Living in Tomorrow's Water-Resilient Future: How SM Prime is Securing a Vital Resource

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The clock is ticking on climate change, and with it, the threat of water scarcity looms larger than ever. In the face of accelerating climate concerns that affect our water supply , SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has adopted a unified and dramatic stance on water stewardship, preparing not just their properties, but entire communities, for the challenges ahead.

SM Prime’s dedication to water resilience has evolved significantly since its early initiatives. Through the programmatic "Water for Tomorrow" campaign, their approach moves far beyond simple water recycling and efficient management. For SM Supermalls, this is an urgent call to action—a recognition that large-scale investment in water security is a sound opportunity to do good for both people and the planet.

Pioneers in Water Stewardship: Three Decades of Innovation

The history of SM Supermalls' water stewardship is one of bold foresight and groundbreaking innovation:

The First Steps (Mid-90s): Nearly three decades ago, well before any compliance requirements were in place, SM Supermalls introduced sewage treatment plants (STP). SM Southmall, located in the water-challenged area of Las Pinas, was the first mall to implement an STP for water recycling when it opened in 1995. This was quickly followed by SM Bacoor in 1997. This pioneering move saved a significant volume of water that would have otherwise been used for flushing.

Preventive Measures: Beyond treatment plants, the company has made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary water consumption on a massive scale.

The Innovation Benchmark: In 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened at SM City Baguio. This innovation converts rainwater into a potable resource, dramatically alleviating pressure on the local water grid. This facility sets a new benchmark for water efficiency.

Sustainable Infrastructure: Modern facilities like SM Aura (the first mall to receive LEED Gold Certification in 2017) are equipped with wastewater treatment plants and smart water management technologies, ensuring responsible and efficient water use.

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

A Ripple Effect of Sustainability

SM Prime's commitment doesn't stop at infrastructure; it is embedded in the culture, inspiring a collective movement:

The Living Classroom: SM Supermalls function as a "living sustainability classroom". Mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are actively made aware of the company's crucial water, waste, and energy programs.

Community Engagement: Through the SM Cares program, communities, mallgoers, and tenants are engaged in water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action. SM Cares champions the UN SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Empowering Stakeholders: As a vital community hub, the malls promote the wider SM Green Movement campaign, empowering people to practice responsible water use. The company assists large partner-tenants with compliance and the bottom line, and similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders who depend on mall operations to adopt their innovative solutions.

The Vision of Leadership

Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, firmly believes that the current scale of SM Prime’s water efforts is a testament to the "innovative vision of our leadership".

"What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together," said Tan. "It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls." 

SM Prime, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia , is guided by a vision of building a better future by creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Through the SM Green Movement, they champion sustainability by focusing on water stewardship, waste management, and energy efficiency for a lasting impact. This movement empowers individuals and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM Prime is building what matters today , ensuring that water's essential role in supporting human activity and economic growth is secured for the future.

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