SM participates in Earth Hour 2022; lights will be turned down, and a Virtual Run will be part of the activities

SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is once again joining the world in observing Earth Hour, with this year’s theme “Shape Our Future,” focusing on how we can work together to halt and reverse climate change and nature loss by 2030 as part of the company’s sustainability efforts.

The World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) created the annual Earth Hour campaign in 2007 to encourage people to switch off non-essential lights as part of energy conservation efforts for the globe. Since its inception in the Philippines in 2008, SM has been a consistent supporter of the campaign, being one of the first in the commercial sector to do so.

This year, SM will continue to promote the campaign by being one of the official partners of WWF for the Earth Hour Virtual Run, to be held from March 26 to April 22. Aside from this, all SM malls will be joining the light switch-off on March 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

“SM is proud to have been supporting Earth Hour throughout the last 14 years. Every year, we partake in this very important movement because we want to inspire people to action and tell them that no matter how small their contribution is, it will go a long way if we work together,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM’s Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of Sustainability.

“Through Earth Hour, we want to engage over a billion people worldwide and engage decision-makers whether in business, institutions, and governments, to move the agenda of nature up the priority list in the and hopefully, we’ll be changing the ending for the positive – for both people and the planet,” said Atty. Angela Ibay, Climate and Energy Program Head of WWF-Philippines

Aside from joining the campaign every year, SM has been active in environmental protection in many ways. For instance, all SM malls are equipped with energy and water conservation facilities. The company also regularly joins tree planting activities, and has waste management initiatives such as Trash-to-Cash, e-waste and used acid lead batteries collection programs, and the plastic waste collection program with the Plastic Credit Exchange.

SM has also been investing more in renewable energy. Eight malls in the country and three in China are now equipped with solar panels, with more to follow in the coming months. SM also pledged to increase its use of renewable energy to 50 percent of its overall energy usage by year-end.

SM’s other sustainability initiatives include the annual Green Film Festival, promoting environmental awareness among students and the youth through films; the AweSMSeas project, promoting awareness on the negative impact of plastic waste on seas and oceans; and the International Coastal Cleanup joined by thousands of volunteers every year, to name a few.

SM Cares is SM Prime Holdings’ corporate social responsibility arm, promoting activities that benefit communities and the environment. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs for women and breastfeeding moms, persons with disabilities, older citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program, in addition to environmental programs.

For additional information, go to www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.