The 2020 Charleston County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory revealed that Isle of Palms had the 2nd highest emissions per capita. Buildings accounted for 68% of emissions followed by transportation and solid waste. View the report
Leveraging Solar Energy
The Environmental Advisory Committee became aware of a federal energy efficiency grant that would benefit the Isle of Palms. The committee quickly mobilized and submitted an application by the January 8, 2024, due date. Special thanks to committee members, Belvin Olasov and Matt Simms, for completing the grant application. As a result of their hard work, Isle of Palms was awarded $67,261 for the installation of a solar rooftop project for our Public Works Department. Work is expected to begin in 2025.
Sea Rise Citizen Science Program
The EAC partnered this year with the SC Aquarium’s SeaRise citizen science program – five signs have been purchased and three have been placed to date to help monitor areas on the island most susceptible to sea level rise, flooding, and storm surge. Citizens can take a picture of the flooded area around the sign and then upload it to the QR code posted on the sign. This information goes to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for their research as well as providing input to the City on potential drainage and flooding mitigation projects.
South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI)
In August of 2025 the environmental advisory committee (EAC) became a member of SASMI. Partnering with SASMI will help the EAC learn more about how important our salt marshes are for indicating changes in our climate.