SM Supermalls launches Sustainability Digest

 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

(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)

MANILA, Philippines — 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 Supermall.

How SM Prime’s environmental leadership and innovation are continuously powering a more sustainable future for all

 

 For SM Prime, sustainability is not merely a statement, but a strategic imperative that is deeply embedded in the way the company operates. This is demonstrated in concrete outcomes that reflect the organization’s innovation and leadership when it comes to its environmental efforts, continuously delivering measurable progress in advancing sustainability across its developments.

Anchored in its Net Zero 2040 goals, SM continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through the scaled deployment of renewable energy solutions in its properties, integrating solar energy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on grid-supplied fossil fuels, while aligning its operations with global climate goals. 

As of early 2025, a total of 47 SM Supermalls nationwide are now outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, generating a combined peak capacity of 63 Megawatts. These systems comprise 118,313 solar panels installed across mall rooftops, contributing to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and representing a significant benchmark in the advancement of renewable energy adoption within the Philippine commercial real estate sector. 

With the MOA Sky walkway, SM Mall of Asia harnesses solar energy to deliver a combined 3MW of power —enough to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.

SM Mall of Asia's MOA Sky showcases a multi-use rooftop with a solar-covered walkway, contributing to their significant renewable energy capacity.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the company’s flagship developments, exemplifies this commitment through its multi-use rooftop, MOA Sky. Among its features is a solar-covered walkway integrating 555 PV panels, contributing an additional 0.3-Megawatt peak capacity while offering shade to pedestrians. With a total of 11,355 panels now installed, SM MOA’s cumulative solar PV system delivers 3 Megawatts of peak power---enough to operate approximately 1,000 escalators for a day or provide electricity to 1,800 average households for a month.

SM’s renewable energy projects were prominently featured during the 2025 Energy Efficiency Day conference, where SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corporation Vice President Engr. Teodoro Bautista presented the group’s performance and ongoing efforts in operational energy efficiency. The initiative was also a key factor in SM MOA’s recognition as the recipient of the first Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution, organized by the Department of Energy, affirming the commercial viability and environmental value of large-scale solar adoption.  

Solar-powered parasols at SM City Bicutan’s Sky Garden provide 4–5 hours of nighttime lighting after just 3 hours of daytime charging.

Integrating sustainability, SM City Bicutan offers solar-powered parasols with nighttime illumination in its Sky Garden.

Meanwhile, another SM mall, SM City Bicutan, recently introduced solar-powered parasols within its Sky Garden. These structures, designed with both function and form in mind, utilize solar energy to provide 4 to 5 hours of nighttime lighting after a 3-hour daytime charge. Beyond their energy efficiency, these installations reinforce the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the customer experience.

“Through these initiatives, we are able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and create long-term operational savings for our malls, while simultaneously introducing innovative solutions towards a greener and brighter future for everyone,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. SM Prime’s transition to renewable energy is a key component of its climate action strategy under the Net Zero 2040 roadmap. Through systematic decarbonization across its portfolio, the company continues to play a leading role in supporting national and global climate targets while delivering measurable sustainability outcomes that leave a lasting positive impact on the environment.