Three Decades of Resilience: How SM Prime is Pioneering a Water-Secure Future

 

For over thirty years, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has been at the forefront of responsible water stewardshipin the Philippines. Through its operating arm, SM Supermalls, the company has transformed the retail landscape by integrating sustainability into the very foundation of its developments. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly global concern, SM Prime’s proactive approach serves as a blueprint for corporate environmental responsibility and long-term water resilience.

The Evolution of Waste Management: From STPs to Standard Practice

SM Prime’s journey toward a sustainable water future began in the late 1990s with a landmark investment in its first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall. At the time, such infrastructure was not common in the private sector, but SM recognized that STPs were essential for protecting public health, mitigating environmental pollution, and supporting community development.

Today, this commitment has scaled significantly. STPs are now a standard fixture in all 89 SM Supermalls across the country. These facilities play a critical role in:

• Reducing water waste: Ensuring that water used within the malls is treated before being released.

• Pollution control: Preventing untreated wastewater from contaminating local waterways and ecosystems.

• Resource safeguarding: Reducing the overall demand on the municipal water supply.

Water Conservation through Circular Innovation

Beyond treatment, SM Supermalls embeds conservation practices throughout its daily operations. The company utilizes a circular water economy model where recycled water is repurposed for non-potable needs. This includes flushing water closets, cooling towers, general cleaning, and irrigation for mall greeneries.

To further minimize their footprint, SM has implemented low-flow fixtures and advanced water-saving technologies across its properties. These small-scale adjustments, when multiplied across millions of square meters of retail space, lead to a massive reduction in unnecessary consumption.

"SM has always been conscious of its environmental impact on shared social good. Our water journey is rooted in our commitment to maximize what we borrow from the environment, creating resiliency for future generations,” says Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience.

Scaling Resilience: Rainwater Harvesting and Potability

Taking innovation a step further, SM Prime has ventured into rainwater harvesting. A pioneer in the Philippine mall industry, SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility has become a flagship for sustainability. Since its launch in 2023, the facility has processed nearly 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable (drinking) water.

The impact of this facility is staggering:

• It provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly clean water requirement.

• It has saved the equivalent of 12.7 million 1.5-liter bottles of mineral water.

• The volume saved is comparable to nearly eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of freshwater diverted from the public grid.

Looking ahead, SM is evaluating centralized STPs designed to serve multiple developments. These inter-building treatment systems aim to lower operational costs while enhancing process efficiency, ensuring that SM remains prepared for potential water disruptions in the future.

Advocacy and Industry Recognition

SM Prime recognizes that true sustainability requires a collective effort. Through SM Cares, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM launches public awareness campaigns to educate mallgoers and local residents on the importance of water conservation. By turning every mall into a classroom for sustainability, they are activating a new generation of water stewards.

This tireless dedication has not gone unnoticed. SM’s proactive approach has earned prestigious accolades, including:

• The Bantayog ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

• The Gawad Taga-Ilog Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—the first time a private entity has received this distinction.

A Vision for the Future

As SM Prime looks toward the next decade, the focus remains on purpose-driven growth. By treating water as a universal human right, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in green architecture and urban development.

“We’ve come a long way since the 90s,” Silerio concludes. “It’s heartwarming to be recognized, but we continue to work harder because water is vital. SM aims to move forward with greater purpose and greater possibilities.”