South Carolina IS the Future of Commerce + Conservation.

 

We are connecting the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people.

 
 
 

Why Sustain SC exists.

The population of South Carolina is expected to double in roughly 50 years. Therefore, it is essential that South Carolinians work together across sectors to optimize land and water use in order to ensure a sustainable future for BOTH our economy AND our environment.

 
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The Bottom Line

We are setting the table for conversations between businesses and local stakeholders, so that sustainability investments can be made right here in our state — benefiting both our economic and natural resource infrastructures.

WHAT WE DO
 

Our Values

Fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that shape our organization.

 

  • We value doing good and doing it well.

  • We value and care for our state’s resources — our economy, environment and people.

  • We value working together with different sectors and industries in a non-partisan way.

  • We value acting with trust, credibility and accountability.

  • We value each other’s opinions and views, even when we may not agree.

Defining Common Sustainability Criteria

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CARBON NEUTRALITY

Carbon Neutrality refers to an overall balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions absorbed. Carbon Neutrality can be achieved through preserving natural resources (like trees, which pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere), through new technologies, or by changing processes to eliminate carbon emissions.

WATER QUALITY + QUANTITY

Water Quality + Quantity protection practices help to reduce runoff pollution and protect our water. Becoming water positive is especially valuable to companies who rely heavily on water resources.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR ALL

Ensuring all people enjoy the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and have access to clean energy, clean water, and clean air to maintain a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Circular Economy is the process for complete recycling, where waste materials, including energy, become inputs for other processes. This regenerative approach, aimed at eliminating waste, is in contrast to the traditional “take, make, dispose” linear economy model.

 
Testimonials

South Carolina’s rich outdoor and agrarian heritage is built on its bounty of natural resources and the generations of South Carolinians who have guarded them. As we move through the 21st century, our state’s economic fortunes are on the rise. With increased prosperity comes increases in population and pressures on our natural resources. In response, Sustain SC brings leaders together from across the business, government and conservation sectors to build consensus to support the preservation of our cherished outdoor heritage with the increasing prosperity we enjoy.

TOM HUTTO
Principal, GEL Engineering, LLC
Sustain SC Executive Committee

Working in the realm of conservation science and land protection in SC over the past two decades, I’ve recognized the uniqueness of our State in both our approach and success in conservation. South Carolina has abundant, intact natural resources, a land ethic and sense of place among our landowners and citizens, and an incredible capacity for collaboration. Sustain SC has created the venue, secured the tools, and convened the players to accomplish collaborative conservation at a new scale for SC.

MARIA WHITEHEAD
Senior Project Director, Open Space Institute

Responsible growth requires planning, cooperation, a shared vision and the expectation that responsible leaders across our state will work together to set a higher standard, and collectively share in the success derived from those efforts.

HOPE LANIER FREEMAN
Director of External Affairs, bp

 

Staff & Board

Our committed Staff and Board of Directors are at the forefront of our mission.  

Sustainability Member Network

These Sustain SC Member organizations have made a commitment to the sustainability of commerce + conservation in South Carolina.