Lifestyle

Living a more environmentally friendly life has become much more manageable in recent years. There are numerous easy yet effective ways to make our daily lives more sustainable, and many organizations eager to assist us in taking that first step toward a greener future. Only by working together to preserve our world for future generations can we make a difference by living a personal sustainable lifestyle.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the best ways to live sustainably. Many seemingly innocuous daily actions can contribute to increased carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, resulting in drastic climate change. High electric usage, short-distance transportation, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few, all contribute to an increased carbon footprint. If you can, try to identify and reduce these activities, or hunt for more eco-friendly alternatives if they are available.

You can also reduce your carbon impact by conserving energy. Use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting to replace old fixtures, and turn off energy-consuming devices when not in use. Doing so reduces energy waste in your home and benefits the environment.

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.

Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.

Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community’s waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.

You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging.

According to the 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, the Philippines is the world’s third-largest producer of plastic garbage, with 2.7 million metric tons produced each year.

SM’s Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.

SM has continually introduced programs to motivate Filipinos to be more sustainable, teaching them on the importance of sustainability and how to help safeguard the environment as a responsible member of the community. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which offers free screenings of environmental documentaries to students as well as other program collaborations that promote plastic-free alternatives.

SM also offers projects concentrating on solid waste management that directly engage mall visitors. The monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program, all of which are held in collaboration with the Plastic Credit Exchange, are among them. SM Supermalls has collected around 11,600 kilograms to date. 2,000 kg of plastic garbage 908,000 kg of electronic garbage a variety of recyclable waste.

Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations of SM Supermalls nationwide.

In addition, SM has been looking at sustainable energy sources for its malls. For example, solar roof panels put in 10 different malls around the country generated 9,620 MWh of electricity in 2020. Other malls have also had solar panel retrofits undertaken by the company. By the end of the year, SM hopes to have obtained 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

“We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Corporate Compliance Head. “More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners.”

SM Cares is SM Prime Holdings’ Corporate Social Responsibility arm, including projects to help communities, promote social inclusion, and protect the environment. Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program are among the company’s CSR initiatives.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares for additional information on these programs.

Since the world witnessed Covid-19, the concept of sustainability in property development has exploded. People quickly understood how important real estate is in the journey towards a more sustainable way of life as they had to reconsider their use of space. With climate change lurking on the horizon and a growing population to support, the demand for more sustainable and resilient cities will only grow.

SM Prime began working on sustainable design and development long before the notion became popular. The mission to serve its consumers is at the heart of SM, which has designed its malls to provide superior comfort and a delightful experience in every visit to SM Supermalls.

Comfort that lasts

SM Megamall, one of SM’s 78 malls around the country, has grown into the complex it is now, with 800 stores, 250 dining outlets, and 16 anchor tenants. Customers may walk around the 10-hectare development, which has convenient parking, a relaxing ambience, and a gorgeous façade. This is the result of clever engineering based on environmentally friendly design and technology.

• SM Megamall is energy and water efficient. The building is enveloped with EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems board which helps boosts wall insulation, making it more resistant to heat. It only uses LED lighting system allowing a 50% energy saving. The mall also tracks a lighting operating schedule following the supply requirement of our mall activity and does not contribute to environmental lighting pollution so as not disturb nocturnal animals. It also uses sensor activated escalators that contribute to about 30% energy savings. It’s air handling system uses high-efficiency air-conditioning system that has greater environmental stewardship. Lastly, it uses efficient water fixture for water savings and recycles water.

SM Megamall

• SM Megamall works with the natural environment. The mall utilizes green walls, skylights and clerestory or a high section wall that contains windows above eye level to increase the flow of natural light. It is surrounded with plants of local varieties and selection of trees and shrubs.

SM Megamall Bicycle Racks

• SM Megamall promotes mobility. Situated in the middle of EDSA, SM Megamall brings 550 buses into one integrated system to promote easier mobility. Green hybrid transports provide options for the more environmentally conscious passengers. All public transports are required to meet mandated emission levels in support of the Clean Air Act. The mall is pedestrian-friendly with about 1,595 square meters of covered walk ways. Throughout the mall, designated bike lanes and parking spaces are provided. Lastly, parking sensors not only make parking easier but has also reduced emissions in the parking areas.

SM MegaTower

• SM Megamall practices responsible materials management. The mall uses Echostop ceiling finish for noise absorption which is made from gypsum and paper liner made from 100% reclaimed and recycled paper. The Mega Tower uses insulated glass units which keeps heat out during summer months and Low E-glass to minimize the amount of ultraviolet light that comes through the windows, with both features maximizing energy savings. It also has a Material Recovery Facility dividing recyclables, biodegradable waste, residual waste and hazardous waste.

Environmental Policy

All of these measures are in line with SM Prime’s environmental strategy, which focuses on developing, designing, and constructing integrated lifestyle communities that are sustainable and resilient.

SM Prime is continuing its shift to renewable energy in line with these objectives. The corporation is diversifying its renewable energy investments in addition to investing in energy efficiency projects. By the end of 2022, SM Prime intends to grow its demand for renewable energy by more than 50% across all of its business sectors, in support of the Department of Energy’s objective of increasing the country’s renewable energy supply component to 35% by the end of the decade.

SM Prime has also joined the 2,500 organizations worldwide who support the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its goal of creating a more resilient financial system through better climate risk disclosures, as part of a growing movement of responsible and sustainability-focused businesses. It hopes to use this to continue to drive its business to adopt more climate-related sustainability initiatives.

SM continues to preserve its commitment to sustainability and conservation at Hamilo Coast, an SM property in Nasugbu, Batangas, by planting 50,000 more mangroves across 100,000 square meters of the estate. This is also regarded as one of Nasugbu’s major mangrove habitats. Together with the World Wide Fund for Nature,

Hamilo Coast continues to safeguard its mangrove habitat. Hamilo Coast also undertook the initiative to declare three of its coves, namely Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo as Marine Protected Areas in 2009. SM is regreening the country sides through its tree planting program led by SM City Baguio. This is in partnership with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Baguio Water District, the local government of Baguio City and 25 media organizations in Baguio.

As of January 2022, over 600,000 trees have already been planted in Baguio City and neighboring towns in Benguet. SM further promotes sustainable practices through water recycling and the adoption of technologies that promote smart water use. In 2020, it was able to recycle 28.9 million cubic meters of water.

In terms of solid waste management, SM Prime has intensified its campaign by requiring all contractors to implement proper waste management procedures during construction. A long-running program through SM Cares, the monthly Trash to Cash (TTC) provides an avenue for the community, including properties’ tenants, to participate in solid waste management. This initiative ran for nine months in 74 malls and five SM Development Corporation properties in 2020, saving 134,067 seven-year-old trees to date.

It also undertakes paper recycling in partnership with the Trust International Paper Corporation and the responsible transport, treatment, storage and disposal or processing of the properties’ generated hazardous waste, compliant to the government’s implementing rules and regulations.

Resiliency as a Necessity

While SM serves millions of customers every day, its impact goes beyond its businesses – touching the lives of millions more in the communities wherever it is present. For a country like the Philippines, the impact of climate change can already be felt with typhoons getting stronger and more frequent.

Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime has served in leadership roles in both national and international organizations focused on disaster resiliency and its impact to business and society. Leading by example, SM integrates disaster resiliency in its business strategy as well as its city and mall designs and developments. This, not only allows SM businesses to operate during calamities, instead, also helps communities become more resilient to typhoons.

“I believe in an age-old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. SM Prime has taken deliberate steps to reinforce resiliency across its properties and provide a focused approach on sustainability in order to preserve communities and save lives,” said Mr. Sy.

Such is the impact created by SM Masinag.

Vermont Park Phase 1 is located near SM Masinag. For years, it would undergo flooding during typhoons. However, the story has changed. Since SM Masinag opened to serve the community, it has been equipped with a water catchment facility that can detain 17,681 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to 7 Olympic size swimming pools. This helped control the flooding of nearby villages during typhoons.

Meanwhile, SM Marikina, which is also in a high-flood rate zone, is able to serve as first responder and a safe haven to affected families during times of calamities. This is because it is standing on 246 stilts with an elevation higher than the highest recorded water level rise in Marikina City.

Strong Foundations for Responsible Development: Sustainability and Resilience

The creation of SM Prime is based on both sustainability and disaster resiliency. Both serve as solid foundations for responsible development, according to SM, in order to meet the growing need for urban areas while also addressing the problem of climate change.

When creating malls, offices, and even integrated lifestyle towns, SM Prime spends roughly 10% of capital expenditure from the beginning of concept design to incorporate sustainability features and disaster resistance.

“The safety of the communities, employees, customers, and the facility structure remains top priorities in all SM Prime developments. As I tell my design teams ever so frequently, ensuring safety is the only way I can sleep well,” Mr Sy said.

For SM, this includes both hard infrastructure capabilities and how areas are planned to promote mobility, as well as green transportation options, greener buildings, and even green technologies such as solar energy. As a result, wherever SM works, SM Prime makes every effort to assist in the creation of the spaces and cities that we require in order to thrive in the future.

Floods and rising water levels caused by typhoons are a recurring problem in Marikina, which is considered one of Metro Manila’s low-lying districts. During typhoons, the water level of the Marikina River can surge to 23 meters, compared to its typical average of 13 meters. While the neighborhoods surrounding the Marikina Watershed are being submerged, SM Marikina remains tall, providing a safe haven for its neighbors.

What’s the secret? It is supported by 246 stilts.

SM City Marikina is a one-of-a-kind development. The elevated mall, which is built on top of 246 stilts and is located within the Marikina River Watershed, is a 6-hectare property.

“Understanding weather patterns and how they affect the environment where your city or building will be is a vital aspect of creating climate resilient structures,” said Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD). “We evaluated the long-term flood cycles of the Marikina Watershed, which was recognized as a high-risk area by the World Bank in 1977, during the planning process of SM City Marikina.”

Building atop stilts can be traced back to ancient civilizations all across the world. The solution can be found in its extensive functionality. Early human tribes used elevated architecture to protect themselves from flooding, wetness, and surface creatures. It also allows them to store items in open spaces or participate in cultural activities. Finally, it lowers the expense of altering natural terrain. While modern architects have embraced the concept of building on stilts over the years, it has lost favor with the public as urbanization has progressed.

The practicality of ‘building on stilts’ was revived by SM, who reworked the concept as a climate-resistant feature. To assist limit the potential of damage during heavy flooding, this design was combined with additional disaster preparedness concerns. As a result, SM City Marikina was built 20 meters beyond than the allowed distance of 90 meters from the Marikina River’s centerline. Furthermore, the ground-floor parking was purposefully designed with no walls to enable water to flow, while the second story was elevated at 20.5 meters, which is higher than the highest recorded flood levels.

During super typhoons, SM Marikina’s resiliency saves an average of Php1 billion in terms of losses from business sales alone. This means that it is able to help its tenants, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises that depend on the mall for their business continuity and growth.

For its neighboring communities, SM Marikina also serves as a safe haven and a first responder to families who are affected during calamities. It also provides free parking spaces for those who are stranded and need a safe place to wait for flood water to recede.

“Our ultimate goal is to help build the resilience of our stakeholders. This begins by building our own resilience to serve as a good foundation they could rely on especially during calamities,” Garcia-Hsu said.

Beyond Marikina, construction on stilts may be reviving in other parts of the world as urbanization and the demand for greener spaces increase. This would allow for high-rise development while preserving much-needed green open space on the ground level.

While making SM City Marikina a disaster-resistant mall required an additional 15% in capital investments, the company sees it as a necessary investment in its goal to produce shared value for its stakeholders. This, combined with a science-based approach to climate scenario risk assessments, enables SM City Marikina to defy expectations and demonstrate that incorporating resiliency is the path to a climate resilient future.

Two-thirds of the world’s population may face water scarcity by 2025. According to the World Wildlife Fund Inc., given the current global consumption rate, this pmay get worse.

On World Water Day, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the country’s official maker of PepsiCo products, is inviting the public to join in water conservation measures to minimize waste.

“Water is a fundamental right. This is the reason we strictly manage our water consumption and water wastes. We need to integrate water conservation methods to improve global water security. We encourage the public to use water responsibly as this is a shared responsibility that we need to take seriously,” said PCPPI president and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederick D. Ong.

Last year, PCPPI reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage. The company saved around 369,000 cubic meters of water which is equal to more than 147 Olympic-sized swimming pools. From 2019 to 2021, the company has reduced its water use by 11.5%.

To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI monitors its water consumption in its operations and has devised ways to improve its water recycling to minimize wastage. It also continues to strengthen its host communities’ involvement by partnering with local government units for its adopt-a-river program.

Even at home, anyone may join the water conservation effort. Here are some suggestions for conserving water while also saving money on your water bills:

1) Prep your food wisely

Practice rinsing your fruits and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under running water. Do this and save up to 10 to 15 gallons of water every year. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator overnight. This is better than placing it under flowing tap. When boiling vegetables, make sure to use only enough water. This allows you to still get adequate nutrients from them. Use your rice wash to water the plants.

2) Run full loads of laundry

If you want to wash your laundry with ease, soak your dirty clothes in water for at least 20 minutes to remove the stains. It is also advisable to run a full load of laundry to maximize the water used—it’s energy-efficient, too. You may then recycle the laundry water and use it to clean your garage, pathways, bathroom floors, or your pet’s cage.

3) Check for leaks

Regularly check for pipe leaks. If you see signs of molds or foul smells, it’s best to ask for help from an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Leaks occur in toilets, too. Try adding a small drop of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait for a few minutes to test for leaks. If the water in the bowl changes its color even without flushing, then it’s leaking. Getting rid of leaks could save a household 10,000 gallons of water per year.

4) Shower and brush your teeth responsibly

When washing with soap or shampoo, turn off the faucet to prevent water waste. You can also work on reducing your shower time by finishing your bath routine quickly. If possible, use a bucket and a dipper or get a water-saving showerhead.

It is wise to brush your teeth and rinse using a cup of water. Running the tap while toothbrushing uses up as much as six liters of water every time.

5) Save water when cleaning outdoors

Use a pail of water and a broom rather than a hose to get rid of stubborn dirt on your sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot. To add, use recycled laundry water. It has the same cleaning effect for outdoor dirty areas as with clean tap water.

6) Turn off faucets

Need we say more? Turn off all your faucets at home when not in use.

There are still so many ways to conserve water and to ensure global water security. The world is changing and it is only fitting that we change our ways, too, because this fact remains: Water is life.

the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network.

PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Between January and December 2021, Insular Life (InLife) recorded P196 million in GCash transactions. This was based on 46 thousand transactions made using the GCash app for payments for various InLife insurance products. But the relationship between InLife and GCash is about more than just collecting premium payments; it’s about inclusion.

“Our partnership with GCash, the largest FinTech platform in the country, is the latest and, by far, the widest net we are casting in our financial inclusion agenda for women. GCash breaks the barriers for the millions of the unbanked to avail themselves of financial services and health solutions at the most convenient and safe way,” said InLife Chairperson Nina D. Aguas during the formal launch of InLife’s partnership with GCash.

InLife term life insurance and accident insurance plans that do not need medical examinations have been available through GCash since last year. It also made the affordable emergency prepaid cards of its health subsidiary, Insular Health Care (IHC), available through GLife. The move is in line with InLife’s advocacy of promoting financial inclusion and empowering women through technology

Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion

GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon noted during the occasion that their relationship with InLife has allowed them to provide everyday Filipinos with affordable and accessible insurance coverage.

“Through InLife and InLife HealthCare, they now have access to appropriate products ranging from life insurance to health care coverage.” We’re offering more Filipinos the opportunity to get insured more quickly and easily, giving them and their families peace of mind,” she said.

Ms. Sazon pointed out that their relationship with InLife provides GCash consumers with another important and timely service.

“This is another step forward in our goal of financial inclusion,” she said, “where we try to make financial services more accessible to all Filipinos, particularly the unbanked and underbanked.”

Ms. Sazon stated that their collaboration comes at a critical juncture in GCash’s history, as the company’s user base has grown to over 55 million people, or more than 70% of the adult population in the Philippines.

“They now have access to digital financial services through our app, even though bank penetration remains low.” “People now think of GCash as a digital life hack and more than just an e-wallet,” she said, adding that app usage is at an all-time high.

Inspired by the Sheroes Movement

IHC President and CEO Noemi G. Azura disclosed that their experience in the InLife Sheroes Movement, InLife’s women’s advocacy program, made them realize the importance of digital channels to reach Filipino women.

In a nationwide study conducted by InLife in 2018 for its Sheroes program, it learned that Filipino women are the primary caregivers in the family, including extended ones.

“We realized that online storefronts are viable distribution channels to reach more women who are looking for affordable protection products for life and health for their family,” Ms. Azura said.

She added that digital technology is effective in terms of promoting awareness about the program, and in delivering educational activities on health and personal finance.

Ms. Sazon said that they are celebrating their partnership at a special time – Women’s Month.

“While tech is not usually a field women are associated with, our team at GCash is proof that it can happen – with women making up around half of our employee base,” she said.

Addressing Challenges in Financial Inclusion

During the event, officials from InLife and GCash discussed the issues of financially empowering women and how the two companies may work together to address them. Through this also I acquired so much knowledge and the discussion is very informative. It tackles the role and importance of women in our society very relevant in today’s celebration of Women’s month.

Insular Health Care Head of Sales and Marketing Division Tricci Rose A. Sadian; InLife Vice President and Head of Digital Sales Distribution Geraldine G. Pascual; and GCash Assistant Vice President and Head of Financial Services, Distribution, BPO & CICO for Enterprise Kim Pineda shared their insights on financial inclusion for women. They also discussed the various products and services of InLife and GCash that cater to women.

“It is our hope that millions of Filipinos will enjoy peace of mind knowing that they have life and health insurance coverage for themselves and their loved available through GCash,” Ms. Aguas said as she concluded her speech during the event.

About The Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd

Insular Life (InLife) is the first, largest, and only mutual Filipino life insurance company in the country with over 111 years of uninterrupted service. We apply over a hundred years of experience in financial protection, risk management, savings, and investment to help you make confident decisions for you and your loved ones.

As a mutual life insurance company, our accountability is to our policyholders. They can be assured of being protected by a company that has an asset base of over P148 billion and net worth of P37 billion. We have a nationwide presence in 53 branches all over the country, and an expanded digital footprint to serve our customers, wherever and whenever they want. Our success is anchored on the growth and security of our partners, policyholders and beneficiaries, because we exist to offer a lifetime for good for everyone. For more information, visit www.insularlife.com.ph.

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1.3k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 4.5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at over 170k partner agents; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 55 million Filipinos in the country today.