SM Prime adapts to Renewable Energy Sources

“SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President 

Suppose that the sun, the ultimate source of life, powered the entire planet. Sustainable energy options are more important than ever as the use of fossil fuels exacerbates climate change. The Philippines is in a unique position to use solar energy and fight climate change because of its plentiful sunshine. Manila had about 4,440 hours of daylight in 2024, which means there is a large potential for solar energy production.

Early on, SM Prime saw this potential. The largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time was made in 2014 when SM North EDSA became the first commercial building in the Philippines to have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on its roof. This action marked the start of SM Prime's dedication to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

SM Supermalls currently runs 44 shopping centers equipped with solar photovoltaic systems, producing a total peak energy output of 51.6 megawatts (MW). SM City Santa Rosa is home to the biggest installation. The largest solar energy portfolio in the Philippines is owned by SM Prime, which has 96,000 solar panels spread across malls in Luzon and Visayas, totaling about 33 hectares. These initiatives are a key component of the business's plan to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve Net Zero by 2040.

With its 51.6 MW capacity, carbon emissions are greatly reduced, supplying clean energy that can power thousands of homes or take thousands of cars off the road. Additionally, it lessens the need for coal, which benefits the environment and nearby communities.

By directly powering necessary mall functions like lighting and escalators, the solar energy produced lessens SM Supermalls' dependency on the national grid. As a result, there is less chance of outages and less strain on electricity providers as the power supply is stabilized. SM Prime is helping the Philippines have a more sustainable future by utilizing clean, renewable energy.

The sustainability initiatives of SM Prime go beyond solar power. In order to reduce its negative effects on the environment, the company also prioritizes waste management, water conservation, and air quality programs. By taking these all-encompassing steps, SM Prime hopes to ensure responsible, creative operations while bringing about a positive change.

 

In conclusion, SM Prime's extensive use of solar photovoltaic systems and its wider environmental programs demonstrate its commitment to building a sustainable future for the Philippines. SM Prime is contributing to the creation of a cleaner, greener, and more promising future by setting the standard for sustainability and renewable energy.