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. 2016
  2. Published

    Resources or landmarks: which factors drive homing success in Tetragonula carbonaria foraging in natural and disturbed landscapes?

    Leonhardt, S. D., Kaluza, B. F., Wallace, H. & Heard, T. A., 01.10.2016, In: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology. 202, 9-10, p. 701-708 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    UV-photodegradation of desipramine: Impact of concentration, pH and temperature on formation of products including their biodegradability and toxicity

    Khaleel, N. D. H., Mahmoud, W. M. M., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.10.2016, In: The Science of The Total Environment. 566-567, p. 826-840 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Feuer kann man nicht nur sehen: Kinder erforschen Verbrennungsprozesse

    Bolek, R., 10.2016, In: Grundschule Sachunterricht. 72, p. 10-16 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  5. Published

    The long-term effects of wall attached microalgal biofilm on algae-based wastewater treatment

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 10.2016, In: Bioresource Technology. 218, p. 1249-1252 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Bioconversion of agri-food residues into lactic acid

    Venus, J. & Pleißner, D., 29.09.2016, The 15th International Symposium Prospects for me: Book of Abstracts. Vondnar, D. C. (ed.). Cluj-Napoca, Rumänien: University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, p. 125 1 p. (University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca; no. 3/2016).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearch

  7. Published

    A social–ecological perspective on harmonizing food security and biodiversity conservation

    Wittman, H., Chappell, M. J., Abson, D. J., Kerr, R. B., Blesh, J., Hanspach, J., Perfecto, I. & Fischer, J., 26.09.2016, In: Regional Environmental Change. 17, 5, p. 1291-1301 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Telomere length and environmental conditions predict stress levels but not parental investment in a long-lived seabird

    Young, R. C., Barger, C. P., Dorresteijn, I., Haussmann, M. F. & Kitaysky, A. S., 08.09.2016, In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. 556, p. 251-259 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    General strategies to increase the repeatability in non-target screening by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

    Bader, T., Schulz, W., Kümmerer, K. & Winzenbacher, R., 07.09.2016, In: Analytica Chimica Acta. 935, p. 173-186 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    A Global Synthesis of Jatropha Cultivation: Insights into Land Use Change and Management Practices

    Walmsley, D. C., Bailis, R. & Klein, A.-M., 06.09.2016, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 50, 17, p. 8993-9002 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Two types of ‘enough’: sufficiency as minimum and maximum

    Spengler, L., 02.09.2016, In: Environmental Politics. 25, 5, p. 921-940 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    A comparison of feasible methods for microalgal biomass determinations during tertiary wastewater treatment

    Su, Y., Mennerich, A. & Urban, B., 01.09.2016, In: Ecological Engineering. 94, p. 532-536 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    An applied methodology for stakeholder identification in transdisciplinary research

    Leventon, J., Fleskens, L., Claringbould, H., Schwilch, G. & Hessel, R., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 763-775 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Business Models for Sustainability: A Co-Evolutionary Analysis of Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Transformation

    Schaltegger, S., Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Hansen, E. G., 01.09.2016, In: Organization & Environment. 29, 3, p. 264-289 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Effect of a Web-Based Guided Self-Help Intervention for Prevention of Major Depression in Adults with Subthreshold Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    Buntrock, C., Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Smit, F., Riper, H., Berking, M. & Cuijpers, P., 01.09.2016, In: Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 71, 9, p. 526-527 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Endogenous environmental policy for small open economies with transboundary pollution

    Fünfgelt, J. & Schulze, G. G., 01.09.2016, In: Economic Modelling. 57, p. 294-310 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Introduction to the Assessment - Characteristics of the Region

    Quante, M., Colijn, F., Bakker, J. P., Härdtle, W., Heinrich, H., Lefebvre, C., Nöhren, I., Olesen, J. E., Pohlmann, T., Sterr, H., Sündermann, J. & Tölle, M. H., 01.09.2016, North Sea Region Climate Change Assessment. Quante, M. & Colijn, F. (eds.). 1. ed. Cham: Springer Verlag, p. 1-52 52 p. (Regional Climate Studies).

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

  18. Published

    Possible underestimations of risks for the environment due to unregulated emissions of biocides from households to wastewater

    Wieck, S., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.09.2016, In: Environmental international. 94, p. 695-705 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Utilizing international networks for accelerating research and learning in transformational sustainability science

    Keeler, L. W., Wiek, A., Lang, D. J., Yokohari, M., van Breda, J., Olsson, L., Ness, B., Morato, J., Segalas, J., Martens, P., Bojorquez-Tapia, L. A. & Evans, J., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 749-762 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Internet- and mobile-based stress management for employees with adherence-focused guidance: Efficacy and mechanism of change

    Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Heber, E., Riper, H., Cuijpers, P. & Berking, M., 09.2016, In: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. 42, 5, p. 382-394 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Reliability and Validity of Assessing User Satisfaction With Web-Based Health Interventions

    Boss, L., Lehr, D., Reis, D., Vis, C., Riper, H., Berking, M. & Ebert, D. D., 31.08.2016, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 18, 8, 13 p., e234.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Exploring the potential role of priority effects for ecological restoration

    Temperton, V. M., Nelson, C. & Weidlich, E. W. A., 25.08.2016, 10th European Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER Europe): The 10th European Conference on Ecological Restoration, abstract volume. Kollmann, J. & Hermann, J.-M. (eds.). Technische Universität München, p. 108 1 p.

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

  23. Published

    Priority effects influence plant traits and biomass in a grassland field experiment

    Weidlich, E. W. A. & Temperton, V. M., 25.08.2016, Best practice in restoration: The 10th European Conference on Ecological Restoration Abstract Volume, August 22–26, 2016, Freising, Germany. Technische Universität München, p. 259 1 p.

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

  24. Published

    Kritik als unabdingbare gesellschaftlich Dienstleistung. Der Beitrag feministischer Theorie und Praxis zur Nachhaltigkeitsforschung

    Gottschlich, D. & Katz, C., 22.08.2016, Nachhaltigkeit . Jähnichen, T., Meireis, T., Rehm, J., Reihs, S. & Reuter, H.-R. (eds.). Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus, p. 162-182 20 p. (Jahrbuch Sozialer Protestantismus; vol. 9).

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

  25. Published

    Sustainability assessments designed for multiple functions: five cases about water resources, nanotechnologies and communities

    Wiek, A., Kuzdas, C., Foley, R., Withycombe Keeler, L., Forrest, N. & Kay, B., 12.08.2016, Sustainability Assessment: Applications and Opportunities. Gibson, R. B. (ed.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 127-145 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  26. Published

    Model of mobility demands for future short distance public transport systems

    Sandau, A., Marx Gómez, J., Stamer, D., Wagner vom Berg, B. & Halberstadt, J., 07.08.2016, Conf-IRM 2016 Proceedings. AIS eLibrary, 13 p.

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

  27. Published

    Proof of concept: Enterprise Crowdfunding

    Marx Gómez, J., Sandau, A., Sevimli, K., Schmitt, C. & Halberstadt, J., 07.08.2016, Conf-IRM 2016 Proceedings. AIS eLibrary, 6 p.

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

  28. Published

    A novel bioenergy feedstock in Latin America? Cultivation potential of Acrocomia aculeata under current and future climate conditions

    Plath, M., Moser, C., Bailis, R., Brandt, P., Hirsch, H., Klein, A. M., Walmsley, D. & von Wehrden, H., 01.08.2016, In: Biomass and Bioenergy. 91, p. 186-195 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Antineoplastic compounds in the environment: Substances of special concern

    Kümmerer, K., Haiß, A., Schuster, A., Hein, A. & Ebert, I., 01.08.2016, In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 23, 15, p. 14791–14804 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Characterizing social-ecological units to inform biodiversity conservation in cultural landscapes

    Hanspach, J., Loos, J., Dorresteijn, I., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 01.08.2016, In: Diversity and Distributions. 22, 8, p. 853-864 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Disaggregated contributions of ecosystem services to human well-being: a case study from Eastern Europe

    Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Leventon, J., Hanspach, J. & Fischer, J., 01.08.2016, In: Regional Environmental Change. 16, 6, p. 1779-1791 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Effects of land use on taxonomic and functional diversity: a cross-taxon analysis in a Mediterranean landscape

    Hevia, V., Carmona, C. P., Azcárate, F. M., Torralba, M., Alcorlo, P., Ariño, R., Lozano, J., Castro-Cobo, S. & González, J. A., 01.08.2016, In: Oecologia. 181, 4, p. 959-970 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    "Occupational eMental Health" in der Lehrergesundheit: Ein metaanalytisches Review zur Wirksamkeit von Online-Gesundheitstrainings bei Lehrkräften

    Lehr, D., Heber, E., Sieland, B., Hillert, A., Funk, B. & Ebert, D. D., 01.08.2016, In: Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. 11, 3, p. 182-192 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  34. Published

    Operationalizing ecosystem services for the mitigation of soil threats: A proposed framework

    Schwilch, G., Bernet, L., Fleskens, L., Giannakis, E., Leventon, J., Marañón, T., Mills, J., Short, C., Stolte, J., Van Delden, H. & Verzandvoort, S., 01.08.2016, In: Ecological Indicators. 67, p. 586-597 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Nachhaltiger Konsum als Bildungsherausforderung: Perspektiven für die Gestaltung von Schule und Unterricht

    Fischer, D., 08.2016, In: Politik unterrichten. 31, 1, p. 37-46 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  36. Published

    Nitrogen Addition Enhances Drought Sensitivity of Young Deciduous Tree Species

    Dziedek, C., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G. & Fichtner, A., 22.07.2016, In: Frontiers in Plant Science. 7, 7, 12 p., 1100.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Crying wolf: Limitations of predator–prey studies need not preclude their salient messages

    Ritchie, E. G., Schultner, J., Nimmo, D. G., Fischer, J., Hanspach, J., Kuemmerle, T., Kehoe, L. & Dorresteijn, I., 13.07.2016, In: Proceedings of the Royal Society B . 283, 1834, 1 p., 20161244.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    The role of gestures in a teacher-student-discourse about atoms

    Abels, S. J., 06.07.2016, In: Chemistry education Research and Practice. 17, 3, p. 618-628 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Distribution of Organophosphate Esters between the Gas and Particle Phase-Model Predictions vs Measured Data

    Sühring, R., Wolschke, H., Diamond, M. L., Jantunen, L. M. & Scheringer, M., 05.07.2016, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 50, 13, p. 6644-6651 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Participatory Scenario Planning: From Scenario ‘Stakeholders’ to Scenario ‘Owners’

    Freeth, R. & Drimie, S., 03.07.2016, In: Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development. 58, 4, p. 32-43 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    The coexistence of amenity and biodiversity in urban landscapes

    Ives, C. D. & Kelly, A. H., 03.07.2016, In: Landscape Research. 41, 5, p. 495-509 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    A poor international standard for trap selectivity threatens carnivore conservation

    Virgós, E., Lozano Mendoza, J., Cabezas-Díaz, S., Macdonald, D. W., Zalewski, A., Atienza, J. C., Proulx, G., Ripple, W. J., Rosalino, L. M., Santos-Reis, M., Johnson, P. J., Malo, A. F. & Baker, S. E., 01.07.2016, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 25, 8, p. 1409-1419 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  43. Published

    Barley (Hordeum distichon L.) roots synthesise volatile aldehydes with a strong age-dependent pattern and release (E)-non-2-enal and (E,Z)-nona-2,6-dienal after mechanical injury

    Delory, B. M., Delaplace, P., du Jardin, P. & Fauconnier, M. L., 01.07.2016, In: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 104, p. 134-145 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Consumers' purchasing decisions regarding environmentally friendly products: An empirical analysis of German consumers

    Moser, A., 01.07.2016, In: Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. 31, p. 389-397 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Fermentative utilization of coffee mucilage using Bacillus coagulans and investigation of down-stream processing of fermentation broth for optically pure L(+)-lactic acid production

    Neu, A.-K., Pleissner, D., Mehlmann, K., Schneider, R., Puerta-Quintero, G. I. & Venus, J., 01.07.2016, In: Bioresource Technology. 211, Juli, p. 398-405 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Recommendations for evaluating temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants in breast milk

    Gyalpo, T., Scheringer, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 01.07.2016, In: Environmental Health Perspectives. 124, 7, p. 881-885 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  47. Published

    Testing alien plant distribution and habitat invasibility in mountain ecosystems: growth form matters

    Giorgis, M. A., Cingolani, A. M., Tecco, P. A., Cabido, M., Poca, M. & von Wehrden, H., 01.07.2016, In: Biological Invasions. 18, 7, p. 2017-2028 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    The Information-anchoring model of first-offers: When moving first helps versus hurts negotiators

    Loschelder, D. D., Trötschel, R., Swaab, R. I., Friese, M. & Galinsky, A. D., 01.07.2016, In: Journal of Applied Psychology. 101, 7, p. 995-1012 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Transboundary Cooperation in European Water Governance - A set-theoretic analysis of International River Basins

    Jager, N. W., 01.07.2016, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 26, 4, p. 278–291 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Atmospheric occurrence and fate of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizer at the German coast

    Wolschke, H., Sühring, R., Mi, W., Möller, A., Xie, Z. & Ebinghaus, R., 07.2016, In: Atmospheric Environment. 137, p. 1-5 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Gendered Energy – Analytische Perspektiven und Potenziale der Geschlechterforschung für eine sozial-ökologische Gestaltung der Energiewende im Raum

    Kanning, H., Mölders, T. & Hofmeister, S., 30.06.2016, In: Raumforschung und Raumordnung. 74, 3, p. 213-227 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review