SM Prime Leads the Way in Water-Resilient Living for the Future

Water stewardship has evolved tremendously at SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime).

Beyond recycling and efficient water management, the company’s Water for Tomorrow campaign takes a forward-looking approach to ensure communities have access to this vital resource while protecting the environment.

For SM Supermalls, investing in water security is more than a sustainability goal. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people and the planet through large-scale initiatives that safeguard a critical resource for generations to come.

Early Innovations Make a Lasting Difference

SM Southmall in Las Pinas opened in 1995 as one of the first malls in a water-challenged area to feature a sewage treatment plant for water recycling. SM Bacoor followed in 1997, saving significant volumes of water previously used for flushing and setting an early benchmark for sustainable water practices.

Expanding the Impact Across the Nation

With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls has integrated high-impact water management systems and circular practices that build resilience against future water disruptions while reflecting the interconnectedness of the mall ecosystem.

SM City Baguio became the first mall to launch a rainwater treatment facility, converting rainfall into an additional potable water source and easing demand on local water grids. Early adoption of sewage treatment plants and continued investment in low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies illustrate SM Supermalls’ commitment to practical and scalable sustainability.

Educating and Inspiring Communities

SM Supermalls is more than a shopping destination, it is a living sustainability classroom. Through SM Cares, the company engages mallgoers, employees, and tenants on water, waste, and energy programs. Collaborations with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups help sustain awareness and drive collective action toward responsible water use.

Every touchpoint in the mall and on social media reinforces United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, promoting access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being. By embedding water stewardship into daily operations, SM Supermalls inspires mindful consumption and fosters a culture of shared responsibility.

Leading by Example

SM Aura, the first mall in the Philippines to earn LEED Gold Certification in 2017, demonstrates how smart water management technologies and wastewater treatment ensure efficient use of resources.

Water is essential to human activity and economic growth. In the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity, SM Prime’s commitment to water stewardship ensures readiness for future challenges. The company not only helps large tenants meet compliance requirements but also inspires smaller businesses and communities to adopt innovative and sustainable practices.

“The scale of what we are doing today for water reflects the innovative vision of our leadership,” says Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together, creating a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls.”