Sustainability Institute

The Environmental Conservation Corps is a service-learning and workforce development program affiliated with the national Corps Network that engages young people as AmeriCorps members in conservation service experiences that promote climate resilience, quality of life and sustainability in both protected places and urban environments within our Lowcountry region. Our goal is to create the next generation of conservation leaders while performing critically needed conservation projects that advance coastal resilience and protect the places most vulnerable to a changing climate.

Charleston RISES is a green building certification designed to address the specific green building needs, priorities, and strategies of the South Carolina region. It promotes new construction projects that are at least 30 more energy and water efficient than projects that are simply code compliant, and projects that are constructed using materials and products that do not adversely affect the health and well-being of building occupants.

Our Weatherization and Critical Home Repair Program started back up in 2023, and provides no-cost services to low-income homeowners. We focus on providing sustainable, lasting upgrades to homes in Berkeley, Georgetown, Horry, and Charleston Counties. Our weatherization services adhere to industry-leading standards to support homeowners in improving energy efficiency, lowering utility costs, and enhancing home comfort and safety. Our holistic approach to weatherization is designed to save homeowners anywhere from 10% to over 30% on their energy bills, often translating into hundreds of dollars in savings annually. We also offer free energy workshops that provide knowledge and tools to empower neighborhoods/ communities to make long-lasting improvements to their homes while enhancing energy efficiency, home comfort, health and safety, and sustainability.