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. 2019
  2. Published

    Guidance for assessing interregional ecosystem service flows

    Koellner, T., Bonn, A., Arnhold, S., Bagstad, K. J., Fridman, D., Guerra, C. A., Kastner, T., Kissinger, M., Kleemann, J., Kuhlicke, C., Liu, J., López-Hoffman, L., Marques, A., Martín-López, B., Schulp, C. J. E., Wolff, S. & Schröter, M., 10.2019, In: Ecological Indicators. 105, p. 92-106 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Vermeidung von Biozideinträgen aus Gebäudeauswaschungen in urbane Oberflächengewässer und Grundwasser

    Olsson, O., Lange, J. & Kümmerer, K., 10.2019, In: KA - Korrespondenz Abwasser, Abfall. 66, 10, p. 812-819 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  4. Published

    Artful and sensory sustainability science: Exploring novel methodological perspectives

    Heinrichs, H. & Kagan, S., 30.09.2019, In: Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability. 8, 3, p. 431-442 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Seeing polycentrically: Examining governance situations using a polycentricity lens

    Blomquist, W. A. & Schröder, N. J. S., 30.09.2019, Governing Complexity: Analyzing and Applying Polycentricity. Thiel, A., Blomquist, W. A. & Garrick, D. E. (eds.). Cambridge University Press, p. 45-64 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  6. Published

    Learning from Indigenous Populations and Local Communities

    Molnár, Z., Doormann, L., Reyes-García, V., Martín-López, B., Berkes, F. & Bodin, Ö., 20.09.2019, In: One Earth. 1, 1, p. 16-17 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  7. Published

    Linking socio-technical transition studies and organisational change management: Steps towards an integrative, multi-scale heuristic

    Bögel, P., Pereverza, K., Upham, P. & Kordas, O., 20.09.2019, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 232, p. 359-368 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Guest editorial: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, Vol. 10 No. 4

    Crutzen, N. (Editor), Van Bockhaven, J. (Editor), Schaltegger, S. (Editor) & Giffinger, R. (Editor), 18.09.2019, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 10, 4, p. 646-653 8 p.

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

  9. Published

    ‚Natur’ im Konzept Vorsorgenden Wirtschaftens: Feministisch ökologische Perspektiven auf gesellschaftliche Natur- und Geschlechterverhältnisse

    Hofmeister, S., Kanning, H. & Mölders, T., 18.09.2019, Ökonomie des Versorgens: Feministisch-kritische Wirtschaftstheorien im deutschsprachigen Raum. Knobloch, U. (ed.). 1 ed. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa Verlag, p. 222-249 28 p. (Arbeitsgesellschaft im Wandel).

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

  10. Published

    Foundational Aspects of Polycentric Governance: Overarching Rules, Social-Problem Characteristics, and Heterogeneity

    Thiel, A. & Moser, C., 13.09.2019, Governing Complexity: Analyzing and Applying Polycentricity. Thiel, A., Blomquist, W. A. & Garrick, D. E. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 65-90 26 p. 3. (Cambridge studies in economics, choice, and society).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  11. Published

    Einträge von Bioziden und Transformationsprodukten aus Fassadenauswaschungen in urbane Oberflächengewässer und Grundwasser

    Olsson, O., 10.09.2019, Emissionsminderung von Punktquellen im ländlichen Raum: 12. Rostocker Abwassertagung. Tränckner, J. (ed.). Rostock: Universität Rostock, Vol. 88. p. 152-158 7 p. (Schriftenreihe Umweltingenieurwesen ; vol. 88).

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

  12. Published

    Loving the mess: navigating diversity and conflict in social values for sustainability

    Kenter, J. O., Raymond, C. M., van Riper, C. J., Azzopardi, E., Brear, M. R., Calcagni, F., Christie, I., Christie, M., Fordham, A., Gould, R. K., Ives, C. D., Hejnowicz, A. P., Gunton, R., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Kendal, D., Kronenberg, J., Massenberg, J. R., O’Connor, S., Ravenscroft, N., Rawluk, A., Raymond, I. J., Rodríguez-Morales, J. & Thankappan, S., 02.09.2019, In: Sustainability Science. 14, 5, p. 1439-1461 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published
  14. Published

    Understanding the diversity of values of “Nature’s contributions to people”: insights from the IPBES Assessment of Europe and Central Asia

    Christie, M., Martín-López, B., Church, A., Siwicka, E., Szymonczyk, P. & Mena Sauterel, J., 02.09.2019, In: Sustainability Science. 14, 5, p. 1267–1282 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  15. Published

    Values in transformational sustainability science: four perspectives for change

    Horcea-Milcu, A.-I., Abson, D. J., Apetrei, C. I., Duse, I. A., Freeth, R., Riechers, M., Lam, D. P. M., Dorninger, C. & Lang, D. J., 02.09.2019, In: Sustainability Science. 14, 5, p. 1425-1437 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Computational history of knowledge: Challenges and opportunities

    Laubichler, M. D., Maienschein, J. & Renn, J., 01.09.2019, In: Isis. 110, 3, p. 502-512 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Focus: Computational history and philosophy of science: Introduction

    Gibson, A., Laubichler, M. D. & Maienschein, J., 01.09.2019, In: Isis. 110, 3, p. 497-501 5 p.

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

  18. Published

    Green technology innovation: Anatomy of exploration processes from a learning perspective

    Wicki, S. & Hansen, E. G., 01.09.2019, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 28, 6, p. 970-988 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Strong or weak synergy? Revising the assumption of team-specific advantages in integrative negotiations

    Hüffmeier, J., Zerres, A., Freund, P. A., Backhaus, K., Trötschel, R. & Hertel, G., 01.09.2019, In: Journal of Management. 45, 7, p. 2721-2750 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Utilization of phenolic compounds by microalgae

    Lindner, A. V. & Pleißner, D., 01.09.2019, In: Algal Research. 42, 9 p., 101602.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  21. Published

    Business Cases for Sustainability: A Stakeholder Theory Perspective

    Schaltegger, S., Hörisch, J. & Freeman, R. E., 09.2019, In: Organization & Environment. 32, 3, p. 191-212 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Human-carnivore relations: A systematic review

    Lozano, J., Olszańska, A., Morales-Reyes, Z., Castro, A. A., Malo, A. F., Moleón, M., Sánchez-Zapata, J. A., Cortés-Avizanda, A., von Wehrden, H., Dorresteijn, I., Kansky, R., Fischer, J. & Martín-López, B., 09.2019, In: Biological Conservation. 237, p. 480-492 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  23. Published

    Slug activity density increases seed predation independently of an urban–rural gradient

    Miczajka, V. L., Klein, A. M. & Pufal, G., 09.2019, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 39, p. 15-25 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Structural ambidexterity, transition processes, and integration trade‐offs: a longitudinal study of failed exploration

    Hansen, E. G., Wicki, S. & Schaltegger, S., 09.2019, In: R&D Management. 49, 4, p. 484-508 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Sustainability Index to Assess the Environmental Impact of Heat Supply Systems

    Hehenberger-Risse, D., Straub, J., Niechoj, D. & Lutzenberger, A., 09.2019, In: Chemical Engineering & Technology. 42, 9, p. 1923-1927 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    What is governance in global telecoupling?

    Newig, J., Lenschow, A., Challies, E., Cotta, B. & Schilling-Vacaflor, A., 09.2019, In: Ecology and Society. 24, 3, 5 p., 26.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Tree neighbourhood diversity increases community productivity and growth stability under contrasting climatic regimes

    Schnabel, F., Schwarz, J. A., Danescu, A., Fichtner, A., Nock, C., Bauhus, J. & Potvin, C., 30.08.2019, In: Brazilian Journal of Forestry Research. 39, Special Issue, p. 149-149 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearch

  28. Published

    Verfassungsrechtliche Vertiefung: Neue Ansätze zur Regulierung der Windenergie: Einführung III

    Bäumler, J., 23.08.2019, BBergG: Bundesberggesetz : Kommentar. Frenz, W. (ed.). Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag, p. 39-72 34 p. (Berliner Kommentare).

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

  29. Published

    Maize silage digestate application affecting germination and early growth of maize modulated by soil type

    Robles-Aguilar, A. A., Temperton, V. M. & Jablonowski, N. D., 20.08.2019, In: Agronomy. 9, 8, 15 p., 473.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    (Re)Produktivität – eine Vermittlungskategorie für Vorsorgendes Wirtschaften

    Biesecker, A., Hofmeister, S., Amri-Henkel, A., Breitenbach, S. & Saave-Harnack, A., 18.08.2019, Ökonomie des Versorgens: Feministisch-kritische Wirtschaftstheorien im deutschsprachigen Raum. Knobloch, U. (ed.). 1 ed. Weinheim: Juventa Verlag, p. 120-138 18 p. (Arbeitsgesellschaft im Wandel).

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

  31. Published

    A greener path for the EU Common Agricultural Policy

    Pe’er, G., Zinngrebe, Y., Moreira, F., Sirami, C., Schindler, S., Müller, R., Bontzorlos, V., Clough, D., Bezák, P., Bonn, A., Hansjürgens, B., Lomba, A., Möckel, S., Passoni, G., Schleyer, C., Schmidt, J. & Lakner, S., 02.08.2019, In: Science. 365, 6452, p. 449-451 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  32. Published

    Environmental orientation among nascent and established entrepreneurs: An empirical analysis of differences and their causes

    Hörisch, J., Kollat, J. & Brieger, S. A., 02.08.2019, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing. 11, 4, p. 373-393 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Differentiating forest types using TerraSAR–X spotlight images based on inferential statistics and multivariate analysis

    Farghaly, D., Urban, B., Sörgel, U. & Elba, E., 01.08.2019, In: Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment. 15, 100238.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published
  35. Published

    Integrated nutrient-weed management under mechanised dry direct seeding (DDS) is essential for sustained smallholder adoption in rainfed lowland rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

    Sengxua, P., Jackson, T., Simali, P., Vial, L. K., Douangboupha, K., Clarke, E., Harnpichitviataya, D. & Wade, L. J., 01.08.2019, In: Experimental Agriculture. 55, 4, p. 509-525 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Vom Luftballon zum Van-de-Graaff-Generator: Experimente zur Elektrostatik mit Augmented-RealityErweiterung

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 01.08.2019, In: Unterricht Physik. 30, 171/172, p. 25-29 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  37. Published

    Cross-National Complementarity of Technology Push, Demand Pull, and Manufacturing Push Policies: The Case of Photovoltaics

    Hansen, E. G., Ludeke-Freund, F., Quan, X. I. & West, J., 08.2019, In: IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 66, 3, p. 381-397 17 p., 8424882.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Potenzialorientierter Naturwissenschaftsunterricht

    Abels, S., 08.2019, Potenzialorientierte Förderung in den Fachdidaktiken. Veber, M., Benölken, R. & Pfitzner, M. (eds.). Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 61-78 18 p. (Begabungsförderung : individuelle Förderung und inklusive Bildung ; vol. 7).

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

  39. Published

    Becoming a competent teacher in education for sustainable development: Learning outcomes and processes in teacher education

    Brandt, J. O., Bürgener, L., Barth, M. & Redman, A., 19.07.2019, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 20, 4, p. 630-653 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Global research landscape of sustainability curricula implementation in higher education

    Weiss, M. & Barth, M., 19.07.2019, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 20, 4, p. 570-589 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Stories of favourite Places in public spaces: Emotional responses to landscape change

    Riechers, M., Henkel, W., Engbers, M. & Fischer, J., 15.07.2019, In: Sustainability. 11, 14, 11 p., 3851.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  42. Published

    Is implicit Theory of Mind real but hard to detect? Testing adults with different stimulus materials

    Kulke, L., Wübker, M. & Rakoczy, H., 10.07.2019, In: Royal Society Open Science. 6, 7, 14 p., 190068.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Stakeholder signalling and strategic niche management: The case of aviation biokerosene

    Koistinen, K., Upham, P. & Bögel, P. M., 10.07.2019, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 225, p. 72-81 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    A novel telecoupling framework to assess social relations across spatial scales for ecosystem services research

    Martín-López, B., Felipe-Lucia, M. R., Bennett, E. M., Norström, A., Peterson, G., Plieninger, T., Hicks, C. C., Turkelboom, F., García-Llorente, M., Jacobs, S., Lavorel, S. & Locatelli, B., 01.07.2019, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 241, p. 251-263 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Assessment of upstream bioprocessing

    Pleißner, D., 01.07.2019, In: 3 Biotech. 9, 7, 7 p., 260.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Diffusion of environmental management accounting for cleaner production: Evidence from some case studies

    Burritt, R. L., Herzig, C., Schaltegger, S. & Viere, T., 01.07.2019, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 224, p. 479-491 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Identifying past social-ecological thresholds to understand long-term temporal dynamics in Spain

    Santos-Martín, F., García-Mon, B. G., González, J. A., Iniesta-Arandia, I., García-Llorente, M., Montes, C., Ravera, F., López-Santiago, C. A., Carpintero, Ó., Benayas, J. & Martín-López, B., 01.07.2019, In: Ecology and Society. 24, 2, 23 p., 10.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Step back from the forest and step up to the Bonn Challenge: How a broad ecological perspective can promote successful landscape restoration

    Temperton, V. M., Buchmann, N., Buisson, E., Durigan, G., Kazmierczak, L., Perring, M. P., de Sá Dechoum, M., Veldman, J. W. & Overbeck, G. E., 01.07.2019, In: Restoration Ecology. 27, 4, p. 705-719 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Sustainable business models and sustainable supply chain management: Establishing linkages

    Norris, S., Zufall, J., Schaltegger, S. & Weissbrod, I., 01.07.2019, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on New Business Models: New Business Models for Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Transformation. Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Froese, T. (eds.). Berlin: ESCP Europe, p. 872-873 2 p.

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

  50. Published

    The post-normal politics and science of wind power planning: Evidence from a Danish near-shore wind farm tender

    Johansen, K. & Upham, P., 01.07.2019, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 53, p. 182-193 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Monitoring environmental effects on farmland Lepidoptera: Does necessary sampling effort vary between different bio-geographic regions in Europe?

    Lang, A., Kallhardt, F., Lee, M. S., Loos, J., Molander, M. A., Muntean, I., Pettersson, L. B., Rákosy, L., Stefanescu, C. & Messéan, A., 07.2019, In: Ecological Indicators. 102, p. 791-800 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review