This week, Sustain SC is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the launch of a refreshed Strategic Framework designed to support the organization’s new Purpose statement — to build and grow a more sustainable future for South Carolina at the intersection of commerce and conservation — and sharpen how it delivers impact statewide.
Since its founding, Sustain SC has brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to advance initiatives that benefit South Carolina’s economy, communities and natural resources. The organization’s mission remains clear: to connect the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment and people.
Developed through a Sustain SC Board strategy session in March 2025, the updated framework also reflects feedback from Sustain SC’s first Annual Membership Survey and one-on-one partner conversations that helped shape priorities and direction. At a high level, the framework reflects how Sustain SC supports the growth and long-term success of South Carolina-based organizations while helping shape the sustainability conversation statewide. Through strategic programs and initiatives, Sustain SC serves as a trusted advisor to businesses, communities and decision makers navigating a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of bringing together business, government, nonprofits and other leaders to advance practical sustainability solutions in South Carolina,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “This Strategic Framework reflects both what we’ve learned and where we’re headed next, strengthening our ability to support sustainable growth, build resilience and help South Carolina organizations lead at the intersection of commerce and conservation.”
The Strategic Framework is organized around four pillars: Expanding our Economy, Growth and Retention, Municipal Support and Land Use Planning and Outreach and Education. Together, the pillars reflect a balanced approach to long-term competitiveness, resilience
- Expanding our Economy: Economic Development + Recruitment - Sustain SC supports economic development and business recruitment by using data-driven insights to position South Carolina as a leader in sustainable growth. Key actions include a new economic development tool and serving as a recruitment pitch partner to help communicate how sustainability goals can be achieved in South Carolina.
- Growth and Retention: Supporting South Carolina Organizations - Sustain SC supports South Carolina-based organizations through strategic guidance, storytelling and initiatives that strengthen sustainability and resilience statewide. This work is advanced through Sustain SC’s member network and the Roadmap to Sustain South Carolina, including seven accelerators focused on key issue areas.
- Municipal Support and Land Use Planning - Sustain SC partners with local governments to support municipal sustainability and resilience planning and help communities prepare for growth through strategic, sustainable development. Key actions include municipal planning partnerships, such as the Greenwood pilot initiative, and support for sustainable land use and site selection.
- Outreach and Education: Trends and Data for Decision Makers - Sustain SC equips decision makers with timely data, insights and education to help shape sustainability strategy across South Carolina. This includes statewide polling, thought leadership content, technical assistance webinars
and education for leaders at the state and federal levels.
As Sustain SC marks five years at the intersection of commerce and conservation, the new Strategic Framework reflects both how far the organization has come and what it is building toward next — supporting sustainable growth, strengthening resilience and helping South Carolina-based organizations lead.