SM Prime Holdings Inc. saw a 49 percent increase in clean energy generation, reaching 27.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) by the end of 2024, boosting operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across its properties.

Based on company data released Tuesday, SM Prime’s rollout of solar panels at its malls and developments has decreased its reliance on traditional power sources, reducing carbon emissions by 19,140.6 metric tons of CO2 — equivalent to removing more than 4,100 cars from the road each year.

“Expanding our use of solar energy enhances the sustainability of our developments. This initiative also enables us to support the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) of the Department of Energy,” SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said.

Stabilizing the energy grid

The ILP helps stabilize the energy grid during peak demand by allowing large power consumers to use their own generator sets.

SM Supermalls participates in the ILP, contributing 110 megawatts (MW) during each activation.

SM Prime leads the private sector in ILP contributions, with SM Mall of Asia providing the highest capacity at 15.92MW.

SM Prime currently operates 47 malls and properties with solar installations totaling 63 MW of capacity.

SM North EDSA

The company plans to add 20 rooftop solar PV projects this year to continue its focus on energy efficiency and reducing its exposure to fluctuating energy costs.

In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, which at the time was the largest installation in Southeast Asia.