Kiawah Island’s Sustainability Efforts

Kiawah Island embodies sustainable living; from eco-friendly developmental practices to abundant nature conservancy efforts, the goal remains the same: maintaining the balance between the natural world and our interaction with it. Nature is the star attraction on the Island, and that’s evident in how we build and cultivate our communities. 

We are fortunate that Kiawah Island continues to grow due to runoff from Folly Beach, meaning our Island has some of the healthiest beaches on the South Carolina coast. Additionally, the Island is blessed with a vast wildlife population, including blue herons, white-tailed deer long-legged egrets, spotted sea trout, dolphins, and many more incredible species. 

Because of these inherent natural wonders, we feel a duty to protect everything that calls this Island home. Read on to learn more about our sustainability practices and conservation efforts, which keep the Island as vibrant and healthy as ever. 

Interested in Kiawah Island’s history? Read about “The History of Kiawah Island.”

Designing With Nature

Our sustainability efforts start with how we develop on the Island. Fortunately, South Street Partners, the current guardians of the Island’s environmental plan, is fully committed to furthering Kiawah Island’s excellence in sustainable development. Through partnerships with architectural trailblazers, the Urban Land Institute, and local leaders, the focus remains on Designing with Nature.

In 1976, Kiawah Island Company established the Architectural Review Board, or ARB. The idea was, and still is, to “achieve an uncommon and visually pleasing blend of natural beauty and man-made improvements” and to be “… dedicated to preserving a unique and ecologically sensitive community.” 

Over time, this vision has remained and is evident in how the Island has grown since then. Even with the addition of new resort facilities and residential property developments, everything has been strategically blended into the natural environment. Each new structure is subject to extensive deed restrictions, covenants, and ARB guidelines. Suppose a decision is made to remove foliage from a specific area. In that case, an arrangement is made to bring in the future natural environment through landscaping, ensuring that Kiawah Island remains how it should be: full of natural beauty.

Learn More: 50 Years of Designing with Nature

Nurturing Nature

The Kiawah Island Nature Center celebrates wildlife. Through demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and guided tours, this group of nature lovers and naturalists show visitors all there is to see on the Island. 

Additionally, the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy was established by Island residents in 1997. This chartered, non-profit, grassroots organization has since preserved more than 52 properties, which equates to over 2,273 acres of Island. By implementing programs to encourage and assist landowners in protecting the unique natural environment of Kiawah Island, the Kiawah Conservancy enhances the quality of life of all living beings on Kiawah Island and makes a positive impact on the socioeconomic aspects of life for everyone in the area. 

Affiliated Developers

Kiawah Partners has special partnerships with regional affiliate developers, which help enhance the Island’s offerings. All of the Affiliated Developer Neighborhoods benefit from their placement within nature’s richest landscapes—effortlessly flowing into their pristine surroundings.

If you’re interested in our available developer neighborhoods, view them here.

Live Sustainably on Kiawah Island

Are you ready to fully experience the South Carolina coast? Living on Kiawah Island means waking up every day to the sea breeze and the rustling of the Island’s flora. 

If you’re interested in owning on Kiawah Island, view our available properties below!