Who We Are

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is a regionally focused institute promoting sustainable human flourishing through education, research, and leadership. The institute builds on over a decade of proven success and national renown of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability and connects campus and community around developing sustainable communities.

Residing in a net-zero, LEED-certified, sustainable showcase home, next to an organic farm in the heart of Furman’s campus, the Shi Institute integrates academics, action, and community partnership. We equip students to lead, do collaborative research that addresses pressing challenges, and work alongside local partners to build a more sustainable campus and resilient communities in the southeast.

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Institute News

Sustainability Is Rooted In Community

Everyone should get equal access to sustainable resources and learn about what is available, which is why Sustaining Way is such an important organization. My name is Maggie Kelleher and I recently graduated from Furman University with...

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The Life Cycle of the Furman Farm

Pictured above: Corn approaching harvest; Frederick is 6ft tall for reference. A few weeks at the Furman Farm breeze by for anyone who works there, but all the stages of life are present throughout. My...

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Spearheading Organic Viticulture and Defying Agricultural Norms at Paris Mt. Vineyard

When other viticulturists told the owners of Paris Mountain Vineyard and I that it would be impossible to grow grapes one hundred percent organically, we took ‘impossible’ as a challenge to prove them wrong. [caption...

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