Consider a world powered by the sun, the primary source of life. As climate change worsens as a result of the use of fossil fuels, sustainable energy alternatives become increasingly important. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar energy and combat climate change. In 2024, Manila had approximately 4,440 hours of daylight, indicating a significant potential for solar energy production.
SM Prime realized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, making it Southeast Asia's largest installation at the time. This decision marked the beginning of SM Prime's commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President
SM Supermalls currently operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a total peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is in SM City Santa Rosa. SM Prime has the Philippines' largest solar energy portfolio, with 96,000 solar panels spread across malls in Luzon and Visayas, totaling approximately 33 hectares. These efforts are critical components of the company's Net Zero by 2040 strategy, which aims to reduce its carbon footprint.
This 51.6 MW capacity significantly reduces carbon emissions by generating clean energy that can power thousands of homes or remove thousands of cars from the road. It also reduces the need for coal, which benefits the environment and local communities.
This 51.6 MW capacity significantly reduces carbon emissions by generating clean energy that can power thousands of homes or remove thousands of cars from the road. It also reduces the need for coal, which benefits the environment and local communities.
The solar power generated directly powers critical mall operations such as lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls' reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps to stabilize the power supply, lowering the risk of outages and easing the load on electricity providers. By utilizing clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is helping to ensure the Philippines' long-term sustainability.
SM Prime's sustainability efforts go beyond solar energy. The company also focuses on waste management, water conservation, and air quality initiatives, all of which aim to reduce environmental impact. Through these comprehensive measures, SM Prime aims to effect positive change while maintaining responsible, innovative operations.
To summarize, SM Prime's large-scale adoption of solar PV systems, combined with its other environmental initiatives, demonstrates its commitment to creating a sustainable future for the Philippines. By pioneering renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and brighter tomorrow.
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