SM Prime Joins Global Conversation on Building Sustainable Cities for the Future

(L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu

By organizing the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and the 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at the SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) significantly contributed to the advancement of sustainable urban development. Over 300 experts convened at this esteemed event, which was organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), to deliberate on inventive approaches to constructing more resilient and environmentally friendly cities. The conference, which had as its main focus "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," emphasized the value of teamwork in solving urban problems.

The involvement of SM's top executives demonstrated the company's dedication to sustainability. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, highlighted the company's community-serving initiatives and environmentally friendly policies. 

“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the Philippines.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives.

Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), discussed the company's goal of developing sustainable integrated properties that promote vibrant communities. 

(L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC), emphasized the significance of social media in disaster readiness. Here, he discussed the NRC's methods and resources, the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), and the ways in which the sciences assist risk governance.

“From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance.” ~Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

A breakout session on forming relationships and partnerships, led by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, highlighted SM Prime's dedication to sustainability even more. The importance of cooperation was emphasized by Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its role as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development. 

Collaborative partnerships for climate resilience

Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties.

Developing our ability to respond, recover, and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a national priority and shared responsibility, as the Philippines tops the list of nations with the highest risk of disaster.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors. There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines. Finding the right champions within the company – that’s very important. It helps to engage the leaders from the top. WWF-PH is pleased to work with SM Prime on their decarbonization efforts through our Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program.  Companies such as SM Prime are guided in identifying climate-related risks, working on a roadmap, and publicly committing to their science-based targets. Change does not happen overnight. This is something we have learned in our work with communities all over the country. True partners are willing to work together for a long time, and actively listen to each other. When your project positively impacts people’s livelihood and wellbeing - when people’s lives improve in a durable way, that’s when you know you’ve created an impact.” ~Katherine Custodio, World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director

Katherine Custodio, executive director of World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH), during a breakout session of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities' 7th Annual Conference on Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024). Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead at Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, was the host of the session on forming relationships and partnerships.

Jonas Dumdum of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio on Collaborative Partnerships for Climate Resilience, at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations, is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

Custodio, who has seen the history of the shared goals between the NGO and its many corporate partners over the years.

WWF-Philippines and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) have collaborated on several successful projects together, including the 14-year-old Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development project, the YOUth are the Future campaign, the yearly Earth Hour campaign with SM Supermalls, and the Sustainable Diner at SM Hotel. 

“At SM Prime, we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations.” ~Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

One of Asia's top integrated real estate developers, SM Prime, is of the opinion that making the shift to a net-zero economy and adopting appropriate climate action must be based on science. By partnering with WWF-PH, SM Prime can make sure that its science-based targets for 2030 and 2040, both near and long term, are in line with the global goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its role as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development. 

The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd.