SM Prime: Pioneering a Sustainable Future Through Innovation and Resilience

Sustainability has evolved into a critical focus across all industries, and for SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s foremost integrated property developers, it is an essential part of their core business strategy. SM Prime has strategically embedded sustainability into every facet of its operations, leveraging its significant economic footprint and societal influence to create lasting impacts. Their commitment to sustainable development is not a recent endeavor, but rather a path the company embarked upon in the 1990s, grounded in practicality and resilience.

SM Prime’s approach to sustainability is not about following trends or adopting short-lived, flashy solutions. Instead, it is a commitment to implementing strategies that are both effective and enduring. Their focus on substance over style has enabled them to drive real, measurable change that benefits not just their business, but the communities and ecosystems they serve. This dedication was solidified in their 2023 Annual Integrated Report, which introduced the "Sustainability Ambition Roadmap" under the guiding message:


Together for a Sustainable Future.

This roadmap reflects SM Prime’s long-term vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable, and integrated property developments that enhance the quality of life for all. Their sustainability framework focuses on three main pillars: **Environmental Sustainability, Prosperity for All,** and **Climate Resilience.** These pillars serve as the foundation of their ambitious goals for 2030, 2040, and beyond, aimed at fostering a future characterized by environmental stewardship, resilience, and widespread economic prosperity.


Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action

Among SM Prime’s flagship environmental initiatives is the goal of achieving **Net Zero by 2040**. Collaborating with the World-Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines, the company has committed to aligning with global science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions, positioning themselves as a leader in corporate climate action. Jeffrey C. Lim, President and CEO of SM Prime, emphasized the company’s determination to meet these climate commitments, declaring it a top priority in their sustainability agenda.

A notable example of SM Prime’s efforts in climate action is the **solar photovoltaic (PV) system** installed at SM City Santa Rosa. With over 5,772 panels and a capacity of 3.088 MWp, this system generates an impressive 4.292 GWh of solar energy annually, contributing to the company’s goal of reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.


Waste Management: #SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime’s vision for a **#SMWasteFreeFuture** is another significant sustainability initiative, aimed at supporting the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program promotes waste segregation through a simple yet effective system: **Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable** (RDC). This initiative, rolled out across SM properties nationwide, seeks to reduce waste generation and increase the diversion rate from landfills.

The company also runs a variety of waste management programs, including the **Trash-to-Cash** recycling market and **Plastic Waste Collection** programs, which actively engage communities in rethinking their waste habits. SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has also pioneered efforts to address food waste through projects like **The Sustainable Diner,** which diverts food waste through composting and biodigesters, as well as the **Tela Tales** program, which repurposes old linens into usable materials.


Water Stewardship and Innovation

SM Prime is equally committed to water conservation and management, recognizing the increasing importance of water stewardship in the face of climate change. Through the implementation of **sewage water treatment plants**, the company ensures that wastewater is recycled and reused for essential operations such as landscape greening and air conditioning. A standout example is **SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility**, which helps secure a steady and clean water supply for the mall and its tenants.


Prosperity for All: Socio-Economic Impact

SM Prime’s developments extend beyond environmental sustainability, acting as catalysts for socio-economic progress in the Philippines. Their projects, like the **Mall of Asia Complex**, set the standard for holistic urban development, blending commercial success with sustainability and quality of life improvements. As the company celebrates its **30th year** as a publicly listed company, it continues to honor the vision of its founder, Henry Sy, of bringing world-class developments to the Philippines.

According to Lim, true leadership is defined by collective success. SM Prime’s journey over the past three decades is a testament to the power of dreaming big and pursuing those dreams with unwavering determination.

SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability is not just about maintaining business success—it's about creating a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come.