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

Seeing the Bigger Picture: How Data Uncovers the Power of Public Transit

Each year, public transit in Greenville County serves approximately 750,000 rides across more than 270 miles of service and 480 stops, with access available to 32% of households. These numbers matter, but their impact depends on how clearly they’re understood. ...

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Building Heat Resilience: How the Shi Institute and Bluffton Are Leading the Way

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest extreme weather events in South Carolina, and it’s getting worse. Residents already experience about 15 days each year with temperatures above 95°F, and that number is expected to...

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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...

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