SM Prime Leads the Way in Smarter Water Stewardship for a Resilient Future

Water scarcity is becoming an urgent challenge in many Philippine cities as rapid urban growth and climate change strain local supplies.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, has made water efficiency a central pillar of its sustainability strategy, shaping a future where communities and businesses can thrive despite increasing environmental pressures.

The company now records a portfolio-wide water intensity of just 0.44 m³ per square meter each year, exceeding the performance of several top global benchmarks.

Building Malls That Use Water Wisely

Across SM Supermalls, every opportunity to conserve water is maximized. Low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies help reduce unnecessary consumption, while systems that recycle air conditioning condensate and processed water significantly cut reliance on fresh water. Some malls even capture portions of floodwater for non-potable use, turning an environmental risk into a valuable resource.

These practices translate to millions of liters saved annually for every square meter of mall space, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to efficient resource management.

Innovation and Culture Working Together

Water efficiency at SM goes beyond infrastructure upgrades. The company actively builds a culture of sustainability through education and engagement. Tenants, employees, and mallgoers are regularly encouraged to take part in conservation efforts through SM’s environmental platform, the SM Green Movement.

Built for Efficiency Long Before It Became Standard

SM Supermalls was already practicing responsible water management even before the Clean Water Act of 2004 took effect. Malls like SM City North Edsa continue to reduce dependence on freshwater sources through recycling systems and functional green spaces such as the Sky Garden, a 400-meter ecological haven in the middle of the city.

A Unified Effort for Tomorrow’s Resources

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls applies these solutions consistently. At SM Seaside Cebu, one of the country’s largest malls, recycled water is used extensively for cleaning, landscaping, and toilet flushing.

Empowering Communities to Save Every Drop

Through SM Cares, water conservation is promoted across the country using engaging, visual, and youth-friendly content that resonates strongly with millennials and Gen Z. The message is simple yet powerful: collective action matters.

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” Tan added.