Join SM's International Coastal Clean-Up 2024 drive and Create Waves of Positive Change

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year. Every 3rs Saturday of September, hundreds of thousands of people around the world come together and roll up their sleeves to clean up beaches and waterways. to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways.

This is shaping up to be the biggest one yet in the Philippines, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos.

In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunteer count of 20,000.

If you're interested in making an impact on the health of our local waters by joining an organized cleanup, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year's ICC! Simply fill out the online registration form below:

For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through this link: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024

For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC

For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit this link: https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration

It's so easy to get involved! Grab your friends, family, or coworkers to spend a few hours of meaningful work. And together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and inspire others to become better stewards of our environment!

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

SM Prime Holdings convenes Global Conference on Building Sustainable Communities for The Future

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

SM Prime Holdings played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura last August 6-8, 2024. The said event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.

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;
 National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. showcases SM Supermalls’ resilient infrastructure.

SM’s commitment to sustainability was evident through the participation of its top executives. SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan showcased SM Supermalls’ eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs.

“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,” Mr. Tan said. SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives.

He added, “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.” SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster lively communities.

National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s role in disaster preparedness. He presented “From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC’s approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by the sciences.

SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasized during a breakout session on creating connections and partnerships, hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch. Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines, underscored the significance of collaboration: “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.” SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

Embracing Net Zero: The Philippines' Urgent Call to Climate Action

The typhoon season  has once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of tropical cyclones, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is important. The torrential rains and severe flooding affecting thousands of Filipinos every year are likely to become more severe in the future. These and more have highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change to mitigate future impacts in addition to contributing to global solutions.

The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The recent typhoon has made it evident that the country cannot afford to be a bystander in the global efforts to combat climate change. Instead, it must be a proactive player, advocating for and implementing strategies that contribute to the global net zero target.

One of the key areas where the Philippines can make a significant impact is by leveraging its abundant natural resources to transition to renewable energy sources. By increasing investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the nation can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering its carbon footprint.

This transition is crucial for achieving net zero and offers the added benefit of creating a more resilient energy infrastructure less susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme weather.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. recognizes the equal importance and urgency of both climate change adaptation and mitigation that it continuously invests 10% of its Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) heavily in sustainability and disaster resilience design as part of its strategy.

A significant initiative supporting this commitment is SM Prime’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. As the country’s leading integrated sustainable property developer, SM had committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a recognized global standard for corporate decarbonization targets. And this makes SM one of the few leading corporations in the Philippines to do so. To ensure that its long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 aligns with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, SM Prime collaborates with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) through their Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program. CBPI is WWF-Philippines' flagship program which encourages private corporations to operate more sustainably amidst the climate crisis, with focus on decarbonization and resilience. 

Under this initiative, SM Prime is working to establish science-based targets that align with global commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This CBPI collaboration allows SM Prime to assess its current sustainability practices, implement effective strategies for improvement, and ensure that its sustainability initiatives are impactful and aligned with global standards

 

Using solar panels or other renewable energy sources lowers the carbon footprint, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable energy.

This ambitious target is supported by concrete actions, such as the installation of onsite solar panels across various properties and strategic partnerships for renewable energy sourcing. These initiatives not only reduce the company's carbon footprint but also set a precedent for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be integrated into core business operations. 

Through its partnership with WWF-Philippines, SM Prime advances its sustainability goals and contributes to a broader movement towards environmental stewardship in the Philippines as well. 

SM Prime commits to place climate action at the forefront of its sustainability agenda. It pledges to advance every person’s right to a better quality of life through heightened climate action, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity protection, and strategic corporate social responsibility programs.

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility: A Sustainable Development to Resource Management

SM City Baguio's groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility (RTF) utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to potability requirements.

SM City Baguio is making a significant impact in Sustainable water management with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF). Since its launched in July 2023, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

This initiative supplements the mall's water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city's water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.

"There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources," said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. "And SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources."

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

"This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings' commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve," said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. "By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city's water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City."

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city's water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.