Hilton Head Island is actively encouraging green energy use through several town-led initiatives and partnerships with utilities, focusing on expanding renewable energy at public facilities, promoting eco-friendly practices for events and meetings, supporting clean power generation, and raising environmental awareness.
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives, Hilton Head Island
Key strategies include:
Expanded use of renewable energy at municipal facilities: The Town has increased its utilization of solar and other renewables at public buildings.​
Green energy for large events: Major events, such as the RBC Heritage PGA Tour tournament, are powered with Green Power sourced from renewables like landfill gas and solar, supplied by Palmetto Electric and Santee Cooper.​
Renewable Natural Gas Project: Hilton Head participates in regional initiatives harnessing renewable natural gas, enhancing air and water quality while reducing emissions.​
Adoption of green building practices: All new capital projects aim to integrate green building standards and materials to reduce energy consumption.​
Sustainability awareness campaigns: The Town has engaged local schools and visitors to raise awareness about green energy and coastal conservation.​
Meet Green program: This program encourages eco-friendly practices for meetings and events, supporting waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency among local businesses, event planners, and tourists.​
Public-private cooperation: Partnerships with Santee Cooper and Palmetto Electric have expanded the supply of renewable energy to the island and backed community green initiatives.​
Recent strategic plans emphasize continued progress toward greater sustainability, including expanding public solar infrastructure and further environmental protections.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.santeecooper.com/About/Integrated-Resource-Plan/presentations/Santee-Cooper-2025-IRP-Update.pdf)
[2](https://islands.irena.org/Events)
[3](https://www.facebook.com/townofhhi/posts/-strategic-action-plan-goal-9-protect-and-enhance-environmental-sustainabilityhi/1235686585259358/)
[4](https://www.santeecooper.com/global-news/2025/040325-Heritage-Green-Power-Event.aspx)
[5](https://www.herehiltonhead.com/renewable-natural-gas-south-carolina/)
