A focus of our work is the global transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the context of sustainability. This requires a transformation of energy systems towards renewable energies, and sustainability transitions in other sectors.

#1

Teaching

We prepare future leaders for government, international organisations, industry, consulting, and civil society to develop and engage with effective public policies for sustainability at multiple levels of governance.
#2

Research

We publish rigorous, yet policy-relevant research in leading academic journals. Our work is interdisciplinary, drawing from various theoretical perspectives and utilizing a range of empirical methods. Our contributions include the analysis and design of electricity markets, climate policy instrument mixes and institutions, and political economy.
#3

Outreach

We engage with policymakers, business, NGOs, academia, the public, and our alumni community to inform decision-making on public policies for sustainability. Climate and energy policy in Germany (Energiewende) and Europe (Green Deal) are a focus of our work.

Highlights

News

German government appoints Lion Hirth to expert commission on energy and gas crisis

The Professor of Energy Policy at the Centre for Sustainability joins experts across sectors to advise policymakers on tackling skyrocketing prices.
Centre news

Energy Crisis updates from the Centre for Sustainability

Our new energy crisis page includes a collection of our work, including research, interviews, op-eds, event announcements, and resources for learning more about the crisis.
News

Lion Hirth and colleagues propose German and EU energy policy responses to Russia’s aggression

In open letter, the energy experts lay out series of swift and profound policy actions.
Research

Could national climate change institutions be a game-changer for climate policies?

In Science, Christian Flachsland and co-authors say such institutions are key to implementing climate targets.
Research

Lion Hirth and team research electricity balancing as a market equilibrium in new study for Energy Economics 

Hertie School researchers, Anselm Eicke, Oliver Ruhnau, and Lion Hirth study the German balancing system using a novel framework.
Press release

Hertie School launches the Centre for Sustainability with debate on the global transition to net-zero emissions

The university’s fifth Centre of Competence is led by Christian Flachsland, Professor of Sustainability.

News

In the media

Christian Flachsland comments on FDP proposal to tackle transport emissions in Euractiv

According to the Professor of Sustainability, this proposal has sparked a much-needed discussion on carbon pricing measures ahead of the EU-wide implementation of the ETS2.
Research

How do citizens’ opinions on climate policy measures differ between regions in Germany?

Researchers from the Hertie School publish an interactive dashboard that shows how climate policy support varies by region in Germany.
News

Video: Lion Hirth in an Energy Policy Dialogue hosted by FDP Members of the German Parliament

The Professor of Energy Policy joined other experts to debate future energy policy measures for Germany, including how to move toward renewable energies while remaining globally competitive.
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