SM Prime Holdings,
Inc. (SM Prime) continues to lead the way in sustainable property development,
delivering low-carbon office spaces and climate-smart retail environments
through energy efficiency initiatives, on-site renewable solutions, and
strategic long-term partnerships.
From efficiency to
impact
SM Prime has
implemented programs such as lighting upgrades, improved air conditioning and
ventilation systems (ACVS), and optimized building management systems since the
1990s —significantly reducing emissions, proving that energy efficiency
delivers environmental and economic benefits. In 2024, SM Supermalls reduced
electricity use by 38%, avoiding 156,736 metric tons of greenhouse gas
emissions (GHG) and saving ₱2.3 billion.
In the recently
concluded 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department
of Energy (DOE), SM Prime’s business units, namely, SM Supermalls, SM Offices,
and SM Hotels, was awarded multiple Certificates of Excellence.
This success
reflects collaboration among engineering teams, service providers, tenants, and
customers, driven by the company’s leadership and commitment to the SM Green
Movement.
Guided by its goal
of Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime is making decarbonization practical, reliable,
and scalable. At SM City North Edsa, it recently celebrated a milestone for
clean energy in the country, with 59 properties generating a combined 100
megawatts (MW) of on-site renewable energy—one of the largest solar capacities
among property developers in the Philippines.
A historic 100MW
milestone. At Quezon City, the SM North Edsa, the first Philippine mall to use
clean energy with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, continues to deliver SM
Prime’s people-centric sustainable retail spaces.
Today, more than
50% of energy use across SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources, supported
by partnerships with Aboitiz Renewables, TotalEnergies, Citicore Renewable
Energy Corporation, and leading solar providers. This collaborative approach
empowers communities while building a safer and more sustainable future.
Working with
WWF-Philippines, SM Prime has committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative
(SBTi) and is working towards its near and long-term targets.
Retail architecture working with nature
At the heart of SM
Prime’s energy strategy is the creation of sustainable, resilient spaces that
enrich experiences for the community. Across its malls, SM integrates passive
design elements—high ceilings, large atriums, skylights, open spaces, and natural
ventilation—reducing daytime energy consumption while offering brighter,
breezier, and more welcoming spaces for relaxation, dining, and shopping.
Technology meets
nature. In SM City East Ortigas, natural light brightens the food hall, and
retrofitted lighting produces significant energy savings. Smart solutions
such as motion-sensor escalators, solar-powered outdoor spaces, and
energy-conscious cooling systems make SM Supermalls a top retail destination
for tenant-partners and customers alike.
Shared climate
benefits for all
“Customer
expectations evolve quickly. When our leaders first initiated this project, it
was in the early days of learning about the impact of our consumption on the
planet. Now, brands – whether big luxury labels or small and medium enterprises
– are looking for partners who invest in circularity and ESG impacts,” said SM
Supermalls president Steven Tan.
As SM Prime
continues to scale its energy programs, its SM Green Movement builds a
resilient energy infrastructure to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming
space for its communities.
“We are committed
to making our malls as energy efficient as possible by implementing advanced
technologies and best practices. SM Supermalls will keep expanding its
sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality
of life for both the planet and the communities we serve,” said Tan.
