Research

We focus our research in the areas of resource management, technology management and sustainability learning. In each area, we seek to enhance the ability of human-environment systems to deal with global change.

Ressource Management

Sustainable management of renewable and non-renewable resources requires the analysis of processes all along the value chain including, for example, mining, processing, consumption and waste management. We develop environmental process models, behavioural models and transdisciplenary approaches to analyze these processes and develop concepts and strategies for their sustainable management. Key aspects include assessing of the potentials within the value-added chain and considering agency - the ability to act - in the development and implementation of measures.

Sustainability Learning

Sustainability learning means the development of competences that are needed for appropriate human behavior at different levels according the norms of sustainable development. Therefore, it is necessary to generate an understanding of processes and patterns of human decision making and action. On this basis, we can develop inter- and transdisciplinary concepts for supporting important decisions that influence sustainability, and we can help initiate sustainability-oriented transition, innovation and adaptation processes in a variety of human-environment systems.

Technology Management

We see the transition to sustainable technologies as a significant challenge for the future. It is our goal to initiate the development of new and improved processes, products and services to enable and promote a sustainable development. Moreover, to gain sustainable solutions for the future, transformation processes in the society, business and in the environment in general will be necessary. We thus deal with research and teaching in innovation and transition processes and sustainable technology systems.