Humanity faces a series of complex, interconnected sustainability challenges (e.g., climate change, racial and socioeconomic inequities, resource depletion and degradation). Tackling these challenges and achieving sustainability are the defining issues of our era; the consequences of not achieving sustainability are certainly catastrophic. Higher education has the opportunity and the responsibility of leading efforts to address these challenges and create a sustainable future. Education is in some ways both the cause of unsustainability and the strategy for achieving sustainability as it shapes people’s thinking, behaviors, and values which govern our path forward. At Furman, sustainability is more than a buzzword. It’s part of our identity and has been a core university value and a strategic priority for decades.  Reach out to us here about any sustainability questions or comments you have.

Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is a regionally-focused institute promoting human flourishing and sustainability through education, research, and leadership.

Initiatives

Initiatives

We take a comprehensive, integrated, holistic approach to sustainability that considers not only the environmental aspects, but the social and economic components as well.

Programs

Programs

We understand sustainability is a journey, not just a destination. Our wide variety of programs help guide us on our path to sustainability.

Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Furman has been at the cutting edge of sustainability in higher education and is consistently recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability work.

Resources & Reports

Resources & Reports

Furman has set ambitious goals for achieving various sustainability objectives. We continually track and monitor our progress around many sustainability metrics.

Campus Sustainability Tour

Campus Sustainability Tour

Take a virtual tour of the many sustainable features on Furman's campus.

Climate Action Plan 2.0

Climate Action Plan 2.0

We're excited to continue our sustainability journey as we develop our newest Climate Action Plan.

Contact the Shi Institute

Contact the Shi Institute

Have a question? We're here to help.