Shaping the Future: Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities

What makes a city thrive? 

It's a combination of visionary planning, purposeful development, and a strong sense of community. A thriving city doesn’t just happen by chance; it emerges when developers, government officials, and citizens come together to create spaces that foster movement, synergy, and prosperity. At the heart of this development is the celebration of life—where the community becomes the core, and sustainable growth is a shared goal. At SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI), the vision for future cities transcends the traditional metrics of economic success. 

“At SM Prime, we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity is more than financial gain. It includes the development of sustainable, integrated properties, paired with a dedication to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities. Our legacy properties are built to last, withstanding the test of time and future challenges," says Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC). 

Sy’s leadership at SM Prime aligns perfectly with the company’s goal of shaping cities that stand strong in the face of climate change and other pressing global challenges. Her participation in the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) speaks volumes about her commitment to sustainability. 

This year's conference, themed "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation," brings together experts from around the globe to discuss strategies that can lead to the development of more sustainable urban spaces. As one of the Philippines' leading integrated property developers, SM Prime has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and disaster resilience, crucial for a country like the Philippines that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. With a population continually growing and cities expanding rapidly, there is an increasing demand for energy, water, and other essential resources. 

SM Prime addresses these challenges by prioritizing disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience, aiming to scale these efforts to the city level. A significant component of SM Prime’s sustainability agenda is the shift toward renewable energy solutions. By working with energy franchise holders, the company has initiated projects to systematically manage energy use and reduce carbon footprints, moving closer to achieving net-zero emissions. This transition is vital not only for the company’s future but also for the cities it helps develop. 

When discussing SM Prime's future large-scale developments, Sy highlights a systems approach to utility infrastructure. “For our upcoming master-planned projects, we are embedding utility frameworks into the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level. This involves integrating critical infrastructure—like water, energy, and transport—into the overall blueprint of city planning,” she explains. Sy emphasizes that these efforts are not made in isolation but are developed in collaboration with a network of knowledge partners. Together, they have identified six key themes—transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form, and materials—that will shape the cities of tomorrow. This living framework is not just a dream for Sy and SM Prime; it is a tangible, actionable vision. 

“We believe this is the future for cities in the Philippines. We are committed to delivering this vision for the benefit of future generations,” she states confidently. Through its work, SM Prime has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth, creating vibrant and sustainable communities that enrich the lives of millions. 

The company’s innovative approach to property development, paired with a forward-thinking sustainability agenda, is charting a course toward building resilient cities capable of withstanding the challenges of tomorrow. 

In doing so, SM Prime is not just developing real estate—it’s building the future. The 7th APRU-SCL 2024, hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, will take place from August 6-8, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center. This conference brings together local and international experts to explore the evolving landscape of sustainable urban development.