SM Prime Water-Resilient Future Guide Innovation Tech

SM Prime Holdings takes water stewardship to the next level with innovations that go beyond traditional management. Manila, Philippines represents a major shift in how large property developers approach environmental sustainability. At SM Prime, water management has evolved from basic recycling systems to cutting-edge technologies that transform how communities consume and preserve this precious resource.

For SM Supermalls, the urgent call to protect and preserve water makes any large-scale investment in water security a sound opportunity to do good for both people and planet. This strategy reflects a commitment that extends far beyond compliance, creating real impact across 89 malls nationwide.

Building a Legacy of Water Innovation Since the 1990s

SM Southmall became a pioneer back in the late 1990s when it opened with the first sewage treatment plant in a shopping mall. Located in the water-challenged area of Las Pinas, this mall set the standard for what water innovation could look like. It opened to the public in 1995, followed by SM Bacoor in 1997, saving significant volumes of water that would have otherwise been used for flushing.

This wasn't just about reducing water bills. It was about recognizing early that water security would become increasingly critical for the future.

Amplified Impact Across the Nation

With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls high-impact yet practical water management systems and circularity practices build long-term capacity for future water disruptions. These systems reflect the malls' greater ecosystem and commitment to sustainability that goes well beyond what regulations require.

Over nearly three decades, SM Supermalls made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. The commitment showed real vision when in 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened in Baguio to convert rainwater into another potable resource, alleviating pressure on the local water grid.

Innovation Meets Sustainability

At the cultural level, SM Supermalls becomes a living sustainability classroom where mallgoers, employees, and tenant partners are made aware of water, waste, and energy programs. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups sustain water conversations through the mall's broad reach and are crucial to the sustainability agenda.

SM Cares champions UN SDG6 by using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being. The engagement goes deep, promoting water sustainability as a shared responsibility across all SM malls.

Leading Through Smart Technology

SM Aura made history as the first mall to receive LEED Gold Certification in 2017. Its wastewater treatment plant and smart water management technologies ensure responsible and efficient water use. This combination of advanced infrastructure and operational excellence shows how technology and environmental responsibility can work together seamlessly.

Building What Matters Today

Water's essential role supports human activity and economic growth. As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime's unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead. SM Supermalls not only assists larger partner tenants with compliance and the bottom line. It similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders that depend on mall operations to adopt innovative solutions.

Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, explains the significance: "The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership."

"What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together. It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls," Tan continues.

SM Green Movement: A Commitment to Tomorrow

About SM Green Movement: SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.