August 9, 2025

Greenwood Launches Pilot Program for Sustainability and Resilience

News Summary

Greenwood has initiated a new pilot program designed to enhance sustainability and resilience in the region, in partnership with VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC. The initiative focuses on critical community issues such as affordable housing and disaster recovery, actively engaging local stakeholders to address vulnerabilities. The Greenwood Resilience and Sustainability Council, chaired by Chuck Rimsky, aims to create strategies aimed at improving the community’s sustainability ranking and managing environmental challenges. The program serves as a model for other municipalities striving for sustainable economic development.

Greenwood has launched a new pilot program aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience in Greenwood County through a collaboration between VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC. The initiative was formally introduced at a workshop for the Greenwood Resilience and Sustainability Council on August 6, held at the Arts Center of Greenwood. The program is designed to address critical community issues, including recovery from natural disasters and the need for affordable housing. Community leaders and stakeholders gathered at the workshop to engage in discussions surrounding local vulnerabilities and develop strategies for improvement.

The Greenwood Resilience and Sustainability Council will convene again on September 4 at Piedmont Technical College to continue its planning efforts. Chuck Rimsky of Velux Greenwood LLC has been appointed as the chairperson of this newly formed council. Velux Greenwood LLC is known for its commitment to sustainability and philanthropy within the community.

This pilot program aims to assist Greenwood in recovering from adverse events and confronting ongoing challenges, specifically focusing on affordable housing and resilience to climate-related events. Participants in the workshop engaged in a tabletop exercise to identify and prioritize local “shocks and stressors” that the community currently faces. These challenges include flooding, economic disparity, and food insecurity.

A diverse array of organizations participated in the launch event, including the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), and Furman University’s Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities. The collaborative efforts underscore the importance of integrating various perspectives in addressing Greenwood’s complex issues.

Currently, Greenwood ranks 37th in sustainability among U.S. cities, and the pilot program seeks to improve this ranking. Experts at the workshop emphasized the need for efficient land and water use as a cornerstone of sustainable development for future generations. The South Carolina Office of Resilience oversees approximately $150 million in federal funding allocated for housing recovery and disaster relief, specifically targeting counties affected by Hurricane Helene, including Greenwood.

Several strategies to manage flooding and stormwater problems were discussed at the workshop. Nature-based solutions, including voluntary buyouts of properties that have been repeatedly flooded, and land conservation efforts, are among the recommendations being considered. Collaborative efforts with neighboring communities were highlighted as essential for effectively addressing these environmental challenges.

A fundamental aspect of resilience planning is accurate data collection related to land use and conservation practices. Participants noted the overlap between immediate shocks such as natural disasters and chronic stressors like food insecurity. Such comprehensive understanding is vital for crafting effective responses to Greenwood’s most pressing needs.

In addition to environmental concerns, the workshop also explored sustainability measures that could help reduce manufacturing costs and support economic growth. Small to mid-sized businesses in South Carolina stand to benefit significantly from the implementation of these practices. The emphasis on corporate sustainability aligns with broader economic development strategies aimed at ensuring a prosperous future for Greenwood.

As the pilot program develops, it is designed to create a model for other municipalities across South Carolina to align their sustainability initiatives with economic development goals. The series of workshops and stakeholder meetings will work to identify community needs and assets, ultimately positioning Greenwood for substantial funding opportunities from both federal and state sources.

Equipping Greenwood with the tools and strategies necessary for sustainable growth is the overarching goal of this initiative. By focusing on community resilience and engaging diverse stakeholders, the pilot program aims to enable Greenwood to thrive in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner for generations to come.