Just another buzzword? A systematic literature review of knowledge-related concepts in sustainability science

•Knowledge-related concepts are increasingly used in sustainability science literature.•The spectrum of concepts used is vast and fragmented.•A systematic literature review is used to map and organize knowledge-related concepts.•Conceptualisations of most employed terms are compared and contrasted.•Five perspectives (“entry points”) on examining knowledge are elicited.•An integrated understanding of “knowledge” paves the way to better theory-building.