SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has advanced resource stewardship through water circularity initiatives, implementing water conservation measures across its nationwide network of SM Supermalls since the late 1990s.

Embedded in its operations, SM Malls uses innovative water management systems that save water and reduce wastage - drawing less from the national water grid and creating value in an increasingly volatile time.

Macro to Micro: SM’s approach to water conservation

 Against the looming possibility of an extended drought caused by El Niño, saving every drop of water finds greater importance for SM Supermalls. Designed with sustainability in mind, SM Malls use innovative water management systems that not only promote saving water from wastage but also significantly reduce consumption. This helps lessen the use of fresh water resources from national water systems and leave more water for its surrounding communities to use.

 SM ensures sustainable water use through advanced recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. In 2025, sewage treatment plants in its 89 malls recycle an estimated 6.6 million cubic meters of property wastewater for non-potable use. The rainwater treatment facility in SM Baguio innovatively harvests and treats rainwater collected during the wet season and transforms it into water for kitchen and tenant use.

As a key customer touchpoint in water management, faucets also regulate the outflow of water for every use. SM’s investments in "push delay" faucets create sustainable operations to strengthen water conservation. These faucets save water by preventing it from being left running by restricting water flow through a certain window of time.

Technology then paved the way for enhanced conservation, and SM started using no-touch, sensor type faucets in 2015, far before the sanitary restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sensor type faucets help save water by automatically shutting outflow of water once the sensor does not detect a user. Additionally, these types of faucets typically require less water pressure, which also reduces water waste. Significant investments in systems such as sensor faucets also reduce wear and tear on fixtures and equipment, resulting in long-term savings and improved water conservation.

With its implementation, SM saw a 59% reduction in water waste, translating to saving the equivalent of a 1.5-liter bottle of water per user using the faucet over just 7 seconds.

By equipping its most-loved malls with water-efficient fixtures enhanced with technology, SM is protecting resources critical not just to its operations but to its surrounding communities. Under the guidance of the Water for Tomorrow pillar of the SM Green Movement, SM champions sustainable water use, reducing environmental impact and securing access to water for generations to come.

To reduce congestion to the power grid and improve power availability to the communities it serves, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has implemented the use of rooftop solar power systems across its properties and nationwide network of SM Supermalls.

Since its pioneering installation of solar panels over SM North EDSA in 2014, clean solar energy generated through SM is now large enough to power a city as large as Mabalacat, Pampanga or Mandaue, Cebu.

“The use of solar power enables SM Supermalls to elevate the service we provide to our customers by embedding sustainability into our daily operations,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “When Filipinos visit their most-loved SM malls, they are entering a space that actively helps preserve the environment through responsible resource management, reducing carbon emissions while ensuring more resources remain available for our surrounding communities.”

Maximizing space makes room for energy efficiency

SM currently utilizes 65 hectares of space for its rooftop solar panels—which is almost as big as the entire SM Mall of Asia complex, but has also applied innovative ways to maximize mall space for energy efficiency.

SM Group now generates the largest capacity of clean energy among property developers in the Philippines

Across the SM Mall of Asia's MOA Sky, solar panels have been seamlessly integrated into the walkway that wraps around the property—doubling as overhead covering for mallgoers strolling and enjoying leisurely walks. 

By utilizing this space, SM generates enough power to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.

Another innovative application of means to harness solar power can be found in SM City Bicutan's solar-powered parasols decorating its Sky Garden. The understated use of the solar-powered parasols not only add to the Sky Garden's ambience but also provides functional use as nighttime lighting for customers of surrounding establishments.

The parasols efficiently provide five hours of nighttime lighting for only three hours of daytime charge, effectively reducing the need to use electricity throughout the evening until the mall's closing time.

"Our approach to building malls that satisfy our customers and stakeholders go beyond giving them what is expected. We believe it is up to us to be proactive in enriching the mall-going experiences of Filipinos by investing in seamless, sustainable solutions that allow us to preserve natural resources for many years to come," said Tan.

Becoming part of the solution toward better waste management practices has been made easier by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) with The SM Waste-Free Future (WFF) Manual.

Launched at SM’s first Sustainability Expo, the 17-page visual guide offers a simple and easy-to-follow resource on how everyone can engage with waste management touchpoints available in their most-loved SM Supermalls.

"The easiest way to adopt sustainable practices is a two-pronged approach," said SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability, Liza Silerio. "The first is building the avenues that make waste management accessible and easy to do. The second is ensuring that these are easy habits to build and practice in our daily lives.”

The manual combines text and visuals to enhance the "Learn - Practice - Champion" workflow, a three-step approach to make these practices easy to adapt and eventually pass on, with additional green tips and trivia. Understanding how even small, thoughtful steps can make a huge difference is key to helping reduce waste sent to landfills.

Back to Basics

To further understand the composition of our waste, SM Prime led a Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS) in its largest development–the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The top 10 most common waste items were identified:

PET Bottles
Plastic Cutlery
Single-use plastic
Plastic cups from coffee or milk tea
Soiled coffee paper cups
Soiled food containers
Food packaging and sachets
Soiled tissue or napkins
Soiled diapers/ sanitary products
Food waste


The SM Waste Free Future manual encourages everyone to properly dispose of waste by using designated Recyclable-Disposable-Compostable (RDC) bins made accessible in all SM Malls. PET Bottles are categorized for the Blue "Recyclable" Bins to help return these to factories for recycling.

Disposable items and containers such as plastic cutlery, single-use plastic, plastic cups from coffee or milk tea, soiled coffee paper cups and food containers, food packaging and sachets, and soiled tissue or napkins, diapers, and sanitary products are for tossing into the gray "Disposable" Bins.

Finally, all food waste with no packaging and cutlery are guided to the green "Compostable" Bins.

As one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world, Electronic Waste (E-Waste), ranging from batteries to broken gadgets and technological accessories, gets special mention. SM Supermalls promotes proper disposal of e-waste through special bins in SM Cyberzone areas as easy drop-off points for recycling or processing before disposal of small, used, and defective electronic devices.

Take-action, join the movement

Every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10:00am to 2:00pm, mallgoers can bring their trash and convert it to cash. Trash-to-Cash encourages household segregation by bringing clean and dry recyclables in designated Trash-to-Cash areas in exchange for economic incentives. The program promotes sustainable systems and the advancement of the circular economy.

To further divert plastics from the environment, SM implements its Plastic Waste Collection program across all of its properties. Since its integration in 2019, 70,000 kilograms of clean, empty, and dry consumer plastics have been collected.

Through SM Cares, SM Prime’s corporate social responsibility arm, regular coastal cleanups are organized for communities to mitigate the problem of marine pollution by removing waste before it spreads further in the seas. Last year, volunteers were able to divert 200,000 kilograms of marine litter from the ocean through three major coastal cleanups organized nationwide on top of weekly cleanups done by SM Estates.

Another Coastal Cleanup drive has been scheduled this year on March 22 across SM La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City J Mall, SM City Daet, and SM City Consolacion for World Water Day.

"Communicating waste management practices clearly and easily helps our stakeholders support our vision for a Waste Free Future. When we all come together and choose to help save our planet, even the smallest actions toward the right direction yield great results," said Silerio.

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.”

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) continues to lead the way in sustainable property development, delivering low-carbon office spaces and climate-smart retail environments through energy efficiency initiatives, on-site renewable solutions, and strategic long-term partnerships. 

(Photo caption) A sustainable future for all. The iconic SM Mall of Asia, the world's 6th largest mall, has become a sustainable retail shopping destination. Its physical and economic resilience stands as a testament to SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable business strategies.

From efficiency to impact

SM Prime has implemented programs such as lighting upgrades, improved air conditioning and ventilation systems (ACVS), and optimized building management systems since the 1990s —significantly reducing emissions, proving that energy efficiency delivers environmental and economic benefits. In 2024, SM Supermalls reduced electricity use by 38%, avoiding 156,736 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and saving ₱2.3 billion.

In the recently concluded 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department of Energy (DOE), SM Prime’s business units, namely, SM Supermalls, SM Offices, and SM Hotels, was awarded multiple Certificates of Excellence.


This success reflects collaboration among engineering teams, service providers, tenants, and customers, driven by the company’s leadership and commitment to the SM Green Movement.


Renewable energy milestones

Guided by its goal of Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime is making decarbonization practical, reliable, and scalable. At SM City North Edsa, it recently celebrated a milestone for clean energy in the country, with 59 properties generating a combined 100 megawatts (MW) of on-site renewable energy—one of the largest solar capacities among property developers in the Philippines. 

(Photo caption) A historic 100MW milestone. At Quezon City, the SM North Edsa, the first Philippine mall to use clean energy with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, continues to deliver SM Prime’s people-centric sustainable retail spaces.

Today, more than 50% of energy use across SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources, supported by partnerships with Aboitiz Renewables, TotalEnergies, Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation, and leading solar providers. This collaborative approach empowers communities while building a safer and more sustainable future. Working with WWF-Philippines, SM Prime has committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is working towards its near and long-term targets.

Retail architecture working with nature At the heart of SM Prime’s energy strategy is the creation of sustainable, resilient spaces that enrich experiences for the community. Across its malls, SM integrates passive design elements—high ceilings, large atriums, skylights, open spaces, and natural ventilation—reducing daytime energy consumption while offering brighter, breezier, and more welcoming spaces for relaxation, dining, and shopping. 

(Photo caption) Technology meets nature. In SM City East Ortigas, natural light brightens the food hall, and retrofitted lighting produces significant energy savings.

Smart solutions such as motion-sensor escalators, solar-powered outdoor spaces, and energy-conscious cooling systems make SM Supermalls a top retail destination for tenant-partners and customers alike.

Shared climate benefits for all

“Customer expectations evolve quickly. When our leaders first initiated this project, it was in the early days of learning about the impact of our consumption on the planet. Now, brands – whether big luxury labels or small and medium enterprises – are looking for partners who invest in circularity and ESG impacts,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

As SM Prime continues to scale its energy programs, its SM Green Movement builds a resilient energy infrastructure to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for its communities. “We are committed to making our malls as energy efficient as possible by implementing advanced technologies and best practices. SM Supermalls will keep expanding its sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life for both the planet and the communities we serve,” said Tan.

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.

With the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) taking place in Belem, Brazil, this November, the momentum to focus on lasting solutions for the planet’s climate crises comes at its most critical time.

For SM Prime Holdings, Inc., this means that the journey to Net Zero by 2040 becomes more than a unifying force across its portfolio; it is the goal for strengthened implementation, sound partnerships, and collective resilience.

The 2MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system installed at MOA Square—developed with TotalEnergies—generates approximately 3,000 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing an estimated 1,430 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

Empowered partnerships
Security, affordability, and sustainability – these are known as the “energy trilemma” – challenges presently faced by businesses. It’s especially relevant for the future of property development and urban resilience.

SM Prime continues forging strategic partnerships with leaders in renewable energy to expand its clean energy capacity, drive innovation, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

For SM Prime, a comprehensive and diversified energy mix is an approach that benefits renewable energy producers and transforms the industry, and is the broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

SM Supermalls has already achieved more than 50% of renewable energy use across its malls by leveraging partnerships with key renewable energy players and direct procurement

This energy infrastructure reflects SM Prime’s significant investment in emerging technologies. In 2022, SM Prime’s partnership with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) activated its strategic plans, and in 2024, it further broadened its renewable-energy footprint by partnering with TotalEnergies. The addition of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation in 2025, along with the steady increase of leading solar rooftop suppliers for SM Supermalls, helps meet the demands for renewables through on-site generation.

SM Sta. Rosa. SM Supermalls continues to scale its use of renewable energy across its nationwide portfolio. By increasing its solar rooftop capacity, SM helps make its malls cleaner, more energy-efficient, and more resilient for surrounding communities.

This commitment to sustainable energy drives positive change and contributes to SM Prime’s broader mitigation and adaptation strategies, supporting the country’s national framework in achieving its emission reduction targets.

Energy for the people
Resilient communities and enduring partnerships for climate-smart urban centers are part of these system shifts toward energy independence. It confirms that renewables are a strategic asset, especially as they become affordable and community-serving, empowering businesses nationwide.

It also supports a sustainable lifestyle. For the SM Green Movement, this balance is achieved by re-energizing neighborhoods to contribute to the climate crisis and offering more options to become energy and fuel-efficient, while improving quality of life.

The festive Christmas Holidays at SM Supermalls. Powered increasingly by renewable sources, SM malls continue to serve as vibrant community hubs—bright, welcoming spaces that reflect SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development.

“We started the journey with our energy efficiency programs in the 90s,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This lets us enjoy our mall spaces now because we maximize our energy use, lower operational costs, while hopefully, reducing our emissions,”

“Of course, we still have a long way to go. But we are trying to make renewable energy accessible at scale to our malls – not just to create decarbonization value for the communities we touch and work with – but to provide flexible, adaptive, and sustainable mall experiences. Most importantly, a safer future for all,” said Tan.

As water security continues to challenge communities across the Philippines, SM City Baguio is showing how innovation and sustainability can flow together. Through its rainwater treatment facility, the mall treats rainwater to convert into potable water, helping secure tomorrow’s water supply for its operations.

Nestled in the highlands, SM City Baguio showcases how natural abundance can be harnessed sustainably through its rainwater treatment facility.

Baguio City experiences frequent rainfall but limited water resources. Water supply from the Baguio Water District is rationed, with some neighborhoods receiving water only twice a week, which they use to fill up their water tanks. When this runs out, residents depend on deliveries from private water companies.

SM City Baguio’s pioneering system captures, treats, and stores rainwater to potable standards, producing up to 150 cubic meters of safe drinking water per day, with the capacity to double production to 300 cubic meters daily.

Through advanced filtration and treatment systems, SM City Baguio converts collected rainwater into potable-grade water, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in commercial developments

The innovative system supports mall operations and contributes to SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign, demonstrating responsible and efficient water use. 

This initiative reduces reliance on local water utilities while ensuring the mall can continue serving millions of visitors responsibly. More importantly, it demonstrates how rainwater, when managed smartly, can be harnessed to address urban water scarcity.

“We’ve always valued innovation and creativity in the malls – we take it a step further now to where it truly matters. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility shows how the right innovation can secure tomorrow’s water,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

 Championing Water for Tomorrow  
SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign advocates efficiency, innovation, resilience, and awareness in water resilience, and promotes the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement. Beyond Baguio, SM Prime’s water initiatives span the installation of advanced treatment facilities, recycling systems, and community engagement programs.

In 2024, SM Prime recorded a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

The SM Green Movement’s Water for Tomorrow campaign continues to demonstrate how everyday innovation can ensure a sustainable tomorrow—for businesses, communities, and the planet.

 COMELEC Commissioner Rey E. Bulay and COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, together with SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio and Assistant Vice President Royston Cabunag, formally ink the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and SM Supermalls formally renewed their partnership for the Voter Registration Program and Mall Voting implementation for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) through a Memorandum of Agreement signing held on December 2 at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros, Manila.

The renewal marks another milestone in both institutions’ shared commitment to making voter services more accessible, safer, and more convenient for Filipinos nationwide.

In his message, SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations, Mr. Junias Eusebio, highlighted the remarkable growth of the partnership over the years—from six participating malls during the 2023 BSKE, to 20 malls successfully joining the Mall Voting Program during the 2025 National and Local Elections. He also emphasized that, as of now, 23 SM malls are already scheduled to serve as voter registration sites—the most nationwide—with more locations to be added through May 2026. During the special registration in August 2025, 47 sites across the country opened their doors to voters, and over 2.8 million Filipinos have already registered in just the last 10 days.

“These numbers reflect not just steady expansion, but the public’s overwhelming preference for organized, secure, and accessible venues where they can register and exercise their right to vote,” he said. “This partnership proves that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, we can modernize the voting experience and strengthen our democratic participation.”

Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio spotlights how the Mall Voting Program is expanding to make voting more accessible for Filipinos nationwide.

SM Supermalls executives, led by VP Junias Eusebio, meet with COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia to discuss expanded voter registration activities across SM Supermalls nationwide during the BSKE Mall Voting MOA Signing Ceremony at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros.

COMELEC officials expressed appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support, noting how mall-based voter services significantly benefit senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant voters, and first-time youth voters by offering an environment that is comfortable, well-lit, and highly accessible. The partnership comes at an opportune time where strong public participation early in the electoral cycle was evident through the 2.8 million Filipinos that have completed registration in the last 10 days alone.

COMELEC officials and SM Supermalls executives celebrate another milestone in modernizing and enhancing voter accessibility, with officials expressing their appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support.

Through this renewed agreement, selected SM malls across the country will continue to serve as venues for voter registration and mall voting, contributing to higher voter turnout and better overall election experience for communities.

Close-up of the MOA Signing. COMELEC and SM Supermalls officials formally sign the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the 2026 Barangay & SK Elections, marking another step in making voting more accessible nationwide.

The ceremony was attended by COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia, Commissioners, key agency officials, and SM Supermalls executives represented by Vice President for Mall Operations Mr. Junias Eusebio. The partnership underscores a shared mission: to bring essential voter services closer to the public and to empower every Filipino to participate fully in the country’s democratic processes.

Representatives from COMELEC and SM Supermalls pose for a ceremonial photo after the signing. 

With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities. SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks. During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters 

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities. 

 A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters. Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action.

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven 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.