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. 2014
  2. Published

    Lobbying the ‘Energiewende’: Assessing the effectiveness of strategies to promote the renewable energy business in Germany

    Sühlsen, K. & Hisschemöller, M., 06.2014, In: Energy Policy. 69, p. 316-325 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Method for the determination of specific molecular markers of biomass burning in lake sediments

    Kirchgeorg, T., Schüpbach, S., Kehrwald, N., McWethy, D. B. & Barbante, C., 06.2014, In: Organic Geochemistry. 71, p. 1-6 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Monitoring of microbially mediated corrosion and scaling processes using redox potential measurements

    Opel, O., Eggerichs, T., Otte, T. & Ruck, W., 06.2014, In: Bioelectrochemistry. 97, Special Issue, p. 137-144 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    The impact of nuclear accidents on provisioning ecosystem services

    Gralla, F., Abson, D., Moller, A. P., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 06.2014, In: Ecological Indicators. 41, p. 1-14 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Tree Species Traits but Not Diversity Mitigate Stem Breakage in a Subtropical Forest following a Rare and Extreme Ice Storm

    Nadrowski, K., Pietsch, K., Baruffol, M., Both, S., Gutknecht, J., Bruelheide, H., Heklau, H., Kahl, A., Kahl, T., Niklaus, P. A., Kröber, W., Liu, X., Mi, X., Michalski, S. G., Oheimb, G., Purschke, O., Schmid, B., Fang, T., Welk, E. & Wirth, C., 30.05.2014, In: PLoS ONE. 9, 5, 7 p., e96022.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    The Right to Liberty and Security, Public Health and Disease Control

    Sanden, J. & Bachmann, S. D., 22.05.2014, SSRN Social Science Research Network, 28 p. (Social Science Research Network).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  8. Published

    Involving Corporate Functions: Who Contributes to Sustainable Development?

    Schaltegger, S., Harms, D., Windolph, S. E. & Hörisch, J., 19.05.2014, In: Sustainability. 6, 5, p. 3064-3085 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Do persistent organic pollutants reach a thermodynamic equilibrium in the global environment?

    Schenker, S., Scheringer, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 06.05.2014, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 48, 9, p. 5017-5024 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Measuring and Managing Sustainability Performance of Supply Chains: Review and Sustainability Supply Chain Management Framework

    Schaltegger, S. & Burritt, R., 06.05.2014, In: Supply Chain Management. 19, 3, p. 232-241 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    "Sustainability State” in the Making? Institutionalization of Sustainability in German Federal Policy Making

    Heinrichs, H. & Laws, N., 05.05.2014, In: Sustainability. 6, 5, p. 2623-2641 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Das Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz 2.0

    Schomerus, T., 02.05.2014, In: Unsere Wirtschaft. 46, 5, p. 44-45 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  13. Published

    Assessing participatory practices in community-based natural resource management: Experiences in community engagement from southern Africa

    Dyer, J., Stringer, L. C., Dougill, A. J., Leventon, J., Nshimbi, M., Chama, F., Kafwifwi, A., Muledi, J. I., Kaumbu, J. M. K., Falcao, M., Muhorro, S., Munyemba, F., Kalaba, G. M. & Syampungani, S., 01.05.2014, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 137, p. 137-145 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Brown bear activity in traditional wood-pastures in Southern Transylvania, Romania

    Röllig, M., Dorresteijn, I., von Wehrden, H., Hartel, T. & Fischer, J., 01.05.2014, In: Ursus. 25, 1, p. 44-52 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Cross-level Information and Influence in Mandated Participatory Planning: Alternative Pathways to Sustainable Water Management in Germany’s Implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive

    Koontz, T. M. & Newig, J., 01.05.2014, In: Land Use Policy. 38, p. 594–604 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    “€14,875?!”: Precision boosts the anchoring potency of first offers

    Loschelder, D. D., Stuppi, J. & Trötschel, R., 05.2014, In: Social Psychological and Personality Science. 5, 4, p. 491-499 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Carabids.org – a dynamic online database of ground beetle species traits (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

    Homburg, K., Homburg, N., Schäfer, F., Schuldt, A. & Aßmann, T., 05.2014, In: Insect Conservation and Diversity. 7, 3, p. 195-205 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Ecological impacts of oil palm agriculture on forest mammals in plantation estates and smallholdings

    Azhar, B., Lindenmayer, D. B., Wood, J. T., Fischer, J. & Zakaria, M., 05.2014, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 23, 5, p. 1175-1191 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Electrooxidation Combined with Ozonation in Hospital Laundry Effluents Treatment

    Lutterbeck, C. A., de Oliveira Schwaickhardt, R., Straatmann, A., Kist, L. T., Lobo, E. A. & Machado, Ê. L., 05.2014, In: Clean - Soil, Air, Water. 42, 5, p. 601-608 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Forschung für nachhaltige entwicklungen

    Grießhammer, R., Bergmann, M. & Betker, F., 05.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 2, p. 129 - 131 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  21. Published

    Functional and phylogenetic diversity of woody plants drive herbivory in a highly diverse forest

    Schuldt, A., Aßmann, T., Bruelheide, H., Durka, W., Eichenberg, D., Härdtle, W., Kröber, W., Michalski, S. G. & Purschke, O., 05.2014, In: New Phytologist. 202, 3, p. 864-873 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Germany – Europe –World 2042: A Transformative Longitudinal Study

    Bergmann, M., Burandt, S., Heinrichs, H., Kümmerer, K. & Lang, D. J., 05.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 2, p. 132-134 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Habitat suitability models in conservation planning – a short introduction

    Dieker, P., Taboada Palomares, A. & von Wehrden, H., 05.2014, Jewels in the Mist: A synopsis on the highly endangered butterfly species the Violet Copper, Lycaena helle. Habel, J. C., Meyer, M. & Schmitt, T. (eds.). Sofia: Pensoft Publishers Ltd., p. 57-65 9 p.

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

  24. Published

    Jugendliche im Web 2.0: Risiken und Chancen

    von Salisch, M., 05.2014, In: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie. 63, 5, p. 338-342 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Juristisches Gutachten über die Förderung der Vorbereitung zur Wiederverwendung von Elektro-Altgeräten im Sinne der zweiten Stufe der Abfallhierarchie

    Schomerus, T., Fabian, M., Fouquet, D. & Nysten, J. V., 05.2014, Dessau: Umweltbundesamt, 288 p. (Texte; vol. 36/2014).

    Research output: Working paperExpert opinions

  26. Published

    Land sparing versus land sharing: moving forward

    Fischer, J., Abson, D., Butsic, V., Chappell, M. J., Ekroos, J., Hanspach, J., Kuemmerle, T., Smith, H. G. & von Wehrden, H., 05.2014, In: Conservation Letters. 7, 3, p. 149-157 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  27. Published

    Place, case and process: Applying ecology to sustainable development

    Fischer, J., Sherren, K. & Hanspach, J., 05.2014, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 15, 3, p. 187-193 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Pollination of two oil-producing plant species: Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) double-cropping in Germany

    Groeneveld, J. H. & Klein, A.-M., 05.2014, In: Global Change Biology : Bioenergy. 6, 3, p. 242-251 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Response to Turnhout et al.’s rethinking biodiversity: From goods and services to “living with”

    Abson, D. & Hanspach, J., 05.2014, In: Conservation Letters. 7, 3, p. 334-335 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  30. Published

    The economic insurance value of ecosystem resilience

    Baumgärtner, S. & Strunz, S., 05.2014, In: Ecological Economics. 101, 6, p. 21-32 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Valorization of industrial waste and by-product streams via fermentation for the production of chemicals and biopolymers

    Koutinas, A. A., Vlysidis, A., Pleissner, D., Kopsahelis, N., Lopez Garcia, I., Kookos, I. K., Papanikolaou, S., Kwan, T. H. & Lin, C. S. K., 21.04.2014, In: Chemical Society Reviews. 43, 8, p. 2587-2627 41 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  32. Published

    Gender and (Un)Sustainability—Can Communication Solve a Conflict of Norms?

    Franz-Balsen, A., 10.04.2014, In: Sustainability. 6, 4, p. 1973-1991 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    An Equation with many Variables: Unhiding the Relationship between Sustainability and Investment Performance

    Peylo, B. T. & Schaltegger, S., 03.04.2014, In: Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment. 4, 2, p. 110-126 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Ratgeber: Erfolgreich beim Gehaltspoker

    Loschelder, D. & Trötschel, R., 03.04.2014, In: Gehirn und Geist. 5, p. 22-27 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Conceptualizing sustainable consumption: Toward an integrative framework

    Di Giulio, A., Fischer, D., Schäfer, M. & Blättel-Mink, B., 01.04.2014, In: Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy. 10, 1, p. 45-61 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Die nachhaltigen Zwillinge: Keine soziale Gerechtigkeit ohne ökologische Gerechtigkeit

    Niebert, K., 01.04.2014, In: Theorie und Praxis der sozialen Arbeit. 65, 2, p. 102-113 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  37. Published
  38. Published

    Going beyond efficiency: including altruistic motives in behavioral models for sustainability transitions to address sufficiency.

    Schäpke, N. & Rauschmayer, F., 01.04.2014, In: Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy. 10, 1, p. 29 - 44 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Advancing climate compatible development: Lessons from southern Africa

    Stringer, L. C., Dougill, A. J., Dyer, J. C., Vincent, K., Fritzsche, F., Leventon, J., Falcão, M. P., Manyakaidze, P., Syampungani, S., Powell, P. & Kalaba, G., 04.2014, In: Regional Environmental Change. 14, 2, p. 713-725 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Fungal hydrolysis in submerged fermentation for food waste treatment and fermentation feedstock preparation

    Pleissner, D., Kwan, T. H. & Lin, C. S. K., 04.2014, In: Bioresource Technology. 158, p. 48-54 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    glUV: A global UV-B radiation data set for macroecological studies

    Beckmann, M., Václavík, T., Manceur, A. M., Šprtová, L., von Wehrden, H., Welk, E. & Cord, A. F., 04.2014, In: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 5, 4, p. 372-383 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    How do individual farmers’ objectives influence the evaluation of rangeland management strategies under a variable climate?

    Jakoby, O., Quaas, M. F., Müller, B., Baumgärtner, S. & Frank, K., 04.2014, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 51, 2, p. 483-493 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Impacts of seasonal patterns of climate on recurrent fluctuations in tourism demand: Evidence from Aruba

    Ridderstaat, J., Oduber, M., Croes, R., Nijkamp, P. & Martens, P., 04.2014, In: Tourism Management. 41, p. 245-256 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    The First-Mover Disadvantage: The Folly of Revealing Compatible Preferences

    Loschelder, D. D., Swaab, R., Trötschel, R. & Galinsky, A. D., 04.2014, In: Psychological Science. 25, 4, p. 954-962 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Wirtschaftsethik - quo vadis? «Ist» und «Soll» eines Bindestxichfachs aus protestantischer Perspektive

    Oermann, N. O., 04.2014, In: Theologische Literaturzeitung. 139, 4, p. 411-426 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Das Erbe der Sylvicultura oeconomica. Eine kritische Reflexion des Nachhaltigkeitsbegriffs

    Gottschlich, D. & Friedrich, B., 27.03.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 1, p. 23-29 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Mindfulness As/Is Care: Biopolitics, Narrative Empathy, and Technoscientific Practices

    Stingl, A. I. & Weiss, S. M., 21.03.2014, The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Mindfulness. Le, A., Ngnoumen, C. T. & Langer, E. J. (eds.). Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia, Vol. 1-2. p. 608-629 22 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  48. Published

    Vision Statement for the Planet in 2050

    Bhave, A., Ceausu, S., Deshmukh, A., Jewell, J., Pan, W. & Timm, J.-M., 14.03.2014, Creating a Sustainable and Desirable Future : Insights from 45 Global Thought Leaders . Costanza, R. & Kubiszewski, I. (eds.). 1 ed. New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing Company, p. 51-54 4 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  49. Published

    Atmospheric mercury speciation and mercury in snow over time at Alert, Canada

    Steffen, A., Bottenheim, J. W., Cole, A. S., Ebinghaus, R., Lawson, G. S. & Leaitch, W. R., 03.03.2014, In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 14, 5, p. 2219-2231 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Identifying core habitat before it's too late: The case of Bombina variegata, an internationally endangered amphibian

    Scheele, B. C., Boyd, C. E., Fischer, J., Fletcher, A. W., Hanspach, J. & Hartel, T., 01.03.2014, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 23, 3, p. 775-780 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Transport of perfluoroalkyl acids in a water-saturated sediment column investigated under near-natural conditions

    Vierke, L., Möller, A. & Klitzke, S., 01.03.2014, In: Environmental Pollution. 186, p. 7-13 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review