SM Prime is Building for a Smarter, Cleaner Energy Future

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) continues to lead the way in sustainable property  development, delivering low-carbon office spaces and climate-smart retail environments through  energy efficiency initiatives, on-site renewable solutions, and strategic long-term partnerships.

A sustainable future for all. The iconic SM Mall of Asia, the world’s 6th largest mall, has  become a sustainable retail shopping destination. Its physical and economic resilience stands as a  testament to SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable business strategies.

From efficiency to impact

SM Prime has implemented programs such as lighting upgrades, improved air conditioning and  ventilation systems (ACVS), and optimized building management systems since the 1990s — significantly reducing emissions, proving that energy efficiency delivers environmental and economic  benefits. In 2024, SM Supermalls reduced electricity use by 38%, avoiding 156,736 metric tons of  greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and saving ₱2.3 billion.

In the recently concluded 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards of the Department of Energy  (DOE), SM Prime’s business units, namely, SM Supermalls, SM Offices, and SM Hotels, was  awarded multiple Certificates of Excellence.

This success reflects collaboration among engineering teams, service providers, tenants, and  customers, driven by the company’s leadership and commitment to the SM Green Movement.

Renewable energy milestones

Guided by its goal of Net Zero by 2040, SM Prime is making decarbonization practical, reliable,  and scalable. At SM City North Edsa, it recently celebrated a milestone for clean energy in the  country, with 59 properties generating a combined 100 megawatts (MW) of on-site renewable  energy—one of the largest solar capacities among property developers in the Philippines.

A historic 100MW milestone. At Quezon City, the SM North Edsa, the first Philippine  mall to use clean energy with rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, continues to deliver SM Prime’s people centric sustainable retail spaces.

Today, more than 50% of energy use across SM Supermalls comes from renewable sources,  supported by partnerships with Aboitiz Renewables, TotalEnergies, Citicore Renewable Energy  Corporation, and leading solar providers. This collaborative approach empowers communities  while building a safer and more sustainable future.

Working with WWF-Philippines, SM Prime has committed to the Science-Based Targets  initiative (SBTi) and is working towards its near and long-term targets.

Retail architecture working with nature

At the heart of SM Prime’s energy strategy is the creation of sustainable, resilient spaces that  enrich experiences for the community. Across its malls, SM integrates passive design  elements—high ceilings, large atriums, skylights, open spaces, and natural ventilation— reducing daytime energy consumption while offering brighter, breezier, and more welcoming  spaces for relaxation, dining, and shopping.

Technology meets nature. In SM City East Ortigas, natural light brightens the food hall, and retrofitted lighting produces significant energy savings.

Smart solutions such as motion-sensor escalators, solar-powered outdoor spaces, and energy conscious cooling systems make SM Supermalls a top retail destination for tenant-partners and  customers alike.

Shared climate benefits for all

“Customer expectations evolve quickly. When our leaders first initiated this project, it was in the  early days of learning about the impact of our consumption on the planet. Now, brands – whether big luxury labels or small and medium enterprises – are looking for partners who invest  in circularity and ESG impacts,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

As SM Prime continues to scale its energy programs, its SM Green Movement builds a resilient  energy infrastructure to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for its communities.

“We are committed to making our malls as energy efficient as possible by implementing  advanced technologies and best practices. SM Supermalls will keep expanding its sustainability  efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life for both the planet and the  communities we serve,” said Tan.