One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.
Rapid development and climate change put strain on the supply of water, which is a finite resource in many Philippine cities. In order to create a future that is water-resilient, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the biggest integrated real estate developers in Southeast Asia, places a high priority on water efficiency as a fundamental operational strategy.
As a result, the portfolio-wide water intensity is 0.44 m³/m²/year, already exceeding some of the top global criteria for water efficiency.
Every opportunity to gather and preserve water is investigated by SM Supermalls. Water-saving devices and basic low-flow fixtures stop wasteful use on a large scale. Recycling processed water and air conditioning condensate reduces reliance on fresh water, and creative methods that collect some floodwater for non-potable use promote 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 counts, and SM Cares’ expansive and distinctive community platform spreads awareness of protecting the planet’s precious resources, whether at shopping centers or on social media. The younger, tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z workforce finds the interactive and visually stimulating content particularly intriguing.
“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.
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