About

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities works on systems change at the intersection of socio-economic and ecological systems to tackle our most pressing sustainability challenges.

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Our Values

The Shi Institute is guided by a simple premise: sustainable progress must be equitable, evidence-based, and rooted in respect for ecological and planetary boundaries. We aim for long-term human thriving, supported by solutions that communities can implement, sustain, and improve over time.

We value:

  • People-centered impact, with community needs shaping the work
  • Systems thinking that connects ecological realities with socio-economic drivers
  • Learning through action, turning research into practical implementation
  • Equity and shared prosperity as core outcomes
  • Integrity, transparency, and accountability in how we collaborate and measure results
  • Collaboration and shared leadership across disciplines and sectors

Our Approach

The Institute places students and faculty at the heart of the work, making positive impacts through applied research, hands-on learning, and sustainability leadership training.

Applied research that supports decision-making

We work with partners to analyze complex challenges and produce insights that can be used immediately. Our team helps turn overwhelming information into clear findings through data analysis, mapping (GIS), visualization, and stakeholder-ready reporting.

Hands-on learning that prepares students to lead

Co-curricular experiences and fellowships give students structured, high-impact opportunities to apply sustainability thinking in professional and community settings.

Leadership training and capacity-building

We strengthen leadership through programs that develop sustainability knowledge, build networks, and support practitioners working across business, nonprofit, and public sectors.

How We Work With Partners

Partnerships are central to how the Shi Institute creates impact. We collaborate with communities, organizations, local governments, and campus stakeholders to identify shared priorities, align on goals, and co-develop solutions.

Our work with partners commonly includes:

  • Strengthening community resilience, supporting adaptation and long-term sustainability
  • Untangling complex problems through technical analysis and systems-based framing
  • Making data tell stories through custom visualization tools such as interactive dashboards and StoryMaps
  • Designing tools for impact, including web-based mapping and decision-support applications
  • Building bridges between stakeholders through facilitation that supports productive, action-oriented collaboration
  • Turning ideas into action through project development consulting, grant-support partnerships, and sustainability-focused micro-teaching
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Strategy

The Institute advances sustainability by focusing on durable outcomes for people and communities across South Carolina and beyond. Our work aligns with three connected priorities:

Campus impact

We leverage Furman’s sustainability commitments, including the net-zero, LEED-certified showcase home and the organic-practice farm on campus, as a living environment for learning and applied work.

Community impact

We support partner organizations and communities with applied research, resilience planning, technical assistance, and implementation-ready tools.

Leadership impact

We prepare students and professionals to lead, equipping them with practical experience, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate across sectors.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in partnering with the Shi Institute, exploring a student opportunity, or learning more about our work, contact us with your questions. We look forward to connecting.

Our Team

Affiliates

Learn more about Shi Affiliates

Student Fellows

Learn more about our student fellowships