SM Prime: Smarter Water Management for a Resilient Future

As Philippine cities continue to grow and climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, water security has emerged as a critical concern for both communities and industries. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, addresses this challenge by prioritizing water efficiency and establishing long-term systems that ensure responsible and resilient water use across its properties.

For SM Prime, water is not merely an operational requirement—it is a finite resource that must be protected. Through years of investment in innovation, engineering, and community engagement, SM Prime has developed a comprehensive water management strategy that supports environmental sustainability while enhancing the overall customer experience in its malls.

Today, SM Prime proudly maintains a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, surpassing several global standards for water efficiency. This achievement reflects the company’s commitment to embedding sustainability across mall operations and integrating responsible water practices into everyday activities.

Across SM Supermalls, every opportunity to reduce, recycle, and optimize water is explored. The installation of low-flow fixtures and modern water-saving technologies significantly reduces unnecessary consumption. Meanwhile, advanced systems that recycle air-conditioning condensate and processed water further decrease the demand for freshwater. Some SM malls have also adopted innovative solutions that capture and reuse portions of floodwater for non-potable functions—an approach that both conserves water and helps manage rainfall in flood-prone cities.

This efficiency translates into millions of liters of water saved annually for every square meter of mall space. Beyond infrastructure, SM Prime emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability. The company regularly conducts water education campaigns for employees, tenant-partners, and mallgoers, reinforcing the advocacy of the SM Green Movement and encouraging responsible habits in daily life.

SM believes that sustainability thrives when people, systems, and communities work together. Efficient water management is not only an environmental necessity but also a way of ensuring that future generations continue to experience thriving, livable cities.

“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,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

SM Cares—SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility arm—leverages digital platforms and visually engaging content to educate and involve the public, especially the younger generation, in environmental action. Through these channels, SM highlights how collective efforts, no matter the scale, contribute to a water-secure future.

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow,” Tan added. “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.”