Seabrook Island’s 2,200 acres of natural splendor serves as a reminder of the pleasures of a slow-paced, coastal way of life. Generations of residents and guests have created lasting memories while immersed in the most peaceful of settings on our hidden semi-tropical barrier island.
Seabrook Island, SC is a private, welcoming oceanfront destination home to SIC Audubon Sanctuary Golf Courses as well as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. From lush maritime forests and serene marshes to miles of pristine beaches, Seabrook Island works to keep our serene natural sanctuary thriving.
About Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities.
Through the Sustainable Communities and Green Neighborhoods Programs, Audubon International works to help community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies, and practices. For more information, contact Audubon International at (518) 767-9051 or visit their website.
What Is An Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community?
The Sustainable Communities Program is an international, science-based certification program that helps lead communities through their journey to become vibrant, productive places to live, work, and play. These third-party certified communities exemplify the core pillars of sustainability: a healthy local environment, high quality of life for its residents, and economic vitality.
To receive a designation, Sustainable Communities Program members must develop and implement community-focused management practices and policies in accordance with the SCP’s Long-Term Sustainability Plan (LTSP). The LTSP mandates timelines and measurable goals that address fourteen focus areas including wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement, water conservation, energy efficiency, health, and transportation. A Sustainable Community certification is based on the quality and completeness of the LTSP, as well as its execution.
A Leader in SC’s Sustainable Communities
After working to complete the necessary requirements and meet strict criteria, the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association became the first Sustainable Community designation in the state of South Carolina on December 1, 2017. Seabrook Island is the 6th community in the world to receive this certification, following communities in Eufaula, Alabama, Williamston, North Carolina, Coconut Creek, Florida, Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont, and Rio Verde, Arizona.
On the AI designation, SIPOA President Ed Houff says, “SIPOA residents have been tremendously supportive of the efforts to focus on preservation, conservation, and sustainability within our community. The hard work and many months of meetings and synthesis of materials and views has firmly established our relationship with Audubon International, culminating in this exceptional award – and in the process, Seabrook Island has become the first private community in South Carolina to achieve this status. Many community members have worked toward this goal and many thanks go to long-term committee members Jim Bannwart, Carl Voelker and Executive Director Heather Paton for their dedication and perseverance for the benefit of our community, environment, and quality of life.”
For more information, please visit the Tidelines blog.
To maintain the pristine natural environment and recreational amenities on our private island, Seabrook continues to take conservation actions that align with our long-range sustainability plan. In working to meet our goals and promote constant progress, Seabrook Island has taken a number of proactive measures including:
- All SIPOA, Town of Seabrook, and SIC properties are designated as smoke-free areas to help promote healthy lifestyles.
- The Oyster Catcher Community Center received interior and exterior renovations from 2016-2017. Eco-friendly sail shades were added to the Lake House pool (pictured above) to reduce harmful sun exposure to guests and reduce annual umbrella replacements.
- Energy-efficient technologies such as LED and dark sky lighting are utilized to minimize resulting pollution.
- SIPOA irrigation devices have smart controllers with rain sensors that reduce water waste.
- Multiple educational events are held annually to promote awareness on issues related to environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and technology.
If you want to experience the natural beauty of Seabrook Island, SC for yourself, we invite you to plan your visit today! Our private gated community located near the charming, historical city of Charleston and Kiawah Island, SC is accessible only to property owners, club members, and their guests. We have a wide selection of available rental properties on Seabrook Island, SC, from cottages and villas to townhomes and larger homes that showcase views of the tidal creek, award-winning golf courses, and even the Atlantic Ocean.
Want to learn more about Seabrook’s sustainability practices? Click here.