How SM Prime Is Shaping a Water-Secure and Climate-Resilient Future
Passions of a SAHM
December 11, 2025
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Water is one of the planet’s most essential yet increasingly limited resources. Across the Philippines, fast-growing cities are experiencing mounting pressure on their water supply as rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change continue to stretch what local systems can provide. With these challenges becoming more complex each year, sustainable water management is no longer optional—it is a critical responsibility for businesses and communities alike.
For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, this responsibility is embedded at the core of its operations. By prioritizing water efficiency and investing in long-term solutions, SM Prime aims to help secure a water-resilient future not only for its developments but also for the communities they serve.
For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, this responsibility is embedded at the core of its operations. By prioritizing water efficiency and investing in long-term solutions, SM Prime aims to help secure a water-resilient future not only for its developments but also for the communities they serve.
Today, the company records a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, a performance that surpasses efficiency standards upheld by some of the world’s leading sustainability benchmarks. This achievement reflects decades of continuous innovation and a commitment to responsible water use across SM Prime’s properties, including its network of SM Supermalls.
At SM Supermalls, every opportunity to reduce water consumption is maximized. The adoption of low-flow fixtures, efficient plumbing systems, and water-saving technologies ensures that unnecessary use is minimized without compromising comfort or convenience for mallgoers. Meanwhile, the recycling of air-conditioning condensate and treated process water significantly reduces reliance on freshwater sources. Some malls also incorporate systems that capture a portion of floodwater for non-potable use—an innovative solution that not only mitigates flooding but also transforms excess rainwater into a valuable resource.
In SM City Laoag, for instance, recycled non-potable water supports a wide range of daily operations—from landscape irrigation and cleaning to air-conditioning systems and toilet flushing. These integrated practices highlight how thoughtful engineering can deliver high-impact results at scale. In fact, the efficiency achieved by SM Supermalls means that for every square meter of mall space, millions of liters of water are saved annually—an outcome that reinforces the value of sustainable design and consistent conservation.
At SM Supermalls, every opportunity to reduce water consumption is maximized. The adoption of low-flow fixtures, efficient plumbing systems, and water-saving technologies ensures that unnecessary use is minimized without compromising comfort or convenience for mallgoers. Meanwhile, the recycling of air-conditioning condensate and treated process water significantly reduces reliance on freshwater sources. Some malls also incorporate systems that capture a portion of floodwater for non-potable use—an innovative solution that not only mitigates flooding but also transforms excess rainwater into a valuable resource.
In SM City Laoag, for instance, recycled non-potable water supports a wide range of daily operations—from landscape irrigation and cleaning to air-conditioning systems and toilet flushing. These integrated practices highlight how thoughtful engineering can deliver high-impact results at scale. In fact, the efficiency achieved by SM Supermalls means that for every square meter of mall space, millions of liters of water are saved annually—an outcome that reinforces the value of sustainable design and consistent conservation.
But the company’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure. SM Supermalls believes that cultural transformation is equally essential for lasting change. Through water education campaigns, sustainability programs under the SM Green Movement, and continuous awareness-building among tenants, employees, and mallgoers, SM nurtures a community that understands the importance of water conservation and actively participates in protecting this vital resource.
This mindset has been foundational for years. Even before the Clean Water Act was enacted in 2004, SM malls such as SM City North EDSA were already adopting water-saving systems and integrating green spaces like its iconic 400-meter Sky Garden—proof of the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development.
According to SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, “Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term.”
This commitment extends nationwide. At SM Seaside City Cebu, one of the country’s largest malls, recycled water supports essential functions including toilet flushing, cleaning, and landscaping—showcasing how water efficiency can be consistently scaled across diverse regions.
This mindset has been foundational for years. Even before the Clean Water Act was enacted in 2004, SM malls such as SM City North EDSA were already adopting water-saving systems and integrating green spaces like its iconic 400-meter Sky Garden—proof of the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development.
According to SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, “Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term.”
This commitment extends nationwide. At SM Seaside City Cebu, one of the country’s largest malls, recycled water supports essential functions including toilet flushing, cleaning, and landscaping—showcasing how water efficiency can be consistently scaled across diverse regions.
Beyond operations, the message of conservation is amplified through SM Cares, whose community-driven campaigns and visually engaging content resonate strongly with younger audiences, especially millennials and Gen Z. These initiatives reinforce the belief that sustainability is a shared responsibility—one where individual actions, when combined, create meaningful impact.
As Tan emphasizes, “When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future.”
Through strategic innovation, education, and collaboration, SM Prime continues to prove that every drop truly makes a difference—and that a sustainable tomorrow begins with the choices we make today.
As Tan emphasizes, “When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future.”
Through strategic innovation, education, and collaboration, SM Prime continues to prove that every drop truly makes a difference—and that a sustainable tomorrow begins with the choices we make today.
