How SM Prime continues to make significant changes for cleaner seas and oceans

The quest for healthier seas and oceans demands persistent dedication, consistent effort, and real concern for our planet.  In the Philippines, SM Prime has emerged as a powerful advocate for this worldwide movement, embracing environmental stewardship not only as a responsibility but also as an integral part of its corporate identity.

Understanding the complex relationship between trash and climate change, SM has been working to address the solid waste dilemma, which pollutes our seas and considerably contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Organic and plastic trash landfills release methane, a strong greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change significantly more than carbon dioxide.  SM tackles this issue full on with proactive cleanup actions and rigorous waste management programs, considerably minimizing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

SM's continuous success in advocacy is due to the overall strength and cooperation of its various business units.  This collaboration enables the group to expand its clean-up efforts from coastal areas to smaller but equally important water systems such as rivers and estuaries.  By enlisting hundreds of devoted staff and thousands of eager volunteers, SM guarantees that its activities are comprehensive, impactful, and long lasting.

As an active participant in the global movement for cleaner seas, SM Prime is committed to protecting the environment and inspiring Filipinos to live sustainably.

Collaboration is at the heart of SM's environmental efforts.  Recognizing that healthier oceans require collective effort, SM frequently collaborates with government agencies, municipal governments, and international groups.  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), numerous local government units (LGUs), and global organizations such as Ocean Conservancy are frequent collaborators, particularly during the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 was a notable milestone for SM's participation in the project, as it marked the company's tenth consecutive year of involvement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls across the country and generating an amazing turnout of 23,320 committed volunteers.  This unprecedented level of engagement demonstrates SM's growing influence and the growing public interest in ocean conservation.

“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.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

SM is committed to preserving this momentum and will continue its cleanup efforts through constant participation.  Since January 2025, SM By the Bay has been doing regular monthly cleanup efforts, highlighting the company's dedication to long-term environmental care.