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 brings together environmental scientists and economists, urban planners and policy experts, students, faculty, and community members, and sustainability visionaries and elected officials to collaboratively pursue and promote sustainable communities.
Sustainability at Furman
Sustainability is part of our identity and has been a core university value and a strategic priority for decades.
About Us
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities connects campus and community around promoting sustainable human flourishing through education, research, and leadership.
Programs and Services
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is a regional hub for sustainability education, research, and leadership. We have developed a wide array of sustainability programs to serve the local and regional sustainability ecosystem.
Meet our Staff
We are here to promote and support campus and community sustainability efforts. Have a question?
Introducing Our 25-26 Shi Fellows!
With the fall semester well under way, our 2025-26 Shi Institute Fellows have already been hard at work pursuing diverse projects in alternative transportation, communications, and sustainability culture change. From planting and harvesting on the...
Continue Reading >The impact of a volunteer: My experience at Friends of the Reedy River
It's a humid Wednesday at 7:30 in the morning. Despite the early hour, the South Carolina heat has already begun to sink into the ground and leech onto you. As you walk along the Swamp...
Continue Reading >Finding Strength in Collaboration for Climate Action
Growth comes in different forms and this summer I have grown to be more detail-oriented and collaborative. My name is Vanessa Amasi and I am a rising senior pursuing a B.S. in Sustainability Sciences. After...
Continue Reading >Contact Us
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