, M. L., Iro, C. Y., Ives, C. D., John, B., Joshi, R., Juarez-Bourke, S., Juma, D. W., Karlsen, B. C., Kliem, L., Kläy, A., Kuenkel, P., Kunze, I., Lam, D., Lang, D. J., Larkin, A., Light, A., Luederitz, C., Luthe, T., Maguire, C., Mahecha-Groot, A. M., Malcolm, J., Marshall, F., Maru, Y., McLachlan, C., Mmbando, P., Mohapatra, S., Moore, M. L., Moriggi, A., Morley-Fletcher, M., Moser, S., Mueller, K. M., Mukute, M., Mühlemeier, S., Naess, L. O., Nieto-Romero, M., Novo, P., ÓBrien, K., O'Connell, D. A., O'Donnell, K., Olsson, P., Pearson, K. R., Pereira, L., Petridis, P., Peukert, D., Phear, N., Pisters, S. R., Polsky, M., Pound, D., Preiser, R., Rahman, M. S., Reed, M. S., Revell, P., Rodriguez, I., Rogers, B. C., Rohr, J., Nordbø Rosenberg, M., Ross, H., Russell, S., Ryan, M., Saha, P., Schleicher, K., Schneider, F., Scoville-Simonds, M., Searle, B., Sebhatu, S. P., Sesana, E., Silverman, H., Singh, C., Sterling, E., Stewart, S. J., Tàbara, J. D., Taylor, D., Thornton, P., Tribaldos, T. M., Tschakert, P., Uribe-Calvo, N., Waddell, S., Waddock, S., van der Merwe, L., van Mierlo, B., van Zwanenberg, P., Velarde, S. J., Washbourne, C. L., Waylen, K., Weiser, A., Wight, I., Williams, S., Woods, M., Wolstenholme, R., Wright, N., Wunder, S., Wyllie, A. & Young, H. R., 01.12.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 70, 18 p., 101724.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published
  19. Published

    Wasserstoff: Grün und effizient!

    Kemfert, C., 01.12.2020, In: Wirtschaftsdienst. 100, 12, p. 906 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  20. Published

    Woody plant diversity, composition and structure in relation to environmental variables and land-cover types in Lake Wanchi watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia

    Angessa, A. T., Lemma, B., Yeshitela, K., Fischer, J., May, F. & Shumi, G., 01.12.2020, In: African Journal of Ecology. 58, 4, p. 627-638 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Circular value creation architectures: Make, ally, buy, or laissez-faire

    Hansen, E. G. & Revellio, F., 12.2020, In: Journal of Industrial Ecology. 24, 6, p. 1250-1273 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Governing global telecoupling toward environmental sustainability

    Newig, J., Challies, E., Cotta, B., Lenschow, A. & Schilling-Vacaflor, A., 12.2020, In: Ecology and Society. 25, 4, p. 1-17 17 p., 21.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Plant traits alone are poor predictors of ecosystem properties and long-term ecosystem functioning

    van der Plas, F., Schröder-Georgi, T., Weigelt, A., Barry, K., Meyer, S., Alzate, A., Barnard, R. L., Buchmann, N., de Kroon, H., Ebeling, A., Eisenhauer, N., Engels, C., Fischer, M., Gleixner, G., Hildebrandt, A., Koller-France, E., Leimer, S., Milcu, A., Mommer, L., Niklaus, P. A., Oelmann, Y., Roscher, C., Scherber, C., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Scheu, S., Schmid, B., Schulze, E. D., Temperton, V., Tscharntke, T., Voigt, W., Weisser, W., Wilcke, W. & Wirth, C., 12.2020, In: Nature Ecology & Evolution. 4, 12, p. 1602-1611 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Quantifying simultaneous innovations in evolutionary medicine

    Painter, D. T., van der Wouden, F., Laubichler, M. D. & Youn, H., 12.2020, In: Theory in Biosciences. 139, 4, p. 319-335 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    The revolution is conditional? The conditionality of hydrogen fuel cell expectations in five European countries

    Upham, P., Bögel, P., Dütschke, E., Burghard, U., Oltra, C., Sala, R., Lores, M. & Brinkmann, J., 12.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 70, 10 p., 101722.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Media representation of environmental issues in Malaysia: Newspapers and environment non-government organisation newsletters

    Saleh, M. S. M. & Heinrichs, H., 30.11.2020, In: Pacific Journalism Review. 26, 2, p. 118-131 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  27. Published

    Handelsbeschränkungen und Patentschutz für Impfstoffe: Europa- und völkerrechtliche Aspekte

    Bäumler, J. & Terhechte, J. P., 19.11.2020, In: Neue Juristische Wochenschrift. 73, 48, p. 3481-3487 7 p., 48.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  28. Published

    A cross-scale assessment of productivity–diversity relationships

    Craven, D., van der Sande, M. T., Meyer, C., Gerstner, K., Bennett, J. M., Giling, D. P., Hines, J., Phillips, H. R. P., May, F., Bannar-Martin, K. H., Chase, J. M. & Keil, P., 01.11.2020, In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. 29, 11, p. 1940-1955 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development: A Review and Multilevel Causal Mechanism Framework

    Johnson, M. P. & Schaltegger, S., 01.11.2020, In: Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. 44, 6, p. 1141-1173 33 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  30. Published

    Kann man Wald ernten? Ästhetische Zugänge zum systemischen Denken im Sachunterricht: Das Beispiel Wald

    Bruhn, K., Edelhoff, S. H., Kater-Wettstädt, L., Richter, S., Schürmann, H. & Barth, M., 01.11.2020, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. 63 p. (Infis-Beiträge: BNE hoch X ; vol. 1, no. 1)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCompendium/lecture notesEducation

  31. Published

    Meditating for the Planet: Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sustainable Consumption Behaviors

    Geiger, S. M., Fischer, D., Schrader, U. & Grossman, P., 01.11.2020, In: Environment and Behavior. 52, 9, p. 1012-1042 31 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Natural clay as a sorbent to remove pharmaceutical micropollutants from wastewater

    Mahouachi, L., Rastogi, T., Palm, W. U., Ghorbel-Abid, I., Ben Hassen Chehimi, D. & Kümmerer, K., 01.11.2020, In: Chemosphere. 258, 127213.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Neighbourhood‐mediated shifts in tree biomass allocation drive overyielding in tropical species mixtures

    Guillemot, J., Kunz, M., Schnabel, F., Fichtner, A., Madsen, C. P., Gebauer, T., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G. & Potvin, C., 01.11.2020, In: New Phytologist. 228, 4, p. 1256-1268 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    The erosion of relational values resulting from landscape simplification

    Riechers, M., Balázsi, Á., Betz, L., Jiren, T. S. & Fischer, J., 01.11.2020, In: Landscape Ecology. 35, 11, p. 2601-2612 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    What are the ingredients for food systems change towards sustainability? - Insights from the literature

    Weber, H., Pöggel, K., Eakin, H., Fischer, D., Lang, D. J., Wehrden, H. & Wiek, A., 01.11.2020, In: Environmental Research Letters. 15, 11, 17 p., 113001.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  36. Published

    Capability of social life cycle assessment for analyzing the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector—case study in the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil

    Springer, S. K., Peregovich, B. G. & Schmidt, M., 11.2020, In: International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. 25, 11, p. 2274-2289 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Diversitätsgerechte und digitale Lehre - Chance oder Widerspruch?

    Abels, S. & Stinken-Rösner, L., 11.2020, In: VSH AEU Bulletin. 46, 3/4, p. 39-46 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  38. Published

    Putting adaptive planning into practice: A meta-analysis of current applications

    Malekpour, S. & Newig, J., 11.2020, In: Cities. 106, 12 p., 102866.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Rethinking the meaning of “landscape shocks” in energy transitions: German social representations of the Fukushima nuclear accident

    Upham, P., Eberhardt, L. & Klapper, R. G., 11.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 69, 12 p., 101710.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Thinking the Problematic: Genealogies and Explorations between Philosophy and the Sciences

    Leistert, O. (Editor) & Schrickel, I. (Editor), 26.10.2020, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 197 p. (Philosophy)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  41. Published

    Sustainable Chemistry - Path and Goal for a More Sustainable Textile Sector

    Kümmerer, K. & Keßler, L., 25.10.2020, Sustainable Textile and Fashion Value Chains: Drivers, Concepts, Theories and Solutions. Matthes, A., Beyer, K., Cebulla, H., Arnold, M. G. & Schumann, A. (eds.). Cham: Springer Nature, p. 75-104 30 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  42. Published

    Set ambitious goals for biodiversity and sustainability

    Díaz, S., Zafra-Calvo, N., Purvis, A., Verburg, P. H., Obura, D., Leadley, P., Chaplin-Kramer, R., De Meester, L., Dulloo, E., Martín-López, B., Shaw, M. R., Visconti, P., Broadgate, W., Bruford, M. W., Burgess, N. D., Cavender-Bares, J., DeClerck, F., Fernández-Palacios, J. M., Garibaldi, L. A., Hill, S. L. L., Isbell, F., Khoury, C. K., Krug, C. B., Liu, J., Maron, M., McGowan, P. J. K., Pereira, H. M., Reyes-García, V., Rocha, J., Rondinini, C., Shannon, L., Shin, Y.-J., Snelgrove, P. V. R., Spehn, E. M., Strassburg, B., Subramanian, S. M., Tewksbury, J. J., Watson, J. E. M. & Zanne, A. E., 23.10.2020, In: Science. 370, 6515, p. 411-413 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Urbanization, Migration, and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Adger, W. N., Crépin, A. S., Folke, C., Ospina, D., Chapin, F. S., Segerson, K., Seto, K. C., Anderies, J. M., Barrett, S., Bennett, E. M., Daily, G., Elmqvist, T., Fischer, J., Kautsky, N., Levin, S. A., Shogren, J. F., van den Bergh, J., Walker, B. & Wilen, J., 23.10.2020, In: One Earth. 3, 4, p. 396-399 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Accounting for work conditions from modern slavery to decent work

    Christ, K. L., Burritt, R. & Schaltegger, S., 20.10.2020, In: Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. 33, 7, p. 1481-1504 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Capacity building for transformational leadership and transdisciplinarity

    Barth, M., Bruhn, A., Lam, D., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 195-197 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    From niche to mainstream: the dilemmas of scaling up sustainable alternatives

    Augenstein, K., Bachmann, B., Egermann, M., Hermelingmeier, V., Hilger, A., Jäger-Erben, M., Kessler, A., Lam, D., Palzkill, A., Suski, P. & von Wirth, T., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 143-147 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  47. Published

    Meeting the challenge of (co-)designing real-world laboratories: Insights from the Well-Being Transformation Wuppertal project

    Rose, M. & Maibaum, K., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA. 29, 3, p. 154-160 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Sagt das Emotionswissen von jungen Kindern ihre phonologische Bewusstheit im Entwicklungsverlauf voraus?

    Salisch, M. & Voltmer, K., 15.10.2020, In: Kindheit und Entwicklung. 29, 4, p. 221-228 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Learning Processes in the Early Development of Sustainable Niches: The Case of Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurs in Mexico

    Rodriguez Aboytes, J. G. & Barth, M., 13.10.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 20, 26 p., 8434.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Crowdfunding for Responsible Entrepreneurship

    Tenner, I. M. & Hörisch, J., 10.10.2020, Responsible Entrepreneurship: Verantwortlich handeln in einer globalisierten Welt. Pechlaner, H. & Speer, S. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer Gabler, p. 117-134 (Entrepreneurial Management und Standortentwicklung)(Research).

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

  51. Published

    The Framework for Inclusive Science Education

    Brauns, S. & Abels, S., 10.10.2020, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 126 p. (Inclusive Science Education; no. 1/2020).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers