SM Prime: Engineering a Sustainable Future

SM Prime gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Nowadays, sustainability is a key factor in all sectors of the economy. One of Asia's top integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), elevates sustainability through a strategic framework that makes use of its broad operations, substantial economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime embarked on its sustainability journey in the 1990s, driven by a determination to be resilient and pragmatic. The organization has always placed a higher importance on substance than style, choosing tactics based on practical application over glitzy, temporary solutions.  Its approach is based on what matters most to the company and the community it serves, making sure that its sustainability initiatives are successful and long-lasting.

Together for a sustainable future is the succinct and impactful message that SM Prime used to introduce its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap in its 2023 Annual Integrated Report. This goal is in line with the company's mission to create and manage creative, sustainable, and integrated real estate developments that improve everyone's quality of life.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals:

1. Environmental sustainability
2. Prosperity for all
3. Climate resilience

SM Prime established three main objectives to be pursued, based on its sustainability framework of Economy, People, Planet, and Community: Environmental sustainability, Prosperity for All, and Climate Resilience. These goals are all intended to create a future characterized by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity by 2030, 2040, and beyond.

The company has launched two noteworthy programs under its environmental sustainability strategy: Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

With a primary focus on climate action toward a net-zero business, SM Prime is dedicated to improving people's quality of life through stepping up climate action, lowering disaster risks, investing in resilient design, preserving biodiversity, and putting strategic CSR programs into place. The World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines and the company have been working together to set science-based goals that are in line with the global commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“We understand the magnitude of the challenges we face to achieve our Net-Zero commitment. SM Prime is determined to take action and meet its climate commitments. This is one of our top agendas in sustainability.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO

SM City Santa Rosa's solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 5,772 panels at 3.088 MWp capacity and has an annual solar energy production of up to 4.292GWh.

#SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime launched its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program introduces a simple segregation scheme: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC), all aimed at reducing overall waste generation and increasing the waste diversion rate from landfills through sustainable disposal methods. The initiative was launched nationwide for SM employees and across all SM property groups and stakeholders.

SM Prime continues to support existing programs and partnerships that promote better waste management solutions. Initiatives such as SM Supermalls’ Trash-to-Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-Waste Collection programs, and regular coastal and estero clean-up activities effectively engage the community in rethinking their relationship with waste.

To address food waste, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has pioneered projects such as The Sustainable Diner with WWF-PH, diverting 198,640 kg of food waste through bokashi composting and 40,013 kg through biodigesters. SMHCC also launched Tela Tales, a program that recycles condemned linens. 

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently partnered with Globe and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for the Hapag Movement, aimed at targeting food waste and involuntary hunger affecting millions of Filipinos.

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome. However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

Water stewardship

By putting cutting-edge water conservation and management techniques into practice, SM Prime is dedicated to water stewardship and makes sure that newly developed properties are more responsive and adaptable to the shifting needs of communities.

Wastewater is treated at its sewage water treatment plants so that it can be reused and contaminated water is kept out of the nearby waterways. Malls use recycled water for air conditioning, water closet flushing, and greening of the landscape.

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility addresses water security and ensures a safe and sufficient water supply for the operations of the mall and its tenants.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s Chairman Henry T. Sy, Jr. receives SM Prime’s 30th Listing Anniversary Plaque from the Philippine Stock Exchange’s President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

Prosperity for all

The advancements of SM Prime spur socioeconomic growth and benefit all parties involved in a concrete way. Henry Sy founded the business, and it is still dedicated to realizing his goal of bringing top-notch developments to the Philippines. A vision that is aptly demonstrated by the Mall of Asia Complex, which provides a model for future cities that embrace a comprehensive approach to urban development and go beyond commercial success.

On July 23, SM Prime commemorated the company's 30 years of being publicly traded, marking three decades of dedication and revolutionary expansion in the Philippine real estate sector. 

“True leadership is marked by a solid dedication to collective success. Our journey at SM Prime demonstrates the power of dreaming big and the incredible achievements that follow when you pursue those dreams with determination and hard work.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO