SM Hotels bags Dubai sustainability crown

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has been named “2025 World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy” at the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai, earning international recognition for its flagship “Plate for the Planet” program.

The award-giving body cited SMHCC’s efforts in advancing circular economy practices within the hospitality sector, particularly in food waste management and sustainable dining. The awards aim to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that create measurable impact in sustainable travel and tourism. Entries were screened by Sustainable Business students at Nova Business School and reviewed by an advisory board.

At the center of SMHCC’s win is “Plate for the Planet,” an initiative designed to expand healthy, environment-friendly dining options while cutting food waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food service industry.

“Through the program, SMHCC endeavors to halve per capita global food waste at both the consumer and production levels, while greening supply chains and maintaining the food waste per cover, below industry levels as part of our decarbonization plans,” said SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Ms. Leah Magallanes.

The program falls under the company’s broader Sustainable Diner Program, which ensures that every menu item is curated with sustainability in mind. Ingredients are locally sourced or harvested within hotel properties, reinforcing the group’s commitment to responsible consumption and production.

Food waste across SMHCC properties is managed through both traditional composting, which involves layering waste with bacteria, and modern bio-digester systems. The compost produced is used as fertilizer in hotel gardens and partner farms.

“Compost is then used as fertilizer in our gardens and partner farms, while the harvested herbs, vegetables, and fruits are used by our chefs to prepare a delicious dish – a ‘Plate for the Planet’. As such, we have partnered up with SM Foundation farmers through their Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program for our composting and gardening efforts,” adds Ms. Magallanes.

SMHCC said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Responsible Consumption and Production. The strategy has been rolled out across all its properties, with designated Sustainability Champions tasked to ensure that environmental standards are monitored, measured and continuously improved.

The recognition positions SMHCC among global hospitality players integrating sustainability into daily operations, from sourcing and menu design to waste management and supply chain practices.

SMHCC is the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. Its portfolio includes 10 hotel properties with more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 square meters of leasable convention space. Among its properties are Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, and several Park Inn by Radisson branches nationwide, alongside SMX Convention Centers and trade halls.

Company officials said the award underscores their view that sustainability and guest experience are not mutually exclusive.

As SMHCC expands its environmental programs across its properties, it said it aims to prove that every stay — and every plate — can contribute to a more sustainable hospitality industry.