Daily Tribune
A sky sanctuary like no other. The entire MOA Sky in SM Mall of Asia runs on solar power. Shading the walkways on the roof deck are solar panels that power the grounds of what can be considered a modern marvel in any retail architecture, with an amphitheater and a FIFA-grade football pitch.
SM City Puerto Princesa makes use of design elements as shading devices to reduce energy for air conditioning cooling requirements, without sacrificing natural light.
The high ceilings and bright spaces in the new SM La Union reduce energy consumption during the mall’s daytime operations, allowing mallgoers to bask in the sun while completing shopping errands.
The high ceilings and bright spaces in the new SM La Union reduce energy consumption during the mall’s daytime operations, allowing mallgoers to bask in the sun while completing shopping errands.
A crowd drawer of the healthy kind, SM Supermalls presents a creative way to remind mallgoers they can get their steps in.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. said it is strengthening its climate-focused design strategies across its mall network, emphasizing that climate-smart solutions must translate into “practical, everyday benefits” for both businesses and communities.
The company said its efforts began in the 1990s with LED retrofits and have since expanded to include solar-powered outdoor parasols, redesigned open spaces and other features integrated into SM Supermalls’ approach to sustainable retail architecture.
SM Prime said its design philosophy considers both systems and community impact, incorporating water, waste and energy efficiency into mall operations while creating spaces that support commercial activity and local cultural events.
Daytime energy use is reduced through natural lighting and passive design strategies such as skylights, large atriums, high ceilings, open spaces and sky gardens. Motion-sensor escalators adjust power use based on passenger load, and stairs are strategically placed to encourage walking.
SM Prime said it also invests in advanced cooling systems that cut energy and water consumption. In high-temperature areas, large industrial fans are used alongside air-conditioning systems to increase efficiency.
Forty-eight SM Supermalls now have on-site solar installations, which reduce dependence on grid power and mark one of the largest mall-based renewable energy portfolios in the country, the company said.
Progress in climate action, according to SM Prime, must demonstrate real benefits for the public and contribute to long-term community resilience.
“We have long thought of our mall spaces as bringing communities together and creating tangible connections that last for generations. Every improvement to become energy efficient is meant to give a more sustainable and enjoyable experience,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
