SM Prime: Living in Tomorrow’s Water-Resilient Future

SM Southmall in the late 90’s. Located in the water-challenged area of Las Pinas, the mall was the first to have a sewage treatment plant (STP) for water recycling. It opened to the public in 1995, followed by SM Bacoor in 1997, saving a significant volume of water otherwise used for flushing.

At SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), water stewardship has come a long way since its early initiatives. As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, the programmatic Water for Tomorrow campaign looks beyond water recycling and efficient water management.

For SM Supermalls, this urgent call to action to protect and preserve a valuable resource makes any large-scale investment in water security a sound opportunity to do good for both people and planet.

Amplified impact

With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls high-impact yet practical water management systems and circularity practices build long-term capacity for future water disruptions and reflect the malls’ greater ecosystem.

A community solution. At the launch of SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF), innovation meets sustainability and sets a benchmark for water efficiency.

Having introduced sewage treatment plants nearly three decades ago, well before any compliance requirements, SM Supermalls also made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. In 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened in Baguio to convert rainwater into another potable resource, alleviating pressure on the local water grid.

At a cultural level, SM Supermalls becomes a living sustainability classroom where mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are made aware of its water, waste, and energy programs. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups also sustain water conversations through the mall’s broad reach and are crucial to the sustainability agenda.

SM Cares engages communities, mallgoers, and tenants in water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action.

Embedding the message of water sustainability, SM Cares champions UN SDG6 – using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being

Water sustainability is a shared responsibility across all SM malls. SM Cares engages and promotes water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action.

As a vital community hub, the malls promote the wider SM Green Movement campaign, empowering people to practice responsible water use.

The first mall to receive LEED Gold Certification in 2017, SM Aura’s wastewater treatment plant and smart water management technologies ensure responsible and efficient water use.

Building what matters, today

Water’s essential role supports human activity and economic growth. As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime’s unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead.

“The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership. What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together. It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls.” ~Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls not only assists larger partner-tenants with compliance and the bottom line. It similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders that depend on mall operations to adopt innovative solutions.

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM Prime: Shaping a Decarbonized Future for Malls

The 2MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system installed at MOA Square—developed with TotalEnergies—generates approximately 3,000 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing an estimated 1,430 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

With the 30 th Conference of the Parties (COP30) taking place in Belem, Brazil, this November, the momentum to focus on lasting solutions for the planet’s climate crises comes at its most critical time.

For SM Prime Holdings, Inc., this means that the journey to Net Zero by 2040 becomes more than a unifying force across its portfolio; it is the goal for strengthened implementation, sound partnerships, and collective resilience.

Empowered partnerships

Security, affordability, and sustainability – these are known as the “energy trilemma”  – challenges presently faced by businesses. It’s especially relevant for the future of property development and urban resilience.

SM Prime continues forging strategic partnerships with leaders in renewable energy to expand its clean energy capacity, drive innovation, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

For SM Prime, a comprehensive and diversified energy mix is an approach that benefits renewable energy producers and transforms the industry, and is the broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

SM Supermalls has already achieved more than 50% of renewable energy use across its malls by leveraging partnerships with key renewable energy players and direct procurement This energy infrastructure reflects SM Prime’s significant investment in emerging technologies.

In 2022, SM Prime’s partnership with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) activated its strategic plans, and in 2024, it further broadened its renewable-energy footprint by partnering with Total Energies. The addition of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation in 2025, along with the steady increase of leading solar rooftop suppliers for SM Supermalls, helps meet the demands for renewables through on-site generation.

SM Sta. Rosa. SM Supermalls continues to scale its use of renewable energy across its nationwide portfolio. By increasing its solar rooftop capacity, SM helps make its malls cleaner, more energy-efficient, and more resilient for surrounding communities.

This commitment to sustainable energy drives positive change and contributes to SM Prime’s broader mitigation and adaptation strategies, supporting the country’s national framework in achieving its emission reduction targets.

Energy for the people

Resilient communities and enduring partnerships for climate-smart urban centers are part of these system shifts toward energy independence. It confirms that renewables are a strategic asset, especially as they become affordable and community-serving, empowering businesses nationwide.

The festive Christmas Holidays at SM Supermalls. Powered increasingly by renewable sources, SM malls continue to serve as vibrant community hubs—bright, welcoming spaces that reflect SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development.

The festive Christmas Holidays at SM Supermalls. Powered increasingly by renewable sources, SM malls continue to serve as vibrant community hubs—bright, welcoming spaces that reflect SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development.

The festive Christmas Holidays at SM Supermalls. Powered increasingly by renewable sources, SM malls continue to serve as vibrant community hubs—bright, welcoming spaces that reflect SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development.

“We started the journey with our energy efficiency programs in the 90s. This lets us enjoy our mall spaces now because we maximize our energy use, lower operational costs, while hopefully, reducing our emissions. Of course, we still have a long way to go. But we are trying to make renewable energy accessible at scale to our malls – not just to create decarbonization value for the communities we touch and work with – but to provide flexible, adaptive, and sustainable mall experiences. Most importantly, a safer future for all.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

It also supports a sustainable lifestyle. For the SM Green Movement, this balance is achieved by re-energizing neighborhoods to contribute to the climate crisis and offering more options to become energy and fuel-efficient, while improving quality of life.

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

Securing Tomorrow’s Supply: SM City Baguio Turns Rain into Resource

Nestled in the highlands, SM City Baguio showcases how natural abundance can be harnessed sustainably through its rainwater treatment facility.

As water security continues to challenge communities across the Philippines, SM City Baguio is showing how innovation and sustainability can flow together. Through its rainwater treatment facility, the mall treats rainwater to convert into potable water, helping secure tomorrow’s water supply for its operations.

Baguio City experiences frequent rainfall but limited water resources. Water supply from the Baguio Water District is rationed, with some neighborhoods receiving water only twice a week, which they use to fill up their water tanks. When this runs out, residents depend on deliveries from private water companies.

SM City Baguio’s pioneering system captures, treats, and stores rainwater to potable standards, producing up to 150 cubic meters of safe drinking water per day, with the capacity to double production to 300 cubic meters daily.

Through advanced filtration and treatment systems, SM City Baguio converts collected rainwater into potable-grade water, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in commercial developments

The innovative system supports mall operations and contributes to SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign, demonstrating responsible and efficient water use.

This initiative reduces reliance on local water utilities while ensuring the mall can continue serving millions of visitors responsibly. More importantly, it demonstrates how rainwater, when managed smartly, can be harnessed to address urban water scarcity.

“We’ve always valued innovation and creativity in the malls – we take it a step further now to where it truly matters. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility shows how the right innovation can secure tomorrow’s water.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

Championing Water for Tomorrow

SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign advocates efficiency, innovation, resilience, and awareness in water resilience, and promotes the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement. Beyond Baguio, SM Prime’s water initiatives span the installation of advanced treatment facilities, recycling systems, and community engagement programs.

In 2024, SM Prime recorded a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

The SM Green Movement’s Water for Tomorrow campaign continues to demonstrate how everyday innovation can ensure a sustainable tomorrow—for businesses, communities, and the planet.

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Rainwater Catchment System

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities.

With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities.

SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters

A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action.

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM Prime: Smarter Water Management for a Resilient Future

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.

Water is a limited resource, and many Philippine cities face pressure on their supply due to rapid urbanization and climate change. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, prioritizes water efficiency as a core operational strategy to pave the way for a water-resilient future.  

The result is a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, already surpassing water efficiency standards of some of the leading global benchmarks.

For SM Supermalls, every chance to collect and conserve water is explored. Simple low-flow fixtures and the adoption of water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. Recycling air conditioning condensate and processed water minimizes dependence on fresh water, and innovative approaches that capture portions of floodwater for non-potable use support 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. 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.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

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 makes a difference, and conserving the planet’s valuable resources is communicated through SM Cares’ large and unique community platform, whether in the malls or on social media. The interactive and visually rich content is especially appealing for the younger, digitally active millennial and Gen Z workforce. 

About SM Green Movement:

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

A Founder’s Dream: Urban Farming and the SM Foundation

Based on a vision put forward by founder Henry Sy, Sr., and a program that began in earnest in 2007; SM Foundation mounted simultaneous Urban Farming initiatives last July 7, at the SM City North Edsa Annex and 16 other SM malls. It was a wonderful way to highlight its progress over the years and to celebrate the vision with the strategic government agencies and LGUs that have been such valuable partners over the 16 years.

This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits.

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in

ensuring its success.

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.

SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones. 

Join us as we commit to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement.