Sustain SC in partnership with The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University is pleased to announce the 2026 class of the Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI). Now entering its fifth year, SLI is a collaborative effort between Furman University’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and Sustain SC. The 2026 cohort brings together a diverse group of leaders from business, government, academia and nonprofit organizations who are committed to advancing sustainability across South Carolina.

Mark your calendars for October 22–23 and join us at Central Energy in Columbia for Sustain SC’s 4th Annual Sustainability Symposium, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and conservation experts from across South Carolina. This year’s event promises two days full of interactive sessions, networking and hands-on learning at the intersection of commerce and conservation.

Sustain SC is proud to announce the first round of funding through the Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP).

We are thrilled to share that $93,200 has been awarded across four projects in five counties—helping protect more than 10,600 acres of land and Water in South Carolina. These awards demonstrate the impact we can achieve when business and conservation work hand in hand for a more resilient future.

The Land and Water Action Platform’s mission is to connect corporate investment with tangible conservation outcomes across South Carolina by creating a private-sector fund to accelerate conservation land deals.

In today’s marketplace, accuracy in communication matters. Customers, investors and regulators are paying closer attention, and businesses face real costs when their claims don’t match reality.

A recent EU review found that 42 percent of environmental marketing claims were exaggerated or misleading. That’s not just a reputational issue—it’s a compliance and liability issue. Around the world, regulators are tightening rules, lawsuits are increasing and companies that overstate progress are paying the price.

At Sustain SC, we believe that a strong economy and a thriving environment go hand in hand. That’s why, on World Biodiversity Day, we gathered leaders from across sectors to explore how biodiversity supports a resilient workforce, healthier workplaces and a stronger economy. 

From pollinator gardens and natural building materials to the economic value of healthy landscapes, the message was clear: biodiversity isn’t just a conservation issue, it’s a business imperative. 

 Explore our five key takeaways from the event and discover how South Carolina companies can lead the way in turning nature-based solutions into everyday business strategy. 

At Sustain SC, we know that building a sustainable South Carolina starts with investing in people. Through our Sustainable Workforce Accelerator, we’re bridging the gap between education and industry by empowering students, supporting educators and connecting leaders to grow the talent pipeline our state needs.

In the first half of 2025, we’ve made big strides through programs like our Business2Student Networking Events, Building Sustainability Champions educator training, and the Stronger Together youth leadership initiative. See how these efforts are shaping South Carolina’s workforce and what’s coming next.

Sustain SC is pleased to introduce the members of the newly formed Grants Review Committee for its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP), a re-launched conservation funding initiative first unveiled at our Conservation Summit in April.  

Sustain SC, in partnership with the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, is proud to announce the graduation of the fourth class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) Fellows. This year’s cohort represents a dynamic mix of leaders from the business, government, forestry and conservation sectors across South Carolina.

The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s Sustainability Resource Guide helps manufacturers cut through the complexity of sustainability with a clear, practical roadmap—transforming compliance into competitiveness and innovation into impact. 

Sustain SC’s revitalized funding platform opens the door for businesses to invest in South Carolina’s natural legacy with new projects, new partners, and a renewed commitment to protecting land and water across the state.

South Carolina’s recycling industry continues to be a powerful economic driver, generating $13.6 billion annually and attracting billions in investment. The 2024 RMDAC Annual Report highlights key trends, industry growth, and strategic efforts to advance circularity across the state. 

Sustain SC recently released a second study examining conservative support for clean energy in South Carolina, following an earlier survey on conservative backing for land conservation. The latest findings reveal that Republican and conservative Independent voters in the state strongly support clean energy projects, recognizing their benefits and favoring continued investment.

South Carolinians take pride in their state’s natural beauty, abundant resources and strong economy. They want to live, work and raise their families in a place that is both economically prosperous and surrounded by the beaches, rivers, forests and mountains that we call home.

In a state-wide poll, Republican primary voters express significant support for conservation and resilience efforts across South Carolina. 

The concept of a circular economy is centered on eliminating waste and continuously using resources through recycling, reuse and regeneration. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model, the circular economy strives to create…

Emily brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, communications, corporate events, sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement. Emily’s leadership will be vital to Sustain SC’s efforts to connect business leaders, policymakers and community members to share best practices and inspire action to further enhance sustainable growth.

The Roadmap to Sustain SC lays out seven Accelerators which serve as our focus now and throughout 2025. One of these Accelerators is Metrics and Reporting. Approximately 80% of industries in South Carolina are actively assessing and tracking their sustainability efforts…

In January 2023, City Roots and Sustain SC member, the Branham Group, embarked on a one-and-a-half-year project to achieve net-zero energy usage for City Roots’ local farm.

With a robust background in conservation and sustainability, Kristen will lead conservation efforts for Sustain SC as it continues to unite diverse groups and create solutions for natural resources and people alike.

Sustain SC and The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University are thrilled to introduce the 2025 class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) fellows. Now entering its fourth year, SLI is a collaborative effort between Furman University’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and Sustain SC.