Charleston, SC Economic Development


Clemson University Restoration Institute

As the first formal academic initiative in the nation focused on the restoration economy, the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) brings together experts and researchers in design, planning, construction management, real estate, historic preservation, materials science, environmental science, forestry and more to advance global restoration methods and technologies.

Master planning is currently underway for CURI's North Charleston Research Park, which will offer laboratories and facilities for public-private partnerships, private development, spin-off companies, and other research and development agencies interested in restorative activities. 		related information

Advanced MaterialsHealthy CommunitiesHistoric PreservationRenewable EnergyRestoration Ecology
Advanced Materials, Processes & Systems
Conducts research to develop sustainable, recycled and reused building materials, processes and systems. Project scope includes development of:
  • Processes to protect ships and submerged metals from rust and barnacles
  • Wind- and earthquake-resistant construction materials and methods
  • Sustainable production methods and materials using biomimetics
  • Merged ceramics, polymers, biomaterials and composites, and fibrous protein material
Source: CURI website
Healthy Communities & Buildings
Conducts research in the design, planning, and management of communities for health living. The scope of work includes:
  • Planned integration and management of watersheds, urban forests, multi-modal transportation systems, and other land uses for air and water quality
  • Planning and design of walkable and safe neighborhoods
  • Design of "green," LEED-certified healthcare facilities and therapeutic landscapes and gardens
  • Design and construction of healthy buildings, in particular schools, with maximum natural daylight and interior products finished with low toxic emissions
Source: CURI website
Historic Preservation & Materials Conservation
Conducts research in techniques for historic preservation and materials conservation. Project scope includes development of:
  • Documentation and preservation of large-scale historic landscapes and cityscapes
  • Integrated preservation land-development practices, policies and financing strategies
  • Methods to conserve historic buildings and other structures, cultural landscapes and gardens
  • Methods to stabilize and care for cloth, masonry, wood, metal and composite artifacts
Source: CURI website
Renewable Energy
Conducts research to develop bio-based and wind energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Project scope includes development of:
  • Innovative technologies to convert field crops, wood residue and algae into biofuels
  • Novel technologies to enhance agricultural crops for fuel production and to build industry partnerships
  • Studies to determine the feasibility of small- and commercial-scale wind energy
  • Integration of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and hydrogen
Source: CURI website
Restoration Ecology
Conducts research in watershed management and restoration of compromised ecological systems. Project scope includes development of:
  • Community-based watershed planning and management programs
  • Ecosystem restoration for rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal environments
  • Remediation methods for abandoned industrial sites or brownfields
  • Practices to prevent and manage water pollution caused by stormwater runoff
  • Forest and wildlife habitat regeneration and management emissions
Source: CURI website