SM Prime launches a Unified Waste Management Program for a #SMWasteFreeFuture

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia's leading integrated property developers, is launching a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the world's growing waste crisis. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity produces more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year, 45 percent of which is mismanaged. Without immediate action, municipal solid waste will double to nearly 4 billion tons per year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 30 to be International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP launched the First International Day of Zero Waste to boost efforts to combat the global pollution crisis. Its goal is to encourage global action and raise awareness about zero waste. 

Strong foundations 

SM Prime's founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that "business growth and social development must go hand in hand." The company adheres to this principle and has developed a sustainability policy that includes the following commitments: resource conservation and efficiency, disaster resilience, climate advocacy, social integration, and transparency reporting. 

The SM Supermalls' Environmental Programs for Waste Management are based on these sustainability commitments. SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, has pioneered long-standing programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, as well as supported the annual International Coastal Clean Up and other national events.

Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the hotel and tourism industry, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has led the way in reducing global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its Philippine properties. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature's Sustainable Diner Program, which aims to transform and assist the food service industry in reducing its environmental impact through resource efficiency, plastic refusal, and food waste management, as well as contributing to global food security in the future. 

The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.

To support these programs, SM Prime recently announced a waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) will implement a Japanese technique for reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and difficult-to-recycle packaging into an alternative fuel. 

No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Prime's announcement of its vision for a #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company's strong commitment and sustainability stewardship by inviting its stakeholders to participate in activities that promote zero-waste awareness and a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to waste management.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as an economic growth catalyst, creating innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and moving forward to build sustainable cities of the future.