Daily Tribune
SM Southmall in the late 90’s. Located in the water-challenged area of Las Pinas, the mall was the first to have a sewage treatment plant (STP) for water recycling. It opened to the public in 1995, followed by SM Bacoor in 1997, saving a significant volume of water otherwise used for flushing.
A community solution. At the launch of SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF), innovation meets sustainability and sets a benchmark for water efficiency.
SM Cares engages communities, mallgoers, and tenants in water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action.
Water sustainability is a shared responsibility across all SM malls. SM Cares engages and promotes water conservation initiatives that inspire mindful consumption and collective action.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. is ramping up its water stewardship efforts as part of its broader environmental sustainability strategy, emphasizing long-term resilience amid growing climate and water supply challenges.
Under its Water for Tomorrow campaign, SM Prime said its approach goes beyond basic water recycling and efficiency measures, positioning water security as both an environmental responsibility and a strategic investment that benefits communities and the ecosystem.
With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls has implemented large-scale yet practical water management systems designed to build long-term capacity against future water disruptions. These include circular water-use practices that reflect the interconnected nature of mall operations and surrounding communities.
SM Supermalls began installing sewage treatment plants nearly three decades ago, ahead of regulatory requirements, and has since invested heavily in low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to curb unnecessary water consumption. In 2023, the company opened its first rainwater treatment facility in a mall in Baguio City, converting rainwater into a potable resource and easing pressure on the local water grid.
Beyond infrastructure, SM Prime said its malls serve as “living sustainability classrooms,” where mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are exposed to water, waste, and energy conservation programs. The company also partners with non-government organizations, government agencies, and civic groups to widen public engagement on water sustainability through its extensive mall network.
Through SM Cares, the company supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 by promoting water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene across mall touchpoints and social media platforms. These efforts are part of the broader SM Green Movement, which encourages responsible water use among communities.
SM Prime said water stewardship is central to sustaining economic activity as climate risks increasingly affect water supply. The company noted that its programs also help tenants, including small businesses, adopt innovative and compliant water solutions that support both operational efficiency and sustainability goals.
“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,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.
“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,” Tan added.
