Sustain SC Roadmap

The

Roadmap to Sustain South Carolina

Responsible growth requires planning, cooperation, a shared vision and the expectation that responsible leaders across our state will work together to set a higher standard, and collectively share in the success derived from those efforts.

HOPE FREEMAN

Director, Communications & External Affairs, bp Vice Chair, Sustain SC

Dear Friends, It is with great pride and humility that Sustain SC introduces the Roadmap to Sustain SC, an extensive year long initiative aimed at fostering a consensus-driven, data-supported approach to shaping the future of sustainability in the state of South Carolina.

The Roadmap to Sustain SC is a competitiveness strategy of seven accelerators with goals, timelines and implementation strategies that will ensure we continue to elevate Sustain SC’s mission to connect the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions that will benefit our economy, our environment and our people.

For many, Sustain SC is a nonprofit organization that is approaching its third anniversary in March 2024. To others, it signifies a decade of effort forging cross sector alliances, conducting data-driven analyses, fostering disruptive conversations and establishing a common mission, all while building lifelong friendships and partnerships.

For all of you accompanying us on this journey, Sustain SC embodies the spirit of South Carolina —a blend of commerce and conservation that defines our state's future. It represents a unique combination of a deep appreciation for our natural resources and the economic prosperity brought about by industry, agribusiness and innovation.

As we often acknowledge, consensus is easily reached on 80 percent of what matters in life, but it is the collaborative work remaining in the 20 percent where we have to approach differing viewpoints with intellectual honesty that sparks true magic. This is the distinguishing factor that Sustain SC has brought to our state, earning recognition both nationally and globally. Having experienced both stages, we remain a model others aspire to emulate.

The future is bright, and I am eager to stand alongside you in supporting our exceptional Board, our future CEO, our Senior Vice President, and our outstanding team as we continue our commitment to maintain South Carolina’s role as a leader in both commerce and conservation.

To each of you, a sincere thank you for your tireless work, support and unwavering determination in building something that will be a source of pride for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Ethel Bunch Founder & CEO

The population of South Carolina is projected to double in roughly 50 years.

Therefore, it is essential that South Carolinians work together across sectors to optimize land and water use in order to ensure a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment. In order for our state to remain competitive in a global economy, we must find a balance between commerce and conservation.

1890

20 MILLION ACRES 1 MILLION PEOPLE

2020

20 MILLION ACRES 5 MILLION PEOPLE

OUR MISSION

To connect the sustainability goals of business in

South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people.

2070

20 MILLION ACRES 10 MILLION PEOPLE

Commerce + Conservation The private sector is increasingly investing in economic innovation to reduce emissions, water use/waste and offsetting overall footprint. Our focus centers on keeping those sustainability dollars here in South Carolina — bringing new investments and jobs supporting economic prosperity, while conserving our invaluable natural resources. This is the intersection of commerce AND conservation.

South Carolina will continue to build a competitive advantage if we connect the sustainability goals of our global business community with local solutions, to benefit the economy, environment, and people. This is the mission of Sustain SC. As an investor-driven economic development organization, we are committed to fostering an environment of sustainability that supports smart economic growth and private sector investment in our state’s natural resource based infrastructure.

Sustain SC Key Initiatives We are setting the table for conversations between businesses and local stakeholders, so that sustainability investments can be made right here in our state — benefiting both our economic and natural resource infrastructures.

The Sustainability Leadership Initiative, a partnership between Sustain SC and the Shi Institute of Furman University, educates state leaders across industry and conservation sectors through the Sustainability Leadership Initiative. This robust six month program conducts cross-boundary dialogue, active learning, case studies, site tours and field visits for Fellows to emerge with enhanced skills to be drivers of positive change within their organizations and communities to enhance our state at the intersection of commerce and conservation.

The exclusive Sustainability Member Network promotes opportunities for senior level leaders to contribute to their company’s sustainability goals in South Carolina. The network provides a safe space for sharing challenges and solutions, and provides access to opportunities and research on sustainability leadership and trends.

The Land and Water Action Platform brings in new private sector dollars towards conservation, leveraging county, state, and federal dollars to accelerate the protection of South Carolina’s most critical natural resources. The first project of the LWAP preserved a portion of Waites Island near North Myrtle Beach.

Roadmap to Sustain SC Executive Summary In 2021, South Carolina was among the lowest ranked states in a U.S. Sustainable Development Report released by the Sustainable

Development Solutions Network. Ranked 37th out of 50 states, Sustain SC

partnered with Ernst and Young (EY) in 2022 to assess how South Carolina could improve its low position on the list.

Close to 80% of the largest employers in SC

with the greatest impact on our state’s GDP

measure the sustainable development goals.

As an economic development focused organization, Sustain SC is committed to ensuring South Carolina remains competitive as we fulfill our mission of connecting the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people.

With the goal of boosting South Carolina’s ranking, Sustain SC embarked on an examination of sustainability in the state collaborating with 44 representatives who served as ambassadors and active participants. The ambassadors honed in on several focus areas: clean water; land conservation; industry, innovation, and infrastructure; responsible production and consumption; and a changing climate.

Through this collaboration, a plan for future sustainable development reflective of the unique commerce and conservation needs of the state was created….The Roadmap to Sustain SC. The roadmap focuses on seven accelerators that will help us push SC into the forefront of sustainability.

1

Strategic Partnerships

2

Resilience and Conservation

3

Sustainable Workforce

4

Innovation and the Sustainable Revolution

5

Circular Economy

6

Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy

7

Metrics and Reporting

SOUTH CAROLINA SDG PILOT STUDY - BY THE NUMBERS In 2022, Sustain SC coordinated with several partners and ambassadors to conduct an overall SDG reporting study for South Carolina businesses.

The research focused on helping businesses measure and report in the following SDG categories.

Sustainability Survey Sponsors

Sustainability Survey Ambassadors Amazon

LEAD SPONSORS

Atlantic Packaging Audubon Blue Triton BMW Boeing Center for Heirs Property Preservation Coastal Conservation League CocaCola Darling Fibers DHEC

GOLD SPONSORS

EPR Fraunhofer GEL Engineering Google Ingevity Lowcountry Land Trust Michelin

GREEN SPONSORS

Milliken Milliken Advisors The Nature Conservancy Norfolk Southern Pacolet Milliken SCDOT South Carolina Office of Resilience Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina SONOCO South Carolina Department of Commerce Upstate Forever Volvo Weyerhaeuser Trane Technologies ZF Group

Roadmap to Sustain South Carolina Accelerators

We are planning the Roadmap to Sustain South Carolina.

1. Strategic Partnerships A sustainable economy should foster economic prosperity and job growth while also encouraging resilience and conservation of natural resources. Sustain SC will advance a future of collaboration among commerce and conservation partners to attract new, sustainable industries and enhance the existing industry in South Carolina.

2. Resilience and Conservation After five consecutive years of flooding and storms, South Carolina’s Office of Resilience (SCOR) has created a plan to protect our state’s natural resources and buffer our communities from increased threats through nature-based solutions. Sustain SC is collaborating with SCOR, as well as businesses and organizations in the industry and conservation sectors to focus on more than just mitigating environmental issues, but shift to land and water protection. By investing in sustainable conservation initiatives throughout the state, the joint efforts will reduce risk, encourage opportunities, and protect natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

3. Sustainable Workforce Demand for sustainability-related skills in the job market has increased by nearly 40% since 2015. No longer limited to traditional hard sciences, these skills now encompass other areas like project management, emissions measurement, communications and marketing, insurance, finance, and knowledge of laws and regulations related to sustainability and resilience. Sustain SC is modernizing the STEM initiative to ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, enhance scientific research, upgrade technology capabilities, and encourage sustainable innovation throughout every workforce sector.

4. Innovation and the Sustainable Revolution As the fastest growing region in the country, the Southeast is now considered the U.S. economic center of gravity. In an effort to establish South Carolina as the center point of sustainable economic development, Sustain SC is forging alliances between industry and conservation organizations to transition from traditional 20th-century economic practices to 21st-century industries that provide well-paying jobs and implement innovative, sustainable methods in production, supply chain management, and distribution. In 2023, South Carolina announced more than $9.7 billion in EV investments across the state.

5. Circular Economy Reducing, reusing, repairing, and repurposing materials for production and consumption in South Carolina not only lowers emissions and protects our natural resources, it creates innovative solutions, reduces costs, increases profits, and saves consumers money. Industries in SC are engaged in the circular economy, reenvisioning our waste as an economic engine for our future.

6. Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy Sustain SC wants to support South Carolina towards an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy sector that powers the future of our industries and contributes to the resilience of our state. Through multi-stakeholder engagement with the private and public sector and conservation NGOs, we support cross-sector energy engagement to retain and attract industry in our state.

7. Metrics and Reporting Approximately 80% of industries in South Carolina are actively assessing and tracking their sustainability efforts. Sustain SC is collaborating with both industry and conservation partners to establish standardized metrics and approaches for measuring sustainability that reflect the unique needs, goals, and natural resources of our state. We want to attract new sustainable industries and retain our graduates who, as studies show, prefer to work for companies engaged in planning and implementing sustainable solutions.

ACCELERATOR #1

Strategic Partnerships Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Convene individuals from the private

• Sustainable Leadership Initiative

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

(What We’re Actively Doing)

and public sector to include companies,

• Sustain SC Member Network

conservation groups, energy, forestry

• Roadmap to Sustain SC

and agriculture at the intersection of

• SC Allied Partners

commerce and conservation

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the Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI).

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Sustainable Communities at Furman University to establish

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In 2021, Sustain SC partnered with The Shi Institute for

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ACCELERATOR #1 CASE STUDY

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The SLI focuses on developing the qualities leaders need

culminate into a strategic foresight approach that

to steer South Carolina through unprecedented changes

considers multiple future scenarios to help organizations

in human and natural communities. Those selected

make better decisions today and create a more

to be part of the exclusive program make up a robust

sustainable social, technological, and environmental

cross-boundary stakeholder network of state leaders

tomorrow.

with the knowledge, skills, and desire to collaborate and support each other in identifying pathways and

“SLI helps bring about candid conversations and foster

executing solutions for a sustainable future.

collaboration across various sectors,” said Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of the Shi Institute for

Fifty SLI Fellows have successfully completed

Sustainable Communities at Furman University. “Each

the program, which means they are certified as

class of fellows has helped push the boundaries of what

Sustainability Leadership Fellows for the next three years

can be done to facilitate change in South Carolina. This

and remain part of an active and tight-knit network of

is just the beginning and the interest continues to build.”

sustainability leaders. The new class of 26 participants marks the largest class of Fellows to date.

It will take strong partnerships in order to attract new sustainable industries and enhance the existing ones

“The current SLI class is an exceptionally talented

in South Carolina. Courtney Quinn, Ph.D., President

team positioned to lead sustainability initiatives in

of Nested Sustainability Consulting, served as the

South Carolina,” said Sustain SC Senior Vice President

SLI Program Director since its inception and said the

Cynthia Davis. “In just two years, this unique leadership

program is fulfilling its purpose.

development program has flourished. I’m honored and excited to be a part of this ongoing journey of fostering

“The SLI program provides the platform and otherwise

sustainable change and nurturing the trailblazers who

rare opportunity for sustainability leaders to get in the

will make it happen.”

same room together on a regular basis,” Courtney Quinn said. “Their ability to collaborate across sectors through

Becoming an SLI Fellow is more than a badge of honor,

deep listening and honest conversation is a model for

it’s a networking opportunity and chance to bring

sustainability leadership both locally and globally. It’s

concepts, ideas and action to the workplace. The

encouraging to see so many great candidates show

program cycle spans eight months from October to

interest in the program.”

April and brings members all over the state for special site visits, leadership development sessions and field

The inaugural class crafted a Fellows’ Statement of

experiences. This unique opportunity allows Fellows to

Purpose that embodies SLI’s vision and aspirations:

learn about company best practices, processes and plans, hear from sustainability professionals and witness

“We are visionaries and collaborators who find and

first-hand how commerce and conservation can work

implement transformative strategies at the intersection

in tandem. Leadership development sessions delve

of commerce and conservation to facilitate systems

into the implementation of sustainability as well as

change. We build trust through sharing ideas, solutions,

the concepts of systems thinking, harnessing conflict,

and best practices while challenging each other and

and communicating sustainability. These concepts

celebrating sustainability successes.”

ACCELERATOR #2

Resilience and Conservation Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Cross-sector planning for resilience

• MOU with Office of Resilience

• Linking industry sustainability

• Sustain SC Conservation Summit

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

requirements to local SC resilience goals • Increasing conservation of land, protection of watersheds and wetlands to enhance resilience • Reducing disaster risk and increasing risk management

(What We’re Actively Doing)

with Private Sector • Palmetto Green Mapping Tool • Legislative Education Series

ACCELERATOR #2 CASE STUDY In 2022, Sustain SC launched the Land and Water Action Platform (LWAP), a new conservation platform dedicated to protecting South Carolina’s precious natural resources.

Google contributed the first donation to the platform

impact of disasters on the communities and citizens

with a $500,000 grant, which went toward permanently

of South Carolina. Through the partnership, Sustain SC

protecting a portion of Waites Island from development.

serves as a liaison bringing state agencies, public sector

Waites Island is one of the last remaining undeveloped

leaders, corporations and conservation NGOs together

and unprotected barrier islands in the Southeast,

to support SCOR on a number of initiatives.

located just north of North Myrtle Beach.

Open Space Institute (OSI), one of South Carolina’s leading land conservation organizations, was the first recipient of the platform’s monetary gift. OSI purchased 260 acres of the island in order to transfer it all over to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to be managed as a Heritage Preserve - the highest level of protection provided for property in South Carolina.

“The Sustain SC Fund is a long-waited and ground-breaking initiative, and Waites is a remarkable first project,” said Nate Berry, Senior Vice President of Open Space Institute. “We are honored to partner with Sustain SC and grateful

“The launch of the Land and Water Action Platform inspired us to formally partner with Sustain SC,” said Ben Duncan, Executive Director of the South Carolina Office of Resilience. “This partnership will allow us to continue capturing private sector investments and leverage state and federal dollars. It’s a fortuitous relationship needed to help us fulfill our mission and provide the resources needed to support high priority conservation projects, and ensure we are building a resilient state that supports both a strong economy and the protection of our people and precious natural resources in perpetuity.”

for the generous contribution that will help OSI protect this stunning South Carolina barrier island in perpetuity.”

“This is a momentous step and Google is proud to be a part of it,” said Amber Tillman, Google’s Head of Data Center Economic and Community Development. “We fully support Sustain SC’s mission with this initiative and hope Google’s grant encourages others to take part in impactful conservation efforts for South Carolina.”

Google’s commitment inspired others. The Waccamaw

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with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), a newly formed department dedicated to lessening the

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In 2023, Sustain SC established a formal partnership

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$500,000 contribution.

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Community Foundation matched Google’s gift with a

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ACCELERATOR #3

Sustainable Workforce Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Leveraging workforce

• Green Skill Demand Market Analysis Phase II

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

pipeline opportunities • Identifying future green skills requirements • Linking skills training with employers

(What We’re Actively Doing)

• Sustain SC Youth Symposium • Academia Forums with SCDEW and Sustain SC Member Companies • Green Skills Toolbox

SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE

Sustainability skills in the job sector have grown nearly 40% since 2015.

New STEM skills are needed in energy, manufacturing, construction, transportation, IT, finance, business services, health, hospitality/tourism, agriculture, and government jobs The Sustainable Workforce accelerator seeks to bring forth sustainability as a new “S” in STEM and identify and remove barriers through innovative and equitable thought leadership, partnership, and action to create a robust workforce with sustainability skills for 21st Century economic development in South Carolina.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT A GLANCE

The World Economic Forum estimates that sustainable practices and innovations could generate

$10 TRILLION ANNUALLY

for business opportunities in areas such as agriculture and finance.

10% OF ALL JOB POSTINGS in LinkedIn include at least one new STEM skill

The new STEM workforce grew

9.6% GLOBALLY

from 2016-2022 and rates of hire for sustainability skills are outpacing traditional sectors

STEM employees in South Carolina can earn over

82% MORE IN SALARY

For more information visit sustainsouthcarolina.org or email hello@sustainsouthcarolina.org

ACCELERATOR #3 CASE STUDY Demand for sustainability-related skills in the job market has increased by nearly 40% since 2015.

These unique skillsets are needed in energy,

“It was great to have a group of members from the

manufacturing, transportation, IT, finance, insurance,

business community in the room to say we need

health, hospitality and tourism, marketing and

students that have certain skill sets and understandings

communications, agriculture, business services and

of sustainability.”

government jobs.

The Moore School recently joined ClimateCAP, a Universities are playing a pivotal role in shaping the

partnership of more than 35 business schools from

leaders of tomorrow who will tackle the challenges of

across the world working together to educate MBA

our changing world. Schools like the University of South

students by providing them with the skills and insights

Carolina are adding sustainability curriculums and

they will need to lead in climate action throughout

concentrations in response to CEOs and businesses

their careers.

identifying sustainability as a top priority for their businesses.

“Joining ClimateCAP gives MBA students a chance to go deeper with sustainability,” Carter said. “Sustain

The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School

SC played an integral role in influencing both the

of Business now offers a Sustainability in Business

certification and the ClimateCAP partnership. This is the

Undergraduate Concentration which allows students to

start of something really special that will have a lasting

deepen their understanding of the key environmental,

impact for years to come.”

social, economic, and governance issues facing society today. While the Moore School has offered sustainability-

Founded and led by the Fuqua School of Business at

related classes for the last 15 years, it wasn’t until the fall

Duke University, ClimateCAP partners include Harvard,

2022 semester that an undergraduate concentration

Northwestern, NYU, Yale, MIT, and others.

was available for students.

The impetus in interest sparked another initiative.

The Sustainability in Business concentration requires 12

Sustain SC launched the Sustainability Workforce

credit hours which includes a core course offering the

accelerator in the fall of 2023. The project seeks to

basics behind sustainability. So far, 14 students have

identify and remove barriers through innovative thought

pledged to complete the concentration.

leadership, partnership, and action to create a robust workforce with sustainability skills for 21st Century

Dr. Kealy Carter, clinical associate professor at the Darla

economic development in South Carolina.

Moore School of Business, said Sustain SC was pivotal in helping establish the concentration.

“As the head of HR for a global company, these green skills are critical for moving South Carolina forward,”

“Sustain SC has helped us highlight some of the

said Michael Morris, Director of HR at ZF Transmission.

business needs and interests in this program. There

“We need a robust workforce to help us transition from

were some members of the university that we were

combustion to EV engines and it will take a multi-

trying to work with that benefitted from hearing that

generational approach in order to make it happen.”

business perspective from Sustain SC,” Carter said.

ACCELERATOR #4

Innovation and the Sustainable Revolution Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Defining economic innovation

• MOU with SC Department of Commerce

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

opportunities in SC • Understanding the risk of not

(What We’re Actively Doing)

• Economic Innovation Market Analysis Phase II • Sustain SC Symposium

developing sustainable economic

• Sustainability B2B

pathways for industry, resilience, and

• Sustainability Consulting Platform

workforce development

• MX.O Innovation Conference • Legislative Education Series

Potential economic losses for Potential Economic Losses forofS.C. Firms in the S.C. Firms in the absence access Potential Economic Losses for S.C. Firms in the Absence of Access to Sustainable Technologies to sustainable Absence of Accesstechnologies to Sustainable Technologies Impacts Resulting Resulting from Potential Reductions in Firm in Firm Revenue Growth Impacts from Potential Reductions Revenue Resulting Growth Among S.C. Firms Impacts fromExisting Potential Reductions in Firm Revenue Growth Among Existing S.C. Firms Among Existing S.C. Firms $58.0 $58.0

-$6.3B

$53.0

-$6.3B -$5.3B -$4.5B-$5.3B

billions in in billions

$53.0

-$3.8B-$4.5B

$48.0

-$2.5B-$3.1B

$43.0 $43.0 $38.0 $38.0

-$30.2 Billion -$30.2 Billion in lost economic

-$3.1B-$3.8B

$48.0

-$1.9B-$2.5B

in opportunity lost economic opportunity over 10 years over 10 years

-$1.4B-$1.9B -$0.9B-$1.4B -$0.4B-$0.9B -$0.4B

$33.0 $33.0

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Sustainable Tech. Access 2023 With 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 With Sustainable Tech. Access

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

Reduced In-State Investment 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 without Sustainable Tech. Access Reduced In-State Investment without Sustainable Tech. Access

Source: Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D. Research Economist University of South Carolina October 2023

Impacts Resulting from Potential Reductions in Future In-State Investment Impacts Resulting fromPotential Potential in Future Impacts Resulting from Reductions in Future In-State Investment AmongReductions Existing S.C. Firms In-State Investment Among Existing S.C. Firms Among Existing S.C. Firms $58.0 $58.0

-$19.9B

$53.0

-$19.9B -$17.4B -$17.4B -$15.0B

billions in in billions

$53.0

-$15.0B -$12.8B

$48.0

-$8.7B -$10.7B

$43.0 $43.0 $38.0 $38.0

-$101.2 Billion -$101.2 Billion in lost economic

-$10.7B -$12.8B

$48.0

in opportunity lost economic opportunity over 10 years over 10 years

-$6.8B-$8.7B -$5.0B-$6.8B -$3.2B-$5.0B -$1.6B-$3.2B -$1.6B

$33.0 $33.0

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Sustainable Tech. Access 2023 With 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 With Sustainable Tech. Access

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

Reduced In-State Investment 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 without Sustainable Tech. Access Reduced In-State Investment without Sustainable Tech. Access

Source: Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D. Research Economist University of South Carolina October 2023

In addition to these estimated economic losses, 6.8% of surveyed firms report In additionto tothese these estimated economic losses, 6.8% of surveyed firms report thatfirms are “very likely” Inthat addition estimated economic losses, 6.8%South of surveyed report they are “very likely” to relocate their existing Carolinathey facilities to they relocate their existing South to Carolina elsewhere if they are unable to meet their sustainable that “very likely” relocate their existing South Carolina facilities elsewhere if are they are unable meetfacilities their sustainable technology requirements. technology requirements. elsewhere if they are unable to meet their sustainable technology requirements.

Source: Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D. Source: Research Joseph C.Economist Von Nessen, Ph.D.

ACCELERATOR #4 CASE STUDY Demand for sustainable technologies is on the rise in the United States and in South Carolina.

In a quest to gauge the economic impact of sustainability, Sustain SC commissioned a study led

by Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D., a Research Economist at the University of South Carolina. The purpose of the study was to determine the specific sustainable technology needs of South Carolina businesses and then quantify the potential economic benefits for South Carolina if those needs were met.

According to the study, 46-percent of survey respondents indicated that their revenue projections over the next decade would be negatively impacted without sufficient access to sustainable technologies.

The lack of access comes at a considerable cost, generating losses of between $30.2 billion and $101.2 billion in total economic activity for South Carolina. Solar

requirements. Another sticking point of the study was

energy, renewable natural gas, landfill and/or organic

workforce development. About 67-percent of survey

waste innovations, and electric vehicle infrastructure

respondents also reported employees will need to have

were the most commonly cited needs.

sustainability-related expertise in the future.

Those economic losses are not solely isolated to the

Manufacturing industry is one of the main drivers

decrease in potential business growth among firms

of demand for renewable energy in South Carolina,

needing access to sustainable technologies. When

particularly the production of electric vehicles (EVs).

these firms reduce their purchase activity with in-

Automotive manufacturers in the state and their supply

state suppliers, it sets off a supply chain “ripple effect”

chains are increasingly looking to power their facilities

touching a wide variety of industry sectors.

with electricity produced from renewables.

“This study provided a rare opportunity to quantify

Given that manufacturing is one of the state’s largest

and gauge what is at stake economically in South

industry sectors and supports nearly 30 percent of

Carolina. As the study found, there’s a lot to gain through

South Carolina’s total employment base, the

implementation of sustainable initiatives, and also a

availability of renewable energy resources will become

lot to lose,” said Dr. Von Nessen. “The doors of economic

increasingly important over time as the manufacturing

opportunity are wide open in South Carolina. It’s now

footprint expands.

more important than ever to elevate and enhance existing sustainability initiatives because the future

As businesses continue to expand in South Carolina and

depends on it.”

look to maximize their ability to meet market demand, improving access to sustainable technology resources

In addition to the estimated economic losses, nearly

is likely to become a paramount component of a

7-percent of surveyed firms report they are “very likely” to

statewide economic growth strategy needed to usher in

relocate their existing South Carolina facilities elsewhere

the sustainable revolution.

if they are unable to meet their sustainable technology

ACCELERATOR #5

Circular Economy Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Understanding best practices

• Pending: EPA Partnership Grant

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

for recycling • Reducing waste by creating new

(What We’re Actively Doing)

• REMDAC Partnership • Co-Hosted Recycling Forums

businesses and supporting existing

• Litter Study

business solutions

• Legislative Education Series

• Reducing litter and plastics pollution • Understanding economics of end product demand to support recycling market reform

South Carolina’s New Economic Opportunity CIRCULAR ECONOMY Circular economy is the process for complete recycling, where waste materials, including energy, become inputs for other processes. This regenerative approach, aimed at eliminating waste, is in contrast to the traditional “take, make, dispose” linear economy model.

Products made from recycled material in SC include glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, waste food & organics, and paper. SC facilitates a circular economy by working with companies to reduce waste, litter, and plastics pollution, resulting in increased efficiency and profits for 21st century jobs.

INCREASE PROFITS ● ● ●

$2.7B labor income generated annually in South Carolina.

Total tax revenues for recycling are estimated to be over $551M. If SC households increased to a 75% recycling rate, the industry would account for 9% of the SC economy.

CREATE 21st CENTURY JOBS ●

●

In 2022, Redwood Materials announced a $3.5 billion investment in Berkeley County to recycle EV batteries to create a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. This will mark the largest economic development in SC history.

South Carolina’s recycling industry continues to generate new investment and job creation in industry sectors from aerospace, automotive, agribusiness, logistics and others contributing to the overall demand.

REDUCE WASTE ●

●

In FY 2022, 1,161,924 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) was recycled. That is the equivalent of 4,201 Boeing 787 planes, loaded at maximum weight.

South Carolina’s MSW recycling rate was 22.7% in FY2022

REDUCE LITTER & PLASTICS POLLUTION ●

● ●

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36% of business development representatives say litter impacts a decision to locate in a community.

81% of littering is intentional.

76% of roadway litter originates from motorists and pedestrians. Individual actions as well as improperly covered trucks and cargo loads contribute to roadway litter.

15% of littering is directly affected by the environment.

Thank you to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SC Department of Commerce and Palmetto Pride for providing supporting data.

For more information visit sustainsouthcarolina.org or email hello@sustainsouthcarolina.org

ACCELERATOR #5 CASE STUDY Global companies like Coca-Cola Consolidated are harnessing the

economic opportunity in South Carolina and helping build the circular economy by capturing plastic waste

In March 2023, Sustain SC and Coca-Cola Consolidated installed a Litter Gitter on the University of South Carolina’s campus. The Litter Gitter is a floating structure designed to collect litter and debris into a “trash trap” to prevent it from going farther downstream. Installed by a team from the Osprey Initiative, it deployed on the Rocky Branch Creek which is a magnet for litter that is left on campus as wind, rain, and gravity direct it toward the stream channel.

The Litter Gitter is a perfect example of commitments to creating a circular economy. By capturing waste from waterways, it prevents trash from polluting the environment and harming wildlife, while also creating new opportunities for

Founder of the Osprey Initiative. “I’m seeing an honest effort from Coca-Cola Consolidated. Coke is committed to this.”

“Being Columbia’s local Coca-Cola bottler and the official fan refreshment of the Gamecocks comes with a responsibility to improve the communities we serve,” said Todd Marty, Senior Director of Sustainability at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “We embrace our responsibility to protect our environment and this Litter Gitter is one of the innovative programs we’ve developed to help collect and recycle our packaging.”

Since its installment, the Litter Gitter has collected nearly 143 pounds of trash consisting of 60-percent plastic and

recycling and repurposing.

20-percent Styrofoam.

The partnership is part of Coca-Cola Consolidated’s

The installation of the Litter Gitter will assist the

Refresh Recycle Renew initiative, which invests in collaborations to establish, promote, and maximize recycling programs to ensure the company’s own recycled plastic and aluminum packages are turned into new bottles and cans.

“If there is going to be a large-scale change, it’s going to be from businesses,” said Don Bates,

University’s Facilities Landscaping and Waste & Recycling Services in their efforts to keep campus clean. It will also provide opportunities for integrative learning experiences for current and future students, often facilitated by the Office of Sustainability and its student organization, Sustainable Carolina.

ACCELERATOR #6

Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Supporting companies’ demand

• SC Nexus Tech Hub Partnership

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

for meeting emissions goals • Providing access to affordable, reliable & clean energy • Creating a resilient energy infrastructure

(What We’re Actively Doing)

• Clean Energy Federal Grant Support • Governor’s Energy Forum • Legislative Education Series

Clean Energy is Powering SC’s Economy!* *Top investments from 2022–23

AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 1. Redwood Materials Berkeley County $3.5 billion investment/1,500 jobs Battery materials recycling facility

8. Bosch Anderson County $200 million investment/350 jobs Fuel cell production

2. Scout Motors Richland County $2 billion investment/4,000 jobs Electric vehicle manufacturing facility

9. SolarGen Clarendon County $150 million investment Large-scale solar farm

3. BMW Spartanburg County $1.7 billion investment/300 jobs Plant expansion for electric vehicle production & new high-voltage battery assembly facility

10. Duke Energy Greenwood County $115 million investment Large-scale solar farm

4. Albermarle Corporation Chester County $1.3 billion investment/300 jobs Lithium mega-flex processing facility

11. Solar Power Innovation Energy Co., Ltd. Sumter County $66 million investment/300 jobs South Carolina Solar Operations

5. Envision AESC Florence County $810 million investment/1,000+ jobs Battery cell gigafactory

12. BorgWarner Inc. Oconee County $42.7 million investment/122 jobs Automotive supplier expanding its Upstate facility to support the growing demand for EV battery systems

6. Kontrolmatik Pomega Colleton County $279 million investment/575 jobs Lithium-ion battery storage factory

13. Hounen Solar Orangeburg County $33 million investment/200 jobs Solar panel production

7. Bosch Dorchester County $260 million investment/350 jobs Electric motor production

14. ABB E-mobility Lexington County $4 million investment/100 jobs Electric vehicle charger manufacturer

For more information visit sustainsouthcarolina.org or email hello@sustainsouthcarolina.org

ACCELERATOR #6 CASE STUDY Incorporating a clean energy mix into South Carolina’s infrastructure has become a cross-sector priority.

In recent years, South Carolina has seen more than $9

we are moving forward in a responsible way,” Hamilton

billion in capital investments in the EV industry. This is an

said. “We know there is a need and a demand with solar

industry that crosses political boundaries as it provides

coming to the state, but let’s make sure we’re being

both environmental and economic benefits and signifies

responsible with that development.”

the arrival of the sustainable revolution in the state.

Solar is, in fact, an integral part of many South Carolina In May 2023, Sustain SC hosted its first Energy Forum and

energy companies’ short-term plans. Heather Shirley

invited stakeholders from across the state to discuss

Smith of Duke Energy touts it as a win-win for customers

various industry-specific initiatives. The Energy Forum

and the industry. She says, “The same solar that we

provided an opportunity for wide-ranging conversations

would procure as fuel free energy to help mitigate

among elected officials, public, private, and non-profit

volatile fuel costs would be the same solar that we

organizations who have a role in the actions that need to

would utilize to source customer programs so that our

take place to ensure a strong, secure, and competitive

customers can harvest the renewable attributes off of

energy future for South Carolina.

that solar and meet their sustainability goals.”

South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith was

Companies in the global manufacturing market look to

one of the guest speakers. The Republican lawmaker

renewable energy for long-term solutions. Representing

emphasized the need for action on a legislative

Milliken & Company, panelist Maurice Lawrence

level, particularly a realistic energy policy with

expressed the desire for more collaborative policies to

bipartisan support.

foster companies’ ability to remain competitive and pursue green innovations like solar generation battery

“I do not believe that having clean energy, reliable and

storage and emerging technologies like hydrogen

expanded energy are mutually exclusive to one another,

renewable natural gas.

I think they can both be complemented,” Smith said.

“There is a demand for clean energy. There is a demand

Clean energy is already powering South Carolina’s

by industry, there’s a demand by the public and we’re

economy and we look forward to seeing more

going to have to make sure we put an emphasis on

investments come to the state. In the past year,

clean energy as we move forward.”

a number of companies have made substantial investments with various projects all over the state.

There’s no shortage of sunshine in South Carolina

In Berkeley County, Redwood Materials has invested

and solar energy is a significant revenue generator,

$3.5 billion for a battery materials recycling facility; In

particularly at the local level. Forum panelist

Spartanburg County, BMW has invested $1.7 billion on

Hamilton Davis of Southern Current remarked on the

a plant expansion for electric vehicle production and

growing demand for solar and the need for a robust

new high-voltage battery assembly facility. Albermarle

development plan.

Corporation is investing $1.3 billion for a lithium megaflex processing facility in Chester County and Scout

“The conversation we’re starting to have in earnest with

Motors plans to bring 4,000 jobs and a $1.3 billion

industry, Ag (SC Department of Agriculture), and with the

investment to Richland County with an electric vehicle

leaders at the city and county level, is about making sure

manufacturing facility.

ACCELERATOR #7

Metrics and Reporting Priorities Identified

Strategic Actions

• Analyzing common industry trends

• Roadmap to Sustain SC

(Based on EY Strategic Planning)

and needs • Integrating state resilience metrics and industry sustainability metrics • Supporting global goals at the local level

(What We’re Actively Doing)

• Corporate Member South Carolina Sustainability Reports • SDG Esri Platform • Legislative Education Series

ACCELERATOR #7 CASE STUDY Implementing global initiatives at the local level is no easy feat.

For global companies like Michelin, moving the needle requires a multi-pronged approach, and for sustainability leaders like Kara Fulcher, it’s a very grassroots approach. As the Director of Sustainability at Michelin North America, Inc., headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, it’s Fulcher’s role to take the strategic initiatives set at the company’s highest levels and implement them regionally.

“There are a lot of factors to consider–commitments to organizing bodies, reporting standards, and expectations from our customers – when making tangible decisions

opportunity to develop a trusted cohort of peers, which I think is really unique. Sustain SC has made important strides in making these opportunities more real.”

Fulcher has been a member of Sustain SC for several years and involved in the development of the Roadmap to Sustain SC. She said it’s been a beneficial partnership in more ways than one and provided exposure to thought leaders grappling with the same sustainabilityrelated challenges.

on behalf of the environment,” Fulcher said. “It’s about looking at the ingredients we have, resources at hand, and figuring out how we can craft that into a solution to meet those goals.”

Fulcher has been plugged into South Carolina’s sustainability conversation for years. She’s witnessed it move from a compliance-oriented conversation placing responsibility on individuals (i.e. littering) to something much more robust and holistic, especially over the last five years.

“Decarbonization, tackling the supply chain, all of that is still being developed, but people now understand those conversations and can wrap their arms around it,” she explained. “There are other topics that have been continuing to come to the fore.”

Michelin has globally ambitious sustainability goals, so Fulcher is tasked with translating those global goals in a way that resonates locally and stays true to Michelin’s strategy. It takes an organization like Sustain SC to help connect the dots.

“It is a small state, yet we punch above our weight when it comes to the kinds of companies that are located here in South Carolina,” Fulcher said.

“There’s a high level of advanced thinking with the talented leaders we have here. There’s an

“It certainly provided opportunities for specific engagement with other major actors here in the Upstate, to learn about paths chosen and paths not chosen,” said Fulcher. “At a higher level, I’ve been able to have engaging conversations with people truly plugged into the sustainability landscape and other groups within the United Nations who have provided me with a much more global understanding of what’s happening on the ground in other parts of the world.”

Who We Work With Sustain SC’s membership includes industry, utilities, state agencies, conservation NGOs, and agribusiness representatives who are committed to sustainability in South Carolina.

Our members recognize the opportunity to attract and encourage new economic innovation for our state through sustainability. We have a goal of creating new jobs and investments all while decreasing a company's footprint through access to clean energy alternatives, sustainable agriculture technologies, carbon capture, utilization and storage, the circular economy and other innovative technologies.

All4

Lumenant

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc.

MainOcean Carolinas

Branham Group, Inc.

MUSC

Cherry Street Energy

Samsung

Colite Technologies

SC Dept. of Agriculture

Davis & Floyd

Siemens

Delta Bravo

South Carolina Mitigation Association

EPR

Tetramer Technologies

GEL Engineering, LLC

The Beach Company

Greentree Land Management, LLC

Upstate SC Alliance

HRP Associates, Inc.

Water & Land Solutions

JW Aluminum

ZF Group

Kimley-Horn

Central SC Alliance

SC Aquarium

City of North Charleston

SCMEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership)

Clemson University

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Coastal Carolina University

South Carolina Forestry Commission

Conservation Voters of South Carolina

South Carolina National Heritage Corridor

Lowcountry Land Trust

The Darla Moore School of Business

Maritime Association of SC

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University

Mixon Seed Open Space Institute Palmetto Pride

Town of Mt. Pleasant VisionGreenwood

How you can help: How you can help: Make a commitment to the sustainability of commerce + conservation Make a commitment to the sustainability of commerce + conservation in in South South Carolina.

Carolina.

Make a commitment to the sustainability of commerce + conservation in South Carolina.

Three Three ways ways you you can can help: help: Three ways you can help:

→ → Become Become a a member member of of Sustain Sustain SC. SC. → → Attend Attend Sustain Sustain SC SC events events to to better better understand understand → Become a member of Sustain SC. sustainability in South Carolina. sustainability in South Carolina. → Attend Sustainstrategic SC events to better understand → → Be Be a a voice voice for for strategic sustainable sustainable economic economic sustainability in South Carolina. growth growth in in our our state. state. → Be a voice for strategic sustainable economic

growth inDavis, our state.

For For more more information, information, please please contact contact Cynthia Cynthia Davis, SVP: SVP: cynthia@sustainsouthcarolina.org or visit sustainsouthcarolina.org. cynthia@sustainsouthcarolina.org or visit sustainsouthcarolina.org.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Davis, SVP: cynthia@sustainsouthcarolina.org or visit sustainsouthcarolina.org.

LET’S HIT THE ROAD sustainsouthcarolina.org/roadmap