Greenville, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A collaboration between Sustain SC and The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University has announced the new class for the 2026 Sustainability Leadership Initiative. This six-month program aims to develop leaders in sustainability through a series of sessions from January to June. The initiative also includes a pilot program in Greenwood for municipal resilience and sustainability planning, set to launch in summer 2025. The focus on connecting leaders across various sectors highlights the commitment to improving sustainability outcomes in South Carolina.
Greenville, South Carolina – On October 9, Sustain SC, in collaboration with The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, announced the selection of the 2026 Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) class. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing sustainability efforts across South Carolina.
The 2026 SLI program is a structured, six-month professional education initiative set to run from January through June. It comprises six sessions that aim to develop the skills and insights necessary for leading sustainability efforts. Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC, expressed excitement about welcoming the new cohort of leaders into this critical program.
The SLI initiative is designed to connect leaders from various sectors with the goal of improving sustainability outcomes throughout South Carolina. The SLI fellows selected for 2026 have been officially announced, marking a pivotal point in their professional development focused on sustainability.
For those interested in the program, additional details can be found on the Sustain SC website at sustainsouthcarolina.org/sli.
In tandem with the SLI initiative, the city of Greenwood will serve as a pilot community for a municipal sustainability and resiliency planning program. VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC have joined forces to implement this pilot, which is aimed at creating a sustainable and economically vibrant future for the community.
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University will play a vital role in supporting the Greenwood pilot project. The initiative will also leverage the expertise of various state agencies, including the South Carolina Office of Resilience, emphasizing a collaborative approach to sustainability.
The Greenwood pilot aims to develop a comprehensive sustainability roadmap by highlighting local strengths and opportunities. This initiative is not only relevant to Greenwood but is structured to serve as a replicable model for other communities in South Carolina that are looking to align economic growth with sustainability principles.
Scheduled to launch in summer 2025, the Greenwood pilot will feature planning workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions. The outcomes and best practices generated from this pilot will be documented, contributing to the creation of a scalable model for municipal sustainability and resiliency planning across the state.
Andrew Predmore, executive director of the Shi Institute, stressed the importance of ensuring that sustainability efforts genuinely reflect the values of the local community. This approach promises to foster a deeper connection between sustainability initiatives and the people they aim to serve.
Key Features of the Sustainability Initiatives
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) | Professional education initiative from January to June, consisting of six sessions for sustainability leadership. |
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Eligible Participants | Leaders across various sectors in South Carolina |
| Greenwood Pilot Community | Municipal sustainability and resiliency planning initiative focusing on local strengths and developing a roadmap for sustainability. |
| Launch Date for Greenwood | Summer 2025, featuring workshops and stakeholder engagement. |
FAQs
What is the 2026 Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI)?
The 2026 SLI program is a six-month professional education initiative running from January through June, designed to develop skills and insights for leading sustainability efforts.
Who announced the SLI class?
Sustain SC, in partnership with The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, announced the selection of the 2026 SLI class on October 9.
What is the aim of the SLI initiative?
The initiative aims to connect leaders across various sectors to enhance sustainability outcomes throughout South Carolina.
What is the Greenwood pilot program?
The Greenwood pilot will act as a municipal sustainability and resiliency planning program, aimed at creating a sustainable and economically vibrant future.
When will the Greenwood pilot launch?
The Greenwood pilot is set to launch in summer 2025, featuring planning workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Sustain SC and The Shi Institute Announce 2026 Class of SLI Fellows
- Google Search: Sustainability Leadership Initiative
- GroundBreak Carolinas: VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC To Launch Pilot Sustainability Initiative
- Wikipedia: Sustainability
- GSA Business: Greenwood Sustainability and Resiliency Pilot Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainability
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