SM Prime strengthens water-resilience push with expanded sustainability systems in malls

SM Prime Holdings Inc. is ramping up investments in water-resilient infrastructure under its long-term environmental sustainability strategy, positioning its nationwide mall network to withstand intensifying climate risks and future water shortages.

The property developer said its programmatic “Water for Tomorrow” campaign now goes beyond recycling and efficient water use, integrating large-scale solutions that expand access to alternative water sources while promoting responsible consumption.

With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan said the company is treating water resilience as both an environmental commitment and a practical business strategy.

“The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership,” Tan said. “What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together. It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls.”

Decades-long investment in water security

SM Prime began introducing sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the 1990s—years before such facilities became mandatory. The first facility was installed at SM Southmall in 1995, followed by SM Bacoor in 1997, allowing the malls to recycle treated water for flushing and reduce demand from local water utilities.

In 2023, SM City Baguio opened the first rainwater treatment facility inside a mall, converting rainwater into potable water that eases pressure on the city’s strained water supply.

The company has also deployed low-flow fixtures and water-saving systems across its properties to prevent large-scale water wastage.

Water resilience as a community effort

SM Supermalls said it aims to turn malls into “living sustainability classrooms.” Through SM Cares, the company promotes UN SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) across mall touchpoints, encouraging tenants, employees, and the public to adopt water-conserving habits.

Partnerships with NGOs, national government agencies, and civic groups help sustain education campaigns and widen community participation.

Preparing for a climate-driven future

SM Prime said its unified water stewardship approach is designed not only to support large anchor tenants but also to encourage small businesses reliant on mall operations to upgrade their own water efficiency strategies.

“As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime’s unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead,” Tan added.

SM Prime said its water programs are aligned with its broader SM Green Movement, which focuses on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency.