Sustain SC convened business leaders, recyclers, local government officials, state agency staff, academics and legislators in Columbia for the 2026 Circularity Summit. 

Data, case studies and stakeholder input pointed in a consistent direction: continued conversation and collaborative problem solving is needed to grow a circular economy in South Carolina.  

Case Study: How Greenwood is Moving from Risk to Readiness 

A cross-sector partnership between Sustain SC, Furman University's Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, and VisionGreenwood. 

Sustain SC is pleased to announce a partnership with the Public Policy Institute (PPI) at Charleston School of Law, pairing a team of PPI Student Research Fellows with Sustain SC this fall to examine how South Carolina can responsibly prepare for continued growth in energy-intensive industrial development like data centers. 

How does South Carolina meet rapidly growing electricity demand while managing water responsibly for large growth users, specifically the data center industry?

Sustain SC is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Ellen Grom, Executive Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AFL, to its Board of Directors.

Rooftop solar. Battery storage. Microgrids. These smaller-scale energy resources, sited closer to the homes and businesses they serve, are quietly reshaping how South Carolina keeps the lights on.

Sustain SC, in partnership with the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, is excited to announce the graduation of the fifth class of Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) Fellows.

In the evolving landscape of global manufacturing, South Carolina stands at a unique crossroads. The shift toward more localized supply chains is no longer just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative for building long-term business resilience.

Sustain SC announced the first round of 2026 grants awarded through its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP) to advance conservation projects across South Carolina in partnership with the state’s business community. Funding will support land value costs and will cover real estate expenses that are often difficult to fund yet critical to moving conservation of land deals forward.

For Sustain SC Member Lincoln Energy, a Greenville based fuel solutions provider with more than 40 years in the industry, renewable diesel is more than a product, it’s a powerful fuel solution. Renewable diesel dramatically lowers greenhouse gas emissions and offers a profitable opportunity for businesses to divert their waste from landfills. These benefits support the economy and wellbeing of local communities, making renewable diesel an increasingly attractive option for companies looking to advance their sustainability goals.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce released the 2025 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC) Annual Report on March 13. The RMDAC Annual Report provides an in-depth review of South Carolina's recycling industry, highlighting its significant contributions to the state’s economy, key industry trends and strategic recommendations for future growth. As businesses and organizations place greater emphasis on waste reduction and broader resource efficiency, these key insights remain essential to long-term growth.

Sustain SC is celebrating our 5th anniversary with the launch of our refreshed Strategic Framework, designed to sharpen how we deliver impact statewide. Rooted in our new Purpose statement, the framework reinforces our Mission to connect the sustainability goals of businesses with local solutions that strengthen our economy, environment and people.

Join us as we celebrate 5 years at the intersection of commerce and conservation.  

Sustain SC is thrilled to announce two new team members, Brent Kossick as the new Director of Partnerships and Megan Dix as the Marketing and Events Coordinator. They will work to advance mission driven alongside the rest of the Sustain SC team.

Sustain SC is pleased to announce updates to its Board of Directors, including the addition of a new board member and leadership changes to the Executive Committee that will support the organization’s purpose to build and grow a more sustainable future for South Carolina at the intersection of commerce and conservation.

Sustain SC has announced the second round of grants awarded through its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP), advancing conservation projects across South Carolina in partnership with the state’s business community. In this round, LAWAP awarded $159,707 across eight projects spanning seven counties.

Sustain SC has announced the second round of grants awarded through its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP), advancing conservation projects across South Carolina in partnership with the state’s business community. In this round, LAWAP awarded $159,707 across eight projects spanning seven counties.

On October 22–23, Sustain SC brought together 200 business leaders, policymakers and conservation experts at Central Energy in Columbia for two days of learning and collaboration at the intersection of commerce and conservation.

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.