The Sustainability Institute

The Sustainability Institute (SI) –www.sustainabilityinstituteSC.org  
As a grassroots, non-profit environmental organization based in North Charleston, The Sustainability Institute has become South Carolina’s go-to resource for information on sustainability. Their mission is to build the capacity in others to create sustainable homes and communities across South Carolina and for almost a decade they have led efforts in the Lowcountry to encourage energy conservation, to get more people to use environmentally friendly products and practices when building and renovating, and to help entire communities design sustainable solutions and programs.

The Institute’s goal is to achieve a sustainable South Carolina - a place where homes and communities are developed and restored to be healthy and environmentally sound, where residents actively participate in community decision-making and where natural resources and systems are protected for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Sustainability Institute renovated a 1940's home in North Charleston, called The GreenHouse, which is used as both their headquarters and as demonstration facility. It teaches area residents how to renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient, healthy, durable, and environmentally-friendly. Trainings are available for homeowners, building professionals and communities and are designed around the needs of the audience. Workshops for building professionals are held quarterly. Both are available on-the-go and for groups such as homeowner associations, businesses and professional or trade associations.

A range of cutting-edge services are offered including energy audits and consulting services that are designed to turn local buildings into sustainable examples. Energy audits are available for both homes and businesses and identify the highest priority areas and best strategies for reducing energy consumption in the building. Consulting services help building professionals determine what products work best for their renovation or construction project and aid with cost analysis.


1441 East Montague Avenue
North Charleston SC 29405
843.529.3416
www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org

South Carolina Green Building Directory Staff

Niall Cytryn, Project Manager for the South Carolina Green Building Directory

Niall's focus at The Sustainability Institute is managing the creation of South Carolina Green Building Directory.  Niall achieved a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on ecological design and sustainable development from the University of Vermont in 2002.  He is currently a graduate student in the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at the College of Charleston and will receive his degree May 2008.  His course of study is concentrated on the science and implementation of high performance green buildings.  Niall is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Laura Addis, Web Developer for the South Carolina Green Building Directory

Laura became involved with The Sustainability Institute in Janaury 2007 and contributes to The Institute's mission through her work in web/graphic design.  In 2005, she received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from The College of Charleston.  Currently, Laura works in Marketing and Design for Caribbean Restaurant Concepts, Inc., a restaurant group headquartered in Charleston, SC.  She also works as a freelance web/graphic designer specializing in design solutions that create less waste, less negative impact on the environment and more value to stakeholders.