Sun-Powered Spaces: How SM Is Converting Shopping Centers into Energy Hubs

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has installed rooftop solar power systems throughout its properties and nationwide network of SM Supermalls in order to lessen grid congestion and enhance power availability to the communities it serves.

Clean solar energy produced by SM is now sufficient to power a city the size of Mabalacat, Pampanga, or Mandaue, Cebu, thanks to its groundbreaking installation of solar panels over SM North EDSA in 2014.

“The use of solar power enables SM Supermalls to elevate the service we provide to our customers by embedding sustainability into our daily operations,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “When Filipinos visit their most-loved SM malls, they are entering a space that actively helps preserve the environment through responsible resource management, reducing carbon emissions while ensuring more resources remain available for our surrounding communities.”

Maximizing space makes room for energy efficiency

SM currently utilizes 65 hectares of space for its rooftop solar panels—which is almost as big as the entire SM Mall of Asia complex, but has also applied innovative ways to maximize mall space for energy efficiency.

Across the SM Mall of Asia’s MOA Sky, solar panels have been seamlessly integrated into the walkway that wraps around the property—doubling as overhead covering for mallgoers strolling and enjoying leisurely walks.

 

By utilizing this space, SM generates enough power to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.

The solar-powered parasols that adorn SM City Bicutan’s Sky Garden are another creative way to use solar energy. In addition to adding to the ambience of the Sky Garden, the subtle employment of solar-powered parasols serves as practical nighttime lighting for patrons of nearby businesses.

The parasols significantly reduce the demand for electricity use throughout the evening until the mall closes by providing five hours of nighttime lighting for just three hours of daytime charge.

“Our approach to building malls that satisfy our customers and stakeholders go beyond giving them what is expected. We believe it is up to us to be proactive in enriching the mall-going experiences of Filipinos by investing in seamless, sustainable solutions that allow us to preserve natural resources for many years to come,” said Tan.