SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Rainwater Catchment System

SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Innovative Rainwater Solution Climate Change Requires Smart Infrastructure With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become essential for building resilient communities. Smart infrastructure solutions now protect cities and neighborhoods from devastating water damage. SM City La Union Makes History as Climate Leader SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., features an advanced rainwater catchment facility. This expansion strengthens SM Prime's network of climate resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities serve a critical purpose. They collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could overwhelm drainage networks. How the Rainwater System Works During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater and allows gradual discharge through proper channels. This controlled release protects communities from flooding. Together, SM City La Union's underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters of water storage. The New 30th SM Mall Sets the Standard The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system. This infrastructure supports thousands of residents in flood prone areas. The project demonstrates how business innovation protects communities and improves quality of life.

Designing Tomorrow's Sustainable Future SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations. Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping Every Opportunity to Achieve Water for Tomorrow Treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume. The company rose from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters in 2024. This remarkable progress shows commitment to environmental stewardship. Community Action and Social Resilience Social resilience is equally important as physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life. These programs empower community action and foster environmental consciousness. Leadership Perspective on Climate Smart Infrastructure "Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control. They help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress," said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

This commitment from SM leadership reflects a growing understanding that businesses play a crucial role in climate adaptation. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, SM Prime protects communities while positioning itself as an environmental leader in the region.