The second annual edition offers businesses and economic developers updated statewide data on energy, circularity, water and conservation.
2025 South Carolina Sustainability Profile Cover Image
SOUTH CAROLINA (November 9, 2026) – Sustain SC publicly released its 2025 South Carolina Sustainability Profile, a data-driven economic development resource that helps businesses evaluate South Carolina as a place to invest and grow. The Profile also equips economic development organizations with statewide data to support business recruitment, retention and investment conversations.
Now in its second year, the Profile provides an updated look at South Carolina's performance and readiness across four critical areas: Energy, Circularity, Water and Conservation. This year's edition builds on that foundation with updated statewide data and expanded sources.
“Sustainability is increasingly part of how businesses evaluate where and how they grow,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “Companies are considering access to reliable and affordable energy, water availability, material recovery opportunities and the resilience of the communities in which they invest. They’re also looking at quality of life, because protected lands, clean rivers and access to the outdoors help them attract and keep the talent they need. South Carolina’s ability to understand and communicate its strengths in each of these areas is an important part of remaining competitive.”
This year's Profile highlights both progress and opportunity across the state:
Energy: More than 60 percent of South Carolina's electricity generation comes from clean energy sources.
Circularity: The state's recycling industry generates $13.6 billion in annual economic impact.
Water: Updated data provides a clearer picture of statewide water use and infrastructure.
Conservation: More than 3.2 million acres of land across South Carolina are protected.
The Profile also examines the businesses helping shape South Carolina's future. Sixty-one percent of companies announced by the South Carolina Department of Commerce in 2025 have publicly available sustainability goals, and 80 percent of the state's largest corporate employers have published a sustainability report within the last two years.
"Our goal is for the South Carolina Sustainability Profile to serve as a practical resource for business leaders, economic developers, policymakers and communities," Skardon said. "It helps identify our strengths, understand our challenges and inform the decisions that will shape South Carolina's next chapter of growth."
This year's Profile is supported by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA).
"Companies making investment decisions today are looking closely at the resources and infrastructure that will support their growth for years to come. The South Carolina Sustainability Profile gives economic developers another tool to communicate South Carolina's strengths and opportunities," said David Ginn, President and CEO of Charleston Regional Development Alliance. "The Profile continues to strengthen the data-driven story we can tell prospective and existing businesses, and the CRDA is proud to support that work."
"One of the most valuable things about the South Carolina Sustainability Profile is seeing these pieces come together in one place," said Emily Skaggs, Director of Sustainability at Sustain SC. "Energy, water, circularity and conservation are deeply connected to how South Carolina grows, competes and plans for the future."
The 2025 South Carolina Sustainability Profile is available on Sustain SC's website.
About Sustain SC
Sustain SC is an economic development-driven organization that connects the sustainability goals of businesses in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment and people.
###