SM ramps up water recycling, conservation in sustainability push

SM Supermalls has strengthened its commitment to sustainable water management, recycling over 5.59 million cubic meters of water across its 88 malls in the Philippines last year—equivalent to filling 2,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The initiative is part of SM Prime Holdings’ broader push for climate resilience and sustainability, as highlighted in the company’s 2024 Integrated Report. According to the report, SM’s sewage treatment plants make it possible to reuse water for daily operations such as toilet flushing, perimeter cleaning, air conditioning, and landscape irrigation.

“Our goal is to be sustainable with water, not just efficient,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “We design our developments to be climate-resilient and resource-conscious, ensuring long-term value for our stakeholders.”

Water stewardship — defined as the responsible use and management of water resources in socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial ways — has been central to SM’s operations. For its communities, it means access to clean water, protection from flooding, and long-term resilience against climate change.

One standout example is SM City Baguio, where a rainwater treatment facility reused more than 35 million liters of rainwater in 2024 for tenant kitchen operations. That’s enough to handwash over 17.5 million plates — underscoring the practicality and scalability of SM’s water solutions. The company is now exploring how to replicate the system in other rainfall-rich regions.

In addition to infrastructure investments, SM Cares, the CSR arm of SM Supermalls, continues to promote conservation awareness. It has installed “Save Water” signages in public areas and supported the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ “Wag Pataksaya” campaign against water waste.

As the rainy season looms and water sources face growing pressure, SM’s closed-loop water systems are proving essential—not just in supporting mall operations, but in demonstrating how private sector innovation can contribute to national resilience.

Now marking its 40th anniversary, SM Supermalls operates 87 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China. With a focus on green architecture, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness, it continues to integrate sustainability in its operations while enriching Filipino communities nationwide.