Showing posts with label SM Prime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SM Prime. Show all posts

2025/07/05

SM Prime Builds Toward Plastic-Free Communities

7/05/2025 07:53:00 AM


The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) projects global plastic production to reach 1.1 billion metric tons by 2050, posing serious risks to the environment, public health, and economies worldwide.

In response to these challenges, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.—one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers—continues to push for sustainable and resilient urban development across its communities.

With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM's waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.



A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

Acknowledging the challenges and realities for businesses and on-ground operations through its EPR working group committee, the SM group commits to a plan of action in reducing and recovering its plastic footprint within the given five-year period, sharing alternatives and new technologies to respond to the growing global crises, and establishing partnerships with government agencies and other private institutions.

As the property arm of the SM group, SM Prime’s commitment to a waste-free future aims to create the needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies.

Crucial to waste recovery efforts, SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and standardized waste segregation and management practices to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. A joint venture with a Japanese environmental solutions company, the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), converts non-recyclable waste into cement fuel or “fluff fuel” for eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, as part of its “co-processing” practice.

SM GUUN converts disposable waste into fluff fuel, which helps unload overfilled and over-capacity landfills.



Beyond compliance

SM Prime continues with its established programs such as the nationwide Trash to Cash recycling market. Since 2007, it has been one of SM Supermalls’ flagship programs that continues to be more relevant given the times.

Available in all 87 SM malls, the Trash to Cash program has since been recognized as a rewarding community-driven practice for surrounding residents and mall tenants.


Activating the SM malls to help their communities with sorted plastic waste, Trash to Cash incentivizes the exchange of recyclables to provide a venue for plastic recovery. Fifteen SM Plastic Waste Collection sites likewise serve as drop-off points for clean, empty, and dry plastics. In addition, the Solid Waste Action Program (SWAP) reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia enable the diversion of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), which are considered high-value plastic products.

The annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), supported by SM Cares, continues to empower volunteers to take part in this global effort for a record-breaking initiative. In 2024 alone, SM Cares helped mobilize 23,000 employees, students, and various communities that joined nationwide volunteer efforts to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways.

Volunteers participate in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) for a shared cause, with sign-ups increasing each year.

 
Hamilo Coast, known for its Marine Protected Areas and its commitment to living in harmony with nature, together with employees, guests, and residents, recovers plastic waste during beach clean-ups.

Aiming for a waste-free future

Reduction is always the best option. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has long since eliminated SUPs from all properties in support of the UNEP’s campaign to phase them out. Pico Sands Hotel was also one of the first hotels to sign with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) in their Ayoko Na Sa Plastic Campaign in 2018.

SMHCC has successfully replaced all single-use amenities, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shampoo and shower gel bottles, and PET water bottles in all its hotel rooms. Since 2019, as part of the SMX Convention Centers’ guidelines to promote sustainable events management practices, bamboo or starch-based environmentally friendly alternatives to replace plastic cutlery are encouraged to minimize waste generation.

Working collectively as a group to reduce the effects of the plastic waste crises creates a bigger impact at a greater scale. Through enhanced waste management systems, effective waste segregation practices, and proactive community effort, SM Prime aims to successfully divert a greater proportion of plastic waste away from landfills.

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play--it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”

SM Prime Marks First Year of Waste-Free Future Initiative

7/05/2025 06:46:00 AM


The Philippines produces more than 60,000 metric tons of waste each day, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources—a number projected to grow as urbanization and economic activity continue to rise.

In response, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024. As part of its environmental sustainability efforts, the initiative aims to cut down waste through proper segregation, recycling, composting, and other eco-friendly disposal methods, helping reduce the volume sent to landfills.

Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia.

 
In its first year, it implemented a new waste management segregation system across its properties, including all malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers, and estates nationwide.

Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide endeavor.

A bigger picture of waste

The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice. RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices.


Despite its infancy stage, the rapid and wide-scale integration underscores SM Prime’s ability to operationalize sustainability across diverse asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative waste diversion strategies.

SM Prime also celebrates the efforts of SM Retail in advancing a waste-free future. All SM Store branches have successfully deployed their RDC bins, while SM Markets continues to implement its reusable bag system. In support of waste management efforts, Goldilocks Bakeshop has also implemented the RDC system across its stores in all SM Supermalls.

Creating opportunities to expand

Partnerships with other organizations pave the way for the work ahead. SM Waste-Free Future strengthens tenant engagement for SM Supermalls and SM Offices, supporting businesses with similar goals on waste and helping them align with their global sustainability policies.

Similarly, it reinforces SM Hotels’ advanced Back of House operations, food waste policies, and textile recycling program. The SM Hotels’ Tela Tales program transforms discarded linen into sustainable products and provides livelihood for the women of partner communities, upcycling more than 2,000 yards of condemned linens.

Recognizing that technology greatly contributes to the solutions, SM Waste-Free Future has also strengthened collaborations with other organizations. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) works with Globe’s Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from residents and help make a difference in the lives of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger and divert household food waste away from landfills.

In the mall’s Cyberzone areas, SM Supermalls’ Electronic Waste Collection Program and their partnership with PLDT and Smart make it accessible to dispose of old mobile devices and other electronic gadgets responsibly.

Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone.
 

Join the movement

SM Waste Free Future invites more communities and stakeholders to participate through proper waste segregation, joining local clean-ups and collection drives, or supporting eco-friendly products and practices.

Positive reinforcement and catchy social media campaigns from SM Cares target the youth by promoting better waste segregation habits and encouraging them to become more involved with the state of the planet they will inherit.

Recently, in celebration of World Oceans Day, SM Cares mobilized communities across 18 SM Supermalls nationwide, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting more than 30,000 kilograms of waste from shorelines.

Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans.

“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.”

With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.



Hans Sy Pushes Private Sector Role in Disaster Resilience at UNDRR 2025

7/05/2025 05:27:00 AM


SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.


Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

 
He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

 

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.
v

2025/05/11

SM Prime Leads the Way: Driving Positive Change for Cleaner Seas and Oceans

5/11/2025 06:26:00 AM



 

The quest for cleaner seas and oceans demands unwavering commitment, consistent action, and genuine care for our shared planet. In the Philippines, SM Prime has emerged as an influential champion in this global movement, embracing environmental stewardship not just as a responsibility but also as a core aspect of its corporate identity.  



SM City Tanza volunteers join a Philippine Coast Guard coastal cleanup, demonstrating SM Prime's environmental commitment.

SM’s enduring dedication, in line with its Net Zero 2040 initiative to reduce emissions, goes beyond merely protecting coastal ecosystems--it also inspires Filipinos across communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles, transforming collective awareness into actionable impact. And this dedication continues to translate into tangible, meaningful results. In 2024 alone, SM’s mall cleanup initiatives successfully collected and diverted a total of 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas, oceans, and other bodies of water, significantly reducing its impact on marine biodiversity and helping preserve our planet’s marine ecosystems.

Understanding the intricate relationship between waste and climate change, SM has been helping to address the solid waste crisis not only because it pollutes our waters but also because it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Landfills filled with organic and plastic waste emit methane, a potent GHG far more destructive than carbon dioxide in accelerating climate change. Through proactive cleanup activities and robust waste management initiatives, SM addresses this issue head-on, significantly reducing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

SM’s continued success in its advocacy stems from the collective strength and cooperation of its diverse business units. This synergy allows the organization to extend its cleanup initiatives from coastal areas to smaller but equally vital water channels like rivers and esteros. By mobilizing hundreds of dedicated employees and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, SM ensures that its efforts are extensive, impactful, and enduring. 



Part of SM Prime's success in its cleanup initiative can be attributed to its employees and countless volunteers, who help ensure that all of its efforts are comprehensive and long-lasting.


Collaboration lies at the heart of SM’s environmental initiatives. Recognizing that achieving cleaner oceans requires collective action, SM consistently partners with government agencies, local governments, and international organizations. Frequent collaborators include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), various local government units (LGUs), and global groups such as Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 represented a significant milestone for SM’s participation in the initiative, celebrating its 10th consecutive year of engagement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls nationwide and drawing an extraordinary turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers. This record-breaking participation highlights SM’s growing influence and underscores the expanding public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans.

Committed to maintaining this momentum, SM continues to sustain its cleanup efforts through consistent engagement. At SM By the Bay, regular monthly cleanup activities have been ongoing since January 2025, demonstrating SM’s commitment to lasting environmental care.

Looking ahead, SM invites the community to participate in its upcoming significant cleanup drives: on June 7, celebrating World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month; on September 20, observing International Coastal Cleanup Day; and on November 24, empowering youth participation in the National Day for Youth in Climate Action.

“Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage Filipinos to be active participants in environmental preservation by joining our cleanup activities, segregating waste responsibly at home, and supporting the SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Empowered to Protect: April Coastal Cleanups

5/11/2025 02:37:00 AM


 SM By the BAY mobilized 272 volunteers and employees to collect more than a ton of trash during its April coastal cleanup drive. Demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship, the initiative resulted in the removal of 1,147 kilograms of waste from the area through weekly cleanup efforts.

Held every week along the Manila Bay shoreline, the cleanup drives were led by SM employees, customer relations staff, and janitorial personnel, reinforcing the company’s call for collective, community-driven action. Beyond restoring the coastline’s natural beauty, the initiative also helped raise awareness of ocean conservation and environmental responsibility. 

Volunteers from SM Supermalls—including employees, customer relations staff, and janitorial personnel—come together after a successful coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, united by a shared commitment to protecting our oceans and building a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

The campaign continues to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water, which emphasizes the protection of marine life and coastal ecosystems from pollution and degradation. As plastic and debris continue to threaten ocean biodiversity, efforts like these demonstrate that consistent community engagement can create long-term impact. 


SM volunteers in action during the April coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, working together to remove marine debris and protect our shoreline—one bag at a time.


Over a ton of trash collected by SM volunteers during the April 2025 coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay—each bag a step closer to a cleaner, healthier marine environment.

Step by step, bag by bag—SM employees move with purpose along the SM By the Bay, turning their mornings into a meaningful mission for the environment.

Participants from SM Supermalls take part in the April cleanup at SM By the Bay, showing that teamwork and purpose go a long way in protecting coastal communities.

Through a spirit of volunteerism and purpose, the initiative also promoted camaraderie among SM stakeholders, who worked together toward a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

To sustain this momentum, SM Cares is inviting the public to join the upcoming Coastal Cleanup in celebration of World Oceans Day on June 7, 2025.

Participating malls include:
SM By the Bay, SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM City CDO Downtown, SM City Tanza, SM City Lucena, and SM Center Dagupan.

Let’s continue making every bag of collected trash count—because caring for the Earth begins with our shores.

SM Prime: Building a Resilient Future Through Sustainability and Innovation

5/11/2025 02:27:00 AM

 

Months after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and subsequent aftershocks in Thailand, the impact remains evident. The pressing question lingers: Are we prepared for "The Big One"?

As one of the most vulnerable countries to disaster and climate risk, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), the leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, continues to reinforce its commitment to disaster resiliency and heightened climate action.

The role of education

To increase the capacity of readiness within the institution and its communities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and the general public’s continued education.

SM Cares, SM Prime’s foundation arm, facilitates the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum to help mallgoers learn about emergency procedures, putting importance on staying calm to reduce panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving techniques, and preparing senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in an actual emergency.  

Seniors and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are vulnerable during emergencies and disasters because of anxiety, health, and mobility limitations.

As the largest and fastest-growing residential sector developer, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s disaster preparedness training, Ready to Rescue, covers essential topics from fire and earthquake drills to water safety and first aid training programs to help residents face an emergency should it arise.  


SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s first aid and water safety training help residents respond effectively until first responders arrive.

Through SM Prime’s role within the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience are made more accessible within the local network.

Together with ARISE Japan and India, two of the largest in the global community, knowledge sharing on the latest technologies in disaster risk reduction helps toward understanding large-scale disaster prevention and identifies opportunities for further improvement and response.  


ARISE India, Japan, and the Philippines during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).

Collaborations for the climate

In a Climate Fresk Workshop with The Transmutation Principle, SM Prime, together with host SM Hotels, gathered friends from the corporate and non-profit sustainability space to learn more about the science behind climate change–its drivers, mechanisms, and consequences–including mitigation, adaptation, and circular economy principles. 


Sustainability champions from corporate and non-government agencies together for a Climate Fresk Workshop at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It was an exciting and valuable experience for us, given our advocacy for climate change resilience. The workshop succeeded in making it more accessible and relatable, particularly for individuals who are already aware of its effects on their respective industries,” says Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center participant Charmaine Vitan.

The gamified workshop originated from a French non-profit organization and is based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. Facilitated by local Philippine Freskers, it teaches the fundamentals of climate science – mapping key interdependencies between nature, biodiversity and human activities to ‘solve’ the complex narrative of climate change. The workshop was held at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It invited everyone--not just one sector--to collaborate and participate in fields of knowledge that are seemingly not connected at all. To quote a groupmate, the immediate causes and effects of market actions are clear, but the bigger picture is clear when we collaborate with one another,” says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines participant Joaquin Campos.  

Building a resilient tomorrow

Always ahead of the curve, SM Prime strategically looks beyond the current industry needs and focuses on what can reduce risk and build long-term value.

For SM Prime, an Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) strategy ensures that the company is building for the security of future generations. SM Prime continues to focus its efforts on infrastructure resilience, disaster risk management strategies, readiness and swift response, and capacity building to create institutional readiness and help educate and shape public awareness. “Resilience is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we act on our responsibility to care for others so that no one is left behind,” said Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.  


SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy addresses members of ARISE Philippines during the first annual general meeting for 2025.



SM Prime Leads the Way: Driving Innovation and Sustainability for a Greener Future

5/11/2025 02:04:00 AM


 

 For SM Prime, sustainability goes beyond a statement—it’s a strategic priority woven into the company’s operations. This commitment is evident in tangible results, showcasing SM Prime’s innovation and leadership in environmental efforts. The company consistently delivers measurable progress in promoting sustainability across its developments.

Anchored in its Net Zero 2040 goals, SM continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through the scaled deployment of renewable energy solutions in its properties, integrating solar energy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on grid-supplied fossil fuels, while aligning its operations with global climate goals. 

As of early 2025, a total of 47 SM Supermalls nationwide are now outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, generating a combined peak capacity of 63 Megawatts. These systems comprise 118,313 solar panels installed across mall rooftops, contributing to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and representing a significant benchmark in the advancement of renewable energy adoption within the Philippine commercial real estate sector. 


With the MOA Sky walkway, SM Mall of Asia harnesses solar energy to deliver a combined 3MW of power —enough to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.


SM Mall of Asia's MOA Sky showcases a multi-use rooftop with a solar-covered walkway, contributing to their significant renewable energy capacity.


SM Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the company’s flagship developments, exemplifies this commitment through its multi-use rooftop, MOA Sky. Among its features is a solar-covered walkway integrating 555 PV panels, contributing an additional 0.3-Megawatt peak capacity while offering shade to pedestrians. With a total of 11,355 panels now installed, SM MOA’s cumulative solar PV system delivers 3 Megawatts of peak power---enough to operate approximately 1,000 escalators for a day or provide electricity to 1,800 average households for a month.

SM’s renewable energy projects were prominently featured during the 2025 Energy Efficiency Day conference, where SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corporation Vice President Engr. Teodoro Bautista presented the group’s performance and ongoing efforts in operational energy efficiency. The initiative was also a key factor in SM MOA’s recognition as the recipient of the first Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution, organized by the Department of Energy, affirming the commercial viability and environmental value of large-scale solar adoption.  


Solar-powered parasols at SM City Bicutan’s Sky Garden provide 4–5 hours of nighttime lighting after just 3 hours of daytime charging.


Integrating sustainability, SM City Bicutan offers solar-powered parasols with nighttime illumination in its Sky Garden.


Meanwhile, another SM mall, SM City Bicutan, recently introduced solar-powered parasols within its Sky Garden. These structures, designed with both function and form in mind, utilize solar energy to provide 4 to 5 hours of nighttime lighting after a 3-hour daytime charge. Beyond their energy efficiency, these installations reinforce the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the customer experience.

“Through these initiatives, we are able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and create long-term operational savings for our malls, while simultaneously introducing innovative solutions towards a greener and brighter future for everyone,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. SM Prime’s transition to renewable energy is a key component of its climate action strategy under the Net Zero 2040 roadmap. Through systematic decarbonization across its portfolio, the company continues to play a leading role in supporting national and global climate targets while delivering measurable sustainability outcomes that leave a lasting positive impact on the environment.

2025/03/22

SM Prime Leads the Way in Sustainability with the Water for Tomorrow Campaign

3/22/2025 06:19:00 AM



The demand for clean and safe drinking water continues to grow, as rapid urbanization and population increase put pressure on freshwater resources. According to UN-Water, efficient water management is essential to sustaining both society and the environment.


SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility (RTF) utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring to ensure processed water meets potability requirements, and its service to the community was recognized at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards.

 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, has prioritized water conservation and management since the early 1990s—long before water stress and its link to climate change became widely recognized. 

Headquarters to some of the largest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) brand names, the Three E-com Center at the Mall of Asia Complex efficiently operates its sewage treatment plant to collect, treat, and remove contaminants from wastewater, making it safe to discharge to the surrounding environment.



Through Water for Tomorrow, SM Prime’s water stewardship campaign, the company actively integrates climate resilience into its developments, ensuring responsible resource management while supporting the well-being of the communities it serves.

Sustainable water management

Water conservation measures and efficient management systems are embedded in SM Prime’s building operations. The company invests heavily in sustainable water management technologies to reduce freshwater use and the demand for municipal water supply. It has identified practical water usage and innovations to address the growing concern of water security.  

Pico Sands Hotel has reduced water consumption by advocating towel and linen reuse, inviting guests to join its sustainability journey and conserve water.



In 2023, SM Prime’s reported total water consumption amounted to 7.2 million cubic meters, with 61% of that consumed water being recycled.

On average, more than 1 billion gallons of recycled water is used for mall operations. SM Supermalls uses recycled water for cleaning and sanitation, caring for its plants and landscaping, and cooling its air conditioning towers. Efficient plumbing and innovative water-saving technologies with low-flow fixtures also regulate the mall’s water consumption.

These practices have been scaled throughout the group. The SM Offices’ E-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex have sewage treatment plants that recycle greywater. Aside from rainwater harvesting systems that help maintain its urban gardens, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Sea and Shore Residences donate its discharged treated water to the greening of the Estates in the MOA Complex.

As part of its water conservation program in Pico Sands Hotel, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation reduced its freshwater consumption by 36%, reaching 52% water reuse and 41% for Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club. Together with Hamilo Coast, SM Prime’s luxury and leisure estates in Nasugbu, Batangas, its water desalination plant has made significant impacts on water management and sustainable eco-tourism since 2010, ensuring that it services all developments that call Hamilo home.

Protecting water resources

SM Prime supports this year’s UN-Water World Water Day 2025 on March 22, which focuses on the theme “Glacier Preservation.”  


Hamilo Coast’s desalination plant provides sustainable water to its community, serving residences, hotels, staff housing, and offices since 2010.



Halfway around the globe, glaciers play a critical role in the global water cycle. Glacial ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water, holding about 69% of the world’s fresh water. With rapid glacial melting, altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and rising sea levels, the planet risks a water crisis that affects the most vulnerable.

Recognizing these challenges and the need for a reliable water supply, SM Prime continues to integrate water-efficient systems in its property developments. This helps create public awareness and encourages responsible water use among mallgoers, tenants, employees, and communities. In 2023, SM Supermalls’ SM City Baguio rainwater treatment facility (RTF) was launched to help reduce dependence on freshwater sources. It has treated 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water and continues to operate and serve its host community.  


SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Sea and Shore Residences donate their treated wastewater to green the landscape of the Estates in Mall of Asia Complex.



SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow program plays a key role in SM Prime’s sustainability strategy, along with Net Zero by 2040 and a Waste-Free Future.

“As businesses face growing water challenges, we must take action to secure our Water for Tomorrow,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

“Water stewardship is an investment in our future. We must move beyond conservation and prioritize resource protection, waste reduction and water security for future generations,” he added.



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