SM Prime’s Green Movement maximizes scalable sustainability through SM Supermalls

The SM Green Movement, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s flagship sustainability initiative, continues to demonstrate how strategic, collective action can address environmental challenges at scale. Since its launch, the program has united communities, partners, and millions of mallgoers toward one mission: to protect and preserve the planet’s resources for present and future generations.

Long before sustainability became an industry requirement, SM Prime understood that lasting environmental impact can only be achieved through consistent, community-driven, and long-term programs. This foresight guided the development of sustainability initiatives designed to evolve alongside shifting stakeholder expectations, regulatory landscapes, and shareholder responsibilities.

Leveraging the national footprint of SM Supermalls, SM Prime embedded sustainability directly into mall operations—engaging customers, tenants, and local communities in everyday environmental action. This strategic “micro to macro” approach strengthens the SM Green Movement by building a unified, scalable framework centered on three core pillars: Waste Management, Water Stewardship, and Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

“What began as simple actions—reducing waste, conserving water, and embracing cleaner energy—has grown into an interconnected sustainability ecosystem involving partners, tenants, employees, and millions of Filipinos nationwide,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “By transforming everyday habits into measurable environmental results, the SM Green Movement brings sustainability into the heart of Filipino communities.”
Three Core Pillars of the SM Green Movement

1. Waste Management: Closing the Loop Through Circularity

At the heart of the program’s waste pillar is SM’s close collaboration with recycling partners and SM GUUN, the movement’s circularity platform. Together, they work to divert various materials—including paper, plastics, multi-layer packaging, and compostables—away from landfills.

By establishing recycling touchpoints throughout SM malls, the program empowers mallgoers to participate in disposal habits that reduce waste, promote circularity, and encourage mindful consumption. SM GUUN also pioneers accessible recycling solutions such as PET bottle collection, waste-buying kiosks, and easy drop-off systems.

2. Water Stewardship: Building a Water-Resilient Future

SM Prime’s water stewardship efforts are anchored in long-term systems and conservation practices developed over decades. SM Supermalls pioneered water recycling in retail environments, installing early sewage treatment plants (STPs) and adopting low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption across properties.

These infrastructures strengthen resilience against water scarcity, reduce operational reliance on freshwater resources, and protect communities during climate-related disruptions.

3. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Powering Malls Sustainably

Energy management is another cornerstone of the SM Green Movement, focusing on efficiency and renewable energy adoption to minimize environmental impact. SM’s continuing expansion of solar rooftop installations—highlighted by the 100MWp milestone celebration at SM City North Edsa—demonstrates how clean energy can support climate action while enhancing mall comfort and reliability.

The widespread use of LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and automated building management systems further reduces carbon footprint across SM properties.
Sustainability Through Shared Responsibility

What binds SM Prime’s three sustainability pillars is a fundamental principle: environmental progress is only possible when communities move together. For SM Supermalls, sustainability is not a corporate project but a shared journey built on awareness, participation, and consistency.

Through mall-based campaigns, recycling hubs, educational activations, and green partnerships, the SM Green Movement encourages Filipinos to make sustainability part of their daily lives—turning simple acts into collective impact.

With measurable progress across waste, water, and energy portfolios, and with strong collaborations with NGOs, government agencies, and private partners, the SM Green Movement continues to lay the groundwork for meaningful, lasting environmental change throughout the Philippines.

“The SM Green Movement reflects our vision to transform simple actions into systemic impact,” San Agustin added. “By advancing energy, water, and waste initiatives across our malls, we protect communities and help shape a more sustainable future for all.”