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SM Supermalls’ sustainability journey

 

he mall operator continues to pioneer eco-friendly programs

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls’ quest to create a more sustainable, greener planet began in the 1990s with the installation of a wastewater treatment plant at SM Southmall. The pioneering initiative, which recycles wastewater for irrigation and sanitary systems, laid the foundation for the company’s long-standing drive toward environmental stewardship and resource conservation. 

The man behind the concept was Mr. Hans Sy, the current Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. Apart from his business acumen, Mr. Sy is regarded within the community as a champion of environmental sustainability, believing that business growth and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand. 

Mr. Sy’s groundbreaking vision has been deeply ingrained in how SM Supermalls are designed and managed. Over the years, the institution has launched industry-first programs that focus on waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and air quality — all of which have helped improve environmental conditions and the quality of life in surrounding communities.

SM Supermalls’ enduring commitment to sustainability was already in motion before the Securities and Exchange Commission’s mandate for publicly listed companies and large non-listed entities to submit sustainability disclosures, effective in fiscal year 2026. 

Its water conservation efforts have recycled approximately 6.6 million cubic meters of wastewater — equivalent to almost 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — across its malls annually. In SM Baguio specifically, over 19,000 cubic meters of rainwater have been recycled for kitchen and operational use, benefiting adjacent communities by conserving valuable water. 

Moreover, its Trash To Cash Recycling Market has collected approximately 1.5 million kilograms of recyclables every year, and has continuously encouraged patrons to visit their most-loved SM Supermall to join the movement toward waste segregation. Its energy management initiatives have seamlessly woven form and function into its SkyGardens and open spaces, which provide natural ventilation and have drastically improved air quality for its patrons.

Over the last few years, the mall operator has been leading the charge towards eco-friendly power options. It currently has an estimated 200,000 solar panels on 65 hectares of rooftops across its properties. The vast energy system powers mall operations while reducing the overall carbon footprint. The initiative has equipped SM Supermalls amid pressures to seek alternative energy sources during the energy crisis.

SM Supermalls is continuously expanding its electric-vehicle charging infrastructure to support the shift to sustainable mobility networks. It currently has 160 EV charging stations across its malls, with plans to scale up.

And as it moves forward, SM Supermalls will continue to pioneer innovative solutions that aim to create long-term positive impact for future generations. It will leverage its decades-long pledge to help shape greener, more resilient urban spaces.

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