SM Offices Bets on Renewables to Power Growth and Attract Tenants

SM Offices, a business unit of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), is scaling up its renewable energy (RE) use as part of a broader push to make sustainability a driver of growth and tenant value.

From rooftop solar grids to LEED-certified towers, SM Offices proves that clean energy drives resilient growth.

The SM Prime business unit now sources more than half of its operational power from certified renewable energy, reflecting how clean energy adoption is reshaping the country’s commercial property landscape.

As of mid-2025, SM Prime has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 48 malls and offices with a combined capacity of 73 megawatts peak (MWp).

“SM Offices not only supports but also goes beyond the Philippine government’s target of having 50 percent of the country’s power generation come from renewable sources by 2040,” Vice President and Head of SM Offices Alexis L. Ortiga said.

Under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020–2040 of the Department of Energy, the Philippines aims to increase the share of renewables in its power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, supporting the country’s goals for energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Across its expanding portfolio, SM Offices is integrating solar grids, sensor-enabled fixtures, and energy-efficient cooling systems into building design and operations—stabilizing energy costs, improving comfort and reliability, and enabling tenants to meet their sustainability commitments.

Several of its flagship developments—ThreeE-Com and FourE-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex, Aura Tower beside SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City, Mega Tower in Ortigas, and North Towers in Quezon City—have all achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, underscoring its focus on performance and sustainability.

Currently, One E-Com, Two E-Com, and Five E-Com are undergoing LEED O+M certification, which recognizes excellence in the sustainable operation and maintenance of existing buildings. The certification focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality and other measures that promote the health and well-being of both people and the environment.

Ortiga explained that their approach is both strategic and adaptive. “SM Offices remains resilient by integrating sustainability initiatives into its core strategies,” he said. “Our offices are located closer to where people live, helping reduce travel time and emissions, and we are expanding renewable energy use and EV charging infrastructure to support a lower-carbon economy.”

The model is proving commercially sound. Renewable energy reduces exposure to power price volatility, supports tenant ESG goals, and strengthens investor confidence. For companies under increasing pressure to meet sustainability metrics, leasing from a renewable-powered portfolio offers both stability and reputational upside. (SM PRIME)

SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Rainwater Catchment System

With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities.

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities.

SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters.

A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action. 

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. (SM PRIME)

Flowing with Care: Everyday Lessons on Water Conservation

Water conservation at SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), is not just about infrastructure; it’s also about changing the mindsets of every individual who walks into its properties and redeveloping their relationship with water. 

Across its malls, SM Prime implements its Water for Tomorrow campaign with dedicated programs that mindfully demonstrate how every drop of water can be used efficiently.

SM Cares plants little signages to bring awareness to mallgoers to some of the water-saving practices used by the mall.

Stepping into the grounds of SM Supermalls becomes a subconscious learning experience for the unsuspecting mallgoer. Its sustainable water management systems, including widespread sewage treatment plants and rainwater harvesting, run like clockwork to contribute to the care of the planet’s natural resources.

Greywater recycling systems ensure that water from sinks and drains is reused for sanitation or landscaping, reducing the overall demand for water from the grid. Tenant-partner engagement programs encourage restaurants and shops to adopt water-saving practices.

Awareness campaigns targeted to the youth are part of the mall’s advocacy on how SM Supermalls make sustainability practical.

Key to the success of the program, SM Supermalls invests in bringing the community together in thoughtful ways so that everyone thrives in the long term. Mall-wide behavioral campaigns remind millions of Filipinos that simple acts—turning off taps, avoiding water waste, and mindful consumption—create a collective ripple effect. 

By positioning malls as living classrooms for sustainability, SM Prime amplifies its commitment to conservation beyond its operations. Millions of mallgoers learn that their small, everyday actions have a shared impact, helping to secure water resources for the future.

Child-friendly sinks with eye-level signage allow children to also contribute to their water future.

“Every drop counts. Our malls show how simple actions, from reuse to mindful consumption, create everyday lessons in water conservation for millions of Filipinos,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

“We have a term for that core value in our country. It’s all of our pagmamalasakit – all our genuine concern and taking the right action today to care for this precious resource, so that our children can also have a comfortable and bright tomorrow,” said Tan.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime continues to promote water stewardship by empowering the younger generation, families, and communities to make conscious actions and create lasting impact.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. (SM PRIME)