SM Supermalls continues to bring purpose-driven initiatives to the global stage after earning two Silver Awards at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards, one of the world’s most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.

The ICSC MAXI Awards recognized “Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art” and “The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design.”

SM Supermalls’ Art From All initiative was recognized for transforming sustainability into an immersive and participatory mall experience.

Launched in May 2025, the initiative invited shoppers to donate plastic waste and witness it transformed into large-scale cultural art installations inside the mall. Instead of simply raising awareness, Art From All made sustainability interactive and visible by integrating the experience directly into everyday mall foot traffic.

The initiative encouraged communities to actively engage in environmental action while showcasing how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into discarded materials.

Meanwhile, SM Green Movement earned global recognition for its long-running sustainability framework focused on reducing the environmental impact of large-scale mall operations.

Designed to address growing pressures on water, energy, and waste systems in fast-growing urban communities, the initiative continues to scale sustainability programs across SM Supermalls properties while encouraging greater environmental awareness among the public.

Presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the MAXI Awards celebrate outstanding campaigns and programs from shopping centers and retail brands worldwide that create meaningful impact on communities, culture, and business.

More than celebrating marketing excellence, the recognition reflects SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to enriching everyday experiences, whether through championing Filipino creativity, fostering meaningful connections, or encouraging sustainable living.

 (L-R: Bel Gonzales, SM Supermalls Section Head for Sustainability; Kitchie Limoanco, SM Supermalls SVP for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations; George Cheung, SM Supermalls AVP for Waste Management & Sustainability Solutions; Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability; Engr. Junias Eusebio, SM Supermalls VP for Operations; Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing; Engr. Charles Singson, SM Supermalls AVP for Mall Operations, Mina Kahn, SM Supermalls AVP for Transport Management) 

A supplementary report on environmental impact: The SM Supermalls Sustainability Digest 2025: Work and Wins showcases how sustainability is deeply ingrained in SM’s mall operations for the benefit of its customers and surrounding communities

SM Supermalls has unveiled the “SM Supermalls Sustainability Digest 2025: Work and Wins.” The inaugural report showcases how sustainability is woven deeply into SM’s core strategies, ensuring its nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls remain safe, resilient, and environmentally responsible for the benefit of Filipinos and the communities that surround its business.

The comprehensive report spotlights SM’s environmental efforts that stem from the sustainability pillars of energy, water, and waste. Through the digest, SM Supermalls reinforces its commitment to blending environmentally responsible practices into its operations focused on creating more resilient communities and advancing environmental management.

“What makes the sustainability approach of SM Supermalls unique is the scale in which we are able to implement our hard work. For us sustainability is not about mere compliance. It is deeply embedded in every aspect of operations across our nationwide network of most-loved Supermalls to serve our customers and communities better,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

SM Supermalls’ dedication to environmental responsibility dates back to the 90s, when Mr. Hans Sy, current Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, pioneered resource-saving initiatives, particularly by leading the installation of sewage treatment plants that recycle water for irrigation, sanitation, and air-conditioning.

Today, SM’s environmental efforts continue to evolve through integrated solutions in renewable energy, water stewardship, and waste management across its mall operations nationwide.

On energy efficiency, SM Supermalls Vice-President for Mall Operations Junias M. Eusebio highlighted the company’s increased reliance on renewables to support its long-term sustainability goals.

“Not all solar energy can power the whole supply. But rather, it complements the energy mix of the grid plus the solar energy we generate.”

SM’s environmental programs have also expanded to involve broader customer touchpoints for deeper community engagement across the Philippines.

“Our scale gives us the unique privilege of involving our customers and communities across the country in the shared journey toward sustainability. SM not only strives to implement measures that preserve our natural resources, we also empower everyone to engage with customer touchpoints on sustainability at their most-loved SM mall,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability. 

 SM’s executives for sustainability and mall operations highlight its initiatives for water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste management.

Moreover, SM Supermalls enhances community resilience against natural disasters by continuously upgrading its rainwater catchment basins, automated weather stations, and earthquake-monitoring systems. SM Supermalls has carried Mr. Sy’s vision forward by making sustainability a core part of how its malls are designed, managed, and operated.

Together with government institutions, local government units, stakeholders, and volunteers, SM Supermalls has strengthened its role in working for a cleaner, greener future for all.

Additionally, SM Prime’s Net Zero 2040 goal envisions powering malls with renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that integrate environmental action and resilience-building.

SM Supermalls recognizes its vital role in building communities and protecting the environment. Join the SM Green Movement by participating in sustainability programs at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

SM Supermalls is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability through a new partnership with global cleantech company Sparklo. Expanding the reach of the SM Green Movement and the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program, the partnership aims to make recycling more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for participating customers through SM malls nationwide.

The collaboration introduces Sparklo’s reverse vending machine technology in the Philippines for the first time, providing an innovative way for customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans while visiting SM malls.

“This initiative further elevates the role our malls play in ensuring a greener future, all for Filipinos. When we help make recycling accessible and rewarding, taking steps to protect the environment for a more sustainable tomorrow becomes as easy as stepping into your most-loved SM Supermall,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President.

Technology for the Environment
The SM Green Recycling Machine program empowers communities by transforming every day mall visits into meaningful acts of environmental responsibility. By providing easily accessible avenues for customers to build the practice of recycling, the initiative helps divert plastic away from landfills while encouraging long-term sustainable habits among mallgoers. All collected plastics are properly processed and recycled, supporting SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to a waste-free future.

Customers simply place empty PET plastic bottles into the recycling machine, which collects and sorts the bottles for proper recycling while encouraging responsible waste disposal.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan tests the Sparklo reverse vending machine, underscoring SM’s commitment to empowering communities to build everyday recycling habits.

A Green Movement That Cares
The program is part of the SM Green Movement, the environmental sustainability platform of SM Supermalls that inspires communities to adopt greener lifestyles.

Under the program’s initial phase, 10 SM Green Recycling Machines have been deployed across selected SM malls nationwide, allowing customers to conveniently recycle PET plastic beverage bottles during their visits.

Participating locations include SM Mall of Asia, S Maison, SM Southmall, SM Aura, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, The Podium, SM City San Lazaro, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang.

The partnership with Sparklo will further scale this effort through the planned rollout of 30 additional recycling machines in more SM Supermalls across the Philippines.

“By combining innovative recycling technology with community participation, the SM - Sparklo partnership aims to strengthen the country’s recycling ecosystem while promoting responsible waste management practices,” said Ellen Quilas, Sparklo Country Manager.

A customer uses the SM Green Recycling Machine Powered by Sparklo—symbolizing how simple everyday actions can help build a waste‑free future, one recycled bottle at a time.

A recycled‑plastic bin demonstrates how discarded bottles can be transformed into useful community assets—turning waste into purpose and supporting more sustainable habits for all.

Partnership for a Waste-Free Tomorrow
The expanded program also supports SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, reinforcing the company’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, plastic waste diversion, and sustainable community engagement.
Through partnerships, technology, and everyday participation from mall visitors, SM continues to make recycling easier and more accessible—empowering communities to take small actions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions—from responsible waste disposal to recycling—play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems.

The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.

During the cleanups, collected waste was carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and coastal habitats.

By focusing on waste analysis and segregation, raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.

These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign.

“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education, deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change that benefits both people and the planet.”

The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan, bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.

As SM Cares continues to strengthen its sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.

Through sustained efforts like these, SM Cares continues to empower communities to take part in protecting the environment—all for Filipinos, and all for the planet.

To learn more about SM Cares’ environmental initiatives and how you can take part in upcoming programs, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Since its launch the SM Green Movement has demonstrated the power of strategic, collective action in effectively tackling environmental challenges to achieve one goal--the protection and preservation of the planet's resources for present and future generations.

Even before the industry mandate on sustainability, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) recognized that meaningful sustainability can only be achieved through long-term, consistent, community driven efforts. This understanding guided the development of programs designed to evolve alongside stakeholder priorities and shareholder responsibilities. Leveraging on the scale and reach of its nationwide network of supermalls, SM Prime embedded sustainability efforts within malls operations, actively engaging customers, tenants and communities in its environmental journey. 

This "micro to macro" approach strengthened the SM Green Movement unifying efforts under a practical and scalable framework built on three core pillars of environmental action: waste management, water stewardship, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“What began as simple actions—reducing waste, conserving water, and adopting cleaner energy—has grown into an interconnected ecosystem involving partners, tenants, employees, and millions of mallgoers nationwide,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “By turning everyday habits into systemic results, the SM Green Movement extends beyond corporate spaces and into the heart of Filipino communities.”

Focusing on three core pillars: Water, Waste, and Energy 

At the core of the waste pillar, SM works closely with recycling partners and SM GUUN — the circularity platform of the SM Green Movement — to divert paper, plastics, multi-layer packaging, compostables, and other materials away from landfills and back into productive use.

SM Prime’s water stewardship is anchored in long-term water management systems and conservation practices that promote a water-resilient future. SM Supermalls pioneered water recycling in retail spaces, with early sewage treatment plants and low-flow fixtures that reduced consumption across properties.

Energy management is another cornerstone of the SM Green Movement where efficiency and renewable generation converge to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and reliability in SM properties. The 100MWp celebrations in SM City North Edsa are a milestone of the program’s expansion of solar generation capacity across malls nationwide — a visible demonstration of how clean energy supports both climate action and everyday mall experiences.

Shared Responsibility, Lasting Impact 

What unites these three pillars is the belief that sustainability thrives when communities are invited into the conversation and, when scaled collectively, can reshape systems. For SM Prime, sustainability is not just a corporate mandate but a shared journey that requires awareness, participation, and collective action.

With measurable progress, growing partnerships, and visible results across waste, water, and energy portfolios, the SM Green Movement is laying the foundation for lasting change, one where sustainability becomes part of everyday life for Filipinos and communities across the archipelago.

“The SM Green Movement reflects our vision to scale simple, everyday acts into systemic impact,” said San Agustin. “By advancing energy, water, and waste initiatives together in our malls, we safeguard communities and build a more sustainable future.”

At SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), water stewardship has come a long way since its early initiatives. As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, the programmatic Water for Tomorrow campaign looks beyond water recycling and efficient water management.

For SM Supermalls, this urgent call to action to protect and preserve a valuable resource makes any large-scale investment in water security a sound opportunity to do good for both people and planet.

SM Southmall in the late 90’s. Located in the water-challenged area of Las Pinas, the mall was the first to have a sewage treatment plant (STP) for water recycling. It opened to the public in 1995, followed by SM Bacoor in 1997, saving a significant volume of water otherwise used for flushing.

Amplified impact
With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls high-impact yet practical water management systems and circularity practices build long-term capacity for future water disruptions and reflect the malls’ greater ecosystem.

A community solution. At the launch of SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF), innovation meets sustainability and sets a benchmark for water efficiency.

Having introduced sewage treatment plants nearly three decades ago, well before any compliance requirements, SM Supermalls also made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. In 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened in Baguio to convert rainwater into another potable resource, alleviating pressure on the local water grid.

At a cultural level, SM Supermalls becomes a living sustainability classroom where mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are made aware of its water, waste, and energy programs. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups also sustain water conversations through the mall’s broad reach and are crucial to the sustainability agenda.

SM Cares engages communities, mallgoers, and tenants in water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action. 

Embedding the message of water sustainability, SM Cares champions UN SDG6 – using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being

Water sustainability is a shared responsibility across all SM malls. SM Cares engages and promotes water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action.

As a vital community hub, the malls promote the wider SM Green Movement campaign, empowering people to practice responsible water use.

The first mall to receive LEED Gold Certification in 2017, SM Aura’s wastewater treatment plant and smart water management technologies ensure responsible and efficient water use.

Building what matters, today
Water’s essential role supports human activity and economic growth. As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime’s unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead.

SM Supermalls not only assists larger partner-tenants with compliance and the bottom line. It similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders that depend on mall operations to adopt innovative solutions.

“The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership,” says Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

“What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together. It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls,” said Tan.

Water is a limited resource, and many Philippine cities face pressure on their supply due to rapid urbanization and climate change. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, prioritizes water efficiency as a core operational strategy to pave the way for a water-resilient future. 

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.

The result is a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, already surpassing water efficiency standards of some of the leading global benchmarks.

For SM Supermalls, every chance to collect and conserve water is explored. Simple low-flow fixtures and the adoption of water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. Recycling air conditioning condensate and processed water minimizes dependence on fresh water, and innovative approaches that capture portions of floodwater for non-potable use support sustainable water management. 
Managing water through innovation. SM City Laoag achieves everyday water responsible practices by recycling non-potable water for landscaping and garden irrigation, cleaning, air conditioning systems, and toilet-flushing.

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls' water use translates into millions of liters saved annually.

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement. 

SM Supermalls was ahead of the Clean Water Act in 2004. SM City North Edsa lessens its dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses, optimizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The mall’s Sky Garden’s 400-meter green roof development is a green space in the dense urban jungle.

Creating a sustainable mall experience like no other, SM Supermalls believes that investing in efficient and scalable water management systems also means bringing everyone together to ensure water for tomorrow.

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. 

Water efficiency is nationwide for SM Supermalls. SM Seaside Cebu, the fourth-largest mall in the Philippines, uses recycled water for toilets, cleaning, and landscaping needs

Every drop makes a difference, and conserving the planet’s valuable resources is communicated through SM Cares’ large and unique community platform, whether in the malls or on social media. The interactive and visually rich content is especially appealing for the younger, digitally active millennial and Gen Z workforce. 

 “Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan.

 

 

With a 3.785-Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power capacity, the SM City Fairview solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 6,882 solar modules over a total area of 4.3 hectares, currently making it the largest rooftop solar PV system on a commercial building in the country.

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.

SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability.

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

 Faucets connected to the rainwater catchment are duly marked to help guide the community.

 

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use. Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.

 Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters.

 

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.

“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said. .