SM Prime is Building for a Smarter, Cleaner Energy Future

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) strengthens its position as a national leader in sustainable property development as it continues to deliver low-carbon office spaces, energy-efficient retail environments, and climate-resilient infrastructure across the Philippines. Through decades-long investments in innovation, clean energy, and strategic partnerships, SM Prime is reshaping the future of urban development—with sustainability at the core of every mall, office tower, and integrated destination it builds.

A Sustainable Future for All

Photo caption: A sustainable future for all. The iconic SM Mall of Asia—one of the world’s largest malls—stands as a benchmark for resilient, sustainable retail development, reinforcing SM Prime’s commitment to responsible and future-proofed business strategies.

From Efficiency to Impact: Long-Term Energy Efficiency at Scale

SM Prime began its energy efficiency journey as early as the 1990s, long before sustainability became an industry-wide requirement. Over the years, the company has deployed wide-scale upgrades, including:


LED lighting retrofits and optimized illumination systems
High-efficiency air-conditioning and ventilation systems (ACVS)
Advanced Building Management Systems (BMS) for smarter energy use
Operational optimizations across all malls and offices

These long-term investments have delivered significant results. In 2024 alone, SM Supermalls achieved:

38% reduction in electricity consumption
156,736 metric tons of avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
₱2.3 billion in electricity savings

SM Prime's strong performance in energy efficiency was recognized at the 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department of Energy (DOE), where SM Supermalls, SM Offices, and SM Hotels each received multiple Certificates of Excellence. These achievements highlight a collective effort across engineering teams, tenants, service providers, and millions of customers—powered by the company’s commitment to the SM Green Movement.

Renewable Energy Milestones: Scaling Solar, Powering Communities

As part of its aspiration to achieve Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime continues to make clean energy accessible and scalable across its developments.

A historic milestone was recently achieved at SM City North Edsa, where SM Prime celebrated 100 megawatts (MW) of combined on-site renewable energy generation across 59 properties—one of the largest solar power capacities among Philippine property developers.

Photo caption: A historic 100MW milestone. SM North Edsa—the first Philippine mall to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system—continues to push forward SM Prime’s clean energy and community-focused sustainability mission.

Today, more than 50% of the total energy consumed by SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources, supported by partnerships with:


Aboitiz Renewables
TotalEnergies
Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation
Leading local solar developers

SM Prime has also committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in partnership with WWF-Philippines, aligning its climate targets with global standards for carbon reduction.

Sustainable Retail Architecture Designed to Work with Nature

SM Prime’s approach to sustainable development goes beyond technology—it is integrated into the very architecture of its malls. SM properties maximize natural energy through:


High ceilings and wide atriums
Skylights and clerestory windows for natural illumination
Open and shaded spaces for passive cooling
Natural ventilation in strategic areas

These design principles reduce daytime energy use while enhancing customer experience by creating bright, airy, and inviting environments ideal for dining, shopping, and leisure.


Complementing these passive design features are innovative smart technologies such as:


Motion-sensor escalators
Energy-efficient cooling systems
Solar-powered outdoor features

Together, these elements position SM Supermalls as a preferred retail destination for brands and customers seeking sustainable, comfortable, and future-ready spaces.
Shared Climate Benefits for Communities and Businesses

“Customer expectations evolve quickly,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Brands today—from luxury labels to MSMEs—are choosing partners who prioritize circularity, environmental responsibility, and meaningful ESG impact.”

Tan added, “We remain committed to making our malls as energy-efficient as possible. By expanding advanced technologies and adopting global best practices, SM Supermalls aims to reduce environmental impact while improving quality of life for the communities we serve.”

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime continues to scale its climate programs and invest in resilient infrastructure—paving the way for a safer, greener, and more sustainable Philippines.