SM Supermalls’ sustainability journey

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. Sustainability will remain at the core of SM Supermalls’ vision. As it broadens its footprint across the country, so will its commitment to strengthening the well-being of nearby communities.

Solar Panel Project Helps Both Customers and Communities Nationwide

Amid the current energy state of emergency and as demand for electricity rises during the summer months, SM Supermalls reinforces its energy efficiency practices to serve its customers and surrounding communities undisrupted, on top of sustaining its operations.

SM Group operates the country’s largest rooftop solar panel network nationwide among property developers. Its investment in renewable energy started in 2014 with the very first installation of solar panels in SM North EDSA—long before government mandates on sustainability and the current pressures on alternative sources of power amid the energy crisis. With over 200,000 panels installed across 59 mall properties, covering 65 hectares, this expansive system powers SM’s most-loved malls through a hybrid energy strategy, helping them run more efficiently and sustainably.

Impact to Communities

Collectively, these panels generate 106 MWp of solar power, meeting over 50% of the mall operator’s electricity needs and helping ensure stable operations—from lighting to elevators. By integrating solar energy, SM reduces costs, improves efficiency, and delivers a more reliable, comfortable experience for tenants and shoppers.

This hybrid energy strategy, paired with its adjusted mall operating hours reduces SM’s reliance on the national grid, helping ease pressure on the overall energy supply and free up capacity for households, schools, hospitals, offices, and essential services, in its surrounding communities particularly during peak hours.

 

SM’s reinforced energy efficiency thrust amid the energy crisis is its latest effort in pursuit of transformative sustainability, action that results in impactful, tangible value to customers and its surrounding communities. 

SM Prime reinforces the SM Green Movement: Simple Acts, shared & lasting impact for a greener tomorrow

As environmental challenges continue to grow, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. believes that the journey to a better future is built on the mindful choices we make each day and the stronger communities we form when we act together.

This is the heart of the SM Green Movement, SM Prime’s sustainability initiative and call to action for communities across the country. Born during the height of the pandemic, the Green Movement began with personal stories—employees choosing to reduce waste, conserve water, and use energy responsibly, even while under lockdown. These simple acts planted the seeds for something bigger: a movement that brings together the company, communities, and the country in pursuit of shared prosperity and a more climate-resilient future.

Focusing on waste, water, and energy, the SM Green Movement translates ambitious sustainability goals into everyday practices. 

It inspires suppliers, partner-tenants, residents, guests, and mallgoers alike to play their part in shaping greener, more livable cities. Each initiative is anchored on SM Prime’s mission: to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, advance water stewardship, and work towards a waste-free future.

"The SM Green Movement is our way of showing care—care for our planet, and care for the people who live in it," said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. “We’re not just building malls, homes, or offices—we’re building opportunities for everyone to be part of the solution. And the best part is, it starts with what we do every day.”

Collaboration That Drives Real Change

At the core of the Green Movement is a belief in the power of partnership. Lasting change is not a solo endeavor—it thrives through collaboration. 

SM Prime continues to work hand-in-hand with local government units, NGOs, schools, community groups, and individuals to co-create solutions that meet both environmental needs and everyday realities.

"Our strength as a company comes from our ability to mobilize people around a common cause,” said San Agustin. “The SM Green Movement is all about collective impact. Every bottle recycled, every drop of water saved, every watt conserved adds up.”

A Movement for Generations to Come

Today, the SM Green Movement is a growing platform for advocacy and action. With every new story, every new supporter, and every green step taken, SM Prime is helping to reframe sustainability as something within reach of every Filipino.

SM and DOST Lead the Future of Sustainability Bringing Innovation & Business through SUSTEX 2025

SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies officially staged the inaugural SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig.

The two-day event, themed “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” brought together over 50 exhibitors, government agency leaders, the private sector, the international community and sustainability advocates to showcase cutting-edge solutions that advance a greener and more resilient future.

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum seal their commitment to environmental stewardship at the launch of the first-ever SM Sustainability Expo.

SM and DOST Leaders strike the Beat of Sustainability and lead the ceremonial Solidrum and angklung performance, symbolizing harmony and collective action at the inaugural Sustainability Expo 2025.

Symbolic Opening: “Beat of Sustainability”

The Expo opened with the ceremonial “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, who together struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum shell developed by the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).

They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries, who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony and collective action in advancing sustainability.

Leadership Perspectives

In his opening remarks, Hans T. Sy emphasized that sustainability lies at the heart of SM’s business and highlighted the importance of partnerships—“Public-private partnerships such as this show how science and business can unite to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. We encourage more of this as the private sector can provide support to projects by local scientists.”

Secretary Solidum echoed this view, noting that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science can strengthen national resilience and drive a circular economy, as championed by similar DOST efforts.

“Through OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, we ensure that the science, technologies and innovations we develop are not just theories in journals or prototypes in laboratories—they are real solutions, accessible to businesses, communities, and every Filipino. This is also what we mean by Agham na Ramdam—science that is not distant; science that is felt, lived, and experienced by people in their everyday lives,” Solidum shared.

“My call is simple: enough talk. We’ve had summits, forums, declarations that fill up shelves and inboxes. What we need now is proof. Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check.”

Mr. Hans Sy and Ms. Jessica Sy-Bell and visit the DOST-AKO Packaging booth at SUSTEX 2025, underscoring their support for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

SUSTEX 2025 visitors engage with the FatHopes Energy booth, learning about innovative solutions for converting used cooking oil into sustainable biofuels.

Expo visitors explore the DOST-PNRI booth at SUSTEX 2025, discovering innovations in nuclear science and technology for sustainable development.

Engaged discussions take place at the PARMS booth during SUSTEX 2025, as visitors learn about collaborative solutions for recycling and materials management.

Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors

SUSTEX 2025 featured more than 50 exhibitors showcasing technologies, initiatives, and products that reflect Filipino ingenuity and global collaboration. Notable exhibits included SM Prime and SM GUUN’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign, which highlighted their joint initiative with Japan’s GUUN Environmental Company on advanced waste management. 

ARISE Philippines showcased efforts to advance disaster resilience through private sector collaboration. The DENR’s Loop Forward Program promoted circularity and large-scale waste reduction. The DOST-FPRDI centerpiece featured sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from Philippine plants, and bamboo musical instruments. Meanwhile, the DOST-CHRG presented innovations in electric vehicle technology.

A panel discussion at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025 gathers experts to share actionable insights on sustainability and innovation.

DOST leaders engage in a Fireside Chat at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025, sharing perspectives on science-led development and collaboration.

A Catalyst for Action

Running from August 29 to 30, the Expo featured interactive sessions, product showcases, and knowledge exchanges. The event reinforced SM’s continuing sustainability roadmap, including its Waste-Free Future campaign and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.

“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline and partnership,” Sy concluded. 

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.

SM Supermalls elevates urban air quality

 There’s nothing quite like strolling through a mall with breathtaking views, expansive arcades, and lush greenery. At SM Supermalls, shopping isn’t just about transactions—it’s about enjoying spaces designed for comfort, sustainability, and a healthier environment. More than ever, SM’s commitment to green infrastructure is shaping urban air quality while creating a more livable city for everyone.

Designing for people and the planet

SM Supermalls prioritizes people-centric design, creating welcoming spaces that balance nature with modern convenience. The SM Mall of Asia’s arcades and the MOA Sky, for example, offer open, breezy walkways, encouraging leisurely strolls and even outdoor dining and entertainment. Meanwhile, SM Aura and SM North EDSA’s Sky Garden—the first in an SM mall—integrates lush vegetation and water features to reduce indoor heat, improve air quality, and create cooling effects in dense urban areas.

SM North EDSA houses the first Sky Garden in an SM mall, highlighting endemic plants and water features that bring nature onto a rooftop.

The SM MOA Sky showcases greenery and open-air spaces that promote cleaner, cooler urban living.

Championing bike-friendly cities

Beyond providing open spaces, SM Supermalls is leading bike-friendly initiatives, with over 5,000 bike parking spaces across its properties. Studies show that replacing short car trips with biking can cut carbon emissions by up to 90%, significantly reducing air pollution and its long-term impact on climate change.

Cyclists gather at SM Seaside City Cebu, championing greener, healthier urban mobility.

Bikers enjoy the convenience of secure parking as SM Supermalls champions eco-friendly transport solutions.

Greening malls with native flora

Additionally, select SM malls feature endemic plant species that enhance air quality and support local biodiversity, filtering pollutants while creating a natural habitat for urban wildlife. These green spaces are designed not just for aesthetics but to actively contribute to a healthier environment.

Making public transport more convenient

To make sustainable transport more accessible, SM Supermalls operates transport terminals that support public transportation, providing seamless connections to buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transit. These terminals encourage commuters to opt for public transport, which can significantly reduce individual carbon footprints and traffic congestion, contributing to cleaner air and more efficient urban mobility.

Powering the shift to EVs

Recognizing the need for cleaner transportation, SM Supermalls has also installed Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in 69 malls nationwide. By providing essential infrastructure for electric vehicles, SM is helping to lower carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels—a crucial step in improving urban air quality. Studies indicate that EVs produce up to 60% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, making them a key solution for reducing pollution in crowded city centers.

Monitoring air, empowering communities

SM’s commitment to sustainability extends to air quality monitoring, ensuring that urban pollution levels are tracked and addressed. Under SM Prime Holdings, the company partnered with Quezon City to establish an air quality monitoring system that records environmental data and provides updates through a publicly accessible website. This initiative allows communities to stay informed while encouraging long-term strategies for a cleaner, healthier urban space.

SM Supermalls monitors air quality in real time, empowering communities with data for cleaner, healthier cities.

A greener future for urban living

From green roofs and bike-friendly amenities to EVCS and air quality monitoring, SM Supermalls is redefining retail spaces with a deeper environmental purpose. Every visit to an SM mall contributes to a better urban future, where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

40 years of building better communities

Celebrating 40 years of serving communities, SM Supermalls continues to lead as a shopping and lifestyle destination in the Philippines. True to its legacy, SM remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability through pioneering waste, water and energy innovations as well as disaster resilience initiatives.

SM Prime champions sustainability with Water for Tomorrow Campaign

Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and population growth straining freshwater resources. United Nations (UN)-Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment.

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 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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.” 

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.

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.

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 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.