The mall operator continues to pioneer eco-friendly programs
SM Supermalls’ journey toward building a more sustainable and greener future dates back to the 1990s, when it installed a wastewater treatment facility at SM Southmall. This pioneering system, which reuses treated wastewater for irrigation and sanitation purposes, became the starting point of the company’s long-term commitment to environmental care and resource efficiency.
The initiative was led by Mr. Hans Sy, now Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. Beyond his role in business, he is widely recognized as an advocate for sustainability, promoting the belief that economic growth should always go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Mr. Sy’s groundbreaking vision has been deeply ingrained in how SM Supermalls are designed and managed. Over the years, the institution has launched industry-first programs that focus on waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and air quality — all of which have helped improve environmental conditions and the quality of life in surrounding communities.
SM Supermalls’ enduring commitment to sustainability was already in motion before the Securities and Exchange Commission’s mandate for publicly listed companies and large non-listed entities to submit sustainability disclosures, effective in fiscal year 2026.
Its water conservation efforts have recycled approximately 6.6 million cubic meters of wastewater — equivalent to almost 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — across its malls annually. In SM Baguio specifically, over 19,000 cubic meters of rainwater have been recycled for kitchen and operational use, benefiting adjacent communities by conserving valuable water.
Moreover, its Trash To Cash Recycling Market has collected approximately 1.5 million kilograms of recyclables every year, and has continuously encouraged patrons to visit their most-loved SM Supermall to join the movement toward waste segregation. Its energy management initiatives have seamlessly woven form and function into its SkyGardens and open spaces, which provide natural ventilation and have drastically improved air quality for its patrons.
Over the last few years, the mall operator has been leading the charge towards eco-friendly power options. It currently has an estimated 200,000 solar panels on 65 hectares of rooftops across its properties. The vast energy system powers mall operations while reducing the overall carbon footprint. The initiative has equipped SM Supermalls amid pressures to seek alternative energy sources during the energy crisis.
SM Supermalls continues to grow its electric vehicle charging network in support of the transition toward more sustainable transportation. It currently operates 160 EV charging stations across its malls nationwide, with further expansion plans underway.
Looking ahead, SM Supermalls is committed to developing innovative solutions that deliver long-term benefits for future generations, building on its decades-long commitment to greener and more resilient urban spaces. Sustainability remains central to its vision, and as it expands across the country, it also strengthens its commitment to improving the well-being of surrounding communities.
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