Charleston RISES™ Green Building Certification

High-performance buildings. Verified results. Built for South Carolina.

What is Charleston RISES™?

Charleston RISES™ is a high-performance building certification developed by The Sustainability Institute in collaboration with regional green building leaders and Green Badger.

The program verifies new construction projects that achieve at least a 30% improvement in energy and water efficiency beyond standard building code, while also advancing healthier indoor environments and more resilient, better-connected sites.

Built specifically for South Carolina, RISES™ delivers a certification pathway that is rigorous, practical, and regionally appropriate.

Why Choose Charleston RISES™

Designed around the realities of building in South Carolina.

Field-Verified Performance

On-the-ground inspections ensure buildings perform as designed, not just on paper.

Streamlined Documentation

A simplified, tech-enabled process reduces administrative burden.

Built-In Technical Support

Our team serves as your green advisor, reducing the need for additional consultants.

Regionally Aligned Standards

Aligned with South Carolina’s climate, construction practices, and resilience needs.

Cost-Effective Approach

Lower overhead means more investment in building quality.
A Practical Approach to Certification

How the Program Works

By prioritizing field-verified performance, simplified workflows, and real-time support, we help owners and developers achieve long-term energy and water savings, higher-quality construction, healthier workplaces, and more resilient sites, without unnecessary overhead.
1

Project Registration

Initiated during schematic design to align goals early.
2

Design Review & Goal Setting

Pre-permitting review of strategies, energy modeling, and certification pathway.
3

Field Verification & Inspection

On-site inspections at key construction milestones.
4

Site Progress Monitoring

Verification of construction practices including waste management and indoor air quality.
5

Systems Commissioning (Cx)

Independent verification that building systems perform as intended.
6

Final Performance Verification

Comprehensive review to confirm all requirements are met.
7

Certification Awarded

Projects receive Charleston RISES™ certification upon successful verification.