Carsten Herbes

Carsten Herbes is Professor for International Management, Sustainability and Renewable Energies at Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences since March 2012. He concurrently serves as Director of the Institute for International Research on Sustainable Management and Renewable Energy (ISR), leading research on global renewable transitions and sustainable business models since April 2013.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Business Administration from European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder) (2005–2006)
• Master's degree (Diplom-Kaufmann) in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from Mannheim/Heidelberg Universities (1993–1998)
• Research Student at Hitotsubashi University, Graduate School of Commerce, Japan (1997–1998)

His research centers on sustainable business practices with emphasis on consumer behavior in renewable energy adoption and eco-packaging. Key interests include biogas systems, voluntary green markets, and cross-cultural sustainability challenges, particularly examining how policy frameworks shape market dynamics and consumer perceptions in Germany and developing economies like Senegal. Recent work reveals critical gaps between provider strategies and consumer expectations in sustainable product markets.

Current publications (2021–2024) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward understanding decision-making in sustainable packaging and renewable heating solutions, utilizing mixed methods including Discrete Choice Experiments and qualitative social practice analysis. His work consistently bridges academic theory with industry applications across energy and environmental sectors.

Professional engagements include Deputy Chairmanship of Barmenia Insurance's sustainability advisory board, membership in B.A.U.M.'s scientific committee, participation in the German Energy Agency's biogaspartner project, and affiliation with the German Association for Social Science Research on Japan. He regularly reviews for Energy Policy, Journal of Cleaner Production, and other high-impact sustainability journals.

As ISR Director, he oversees research teams focused on renewable energy transitions and sustainable management, with projects like GeBindE analyzing nutrient management from biogas plants. His industry background at NAWARO BioEnergie (as CFO/board member) and Roland Berger informs applied research addressing real-world energy market challenges.