SM Prime Champions Sustainability with Water for Tomorrow Campaign

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Access to clean and potable water remains one of the most critical global challenges, as rapid urbanization and population growth continue to strain freshwater resources. According to UN-Water, effective water management is essential not only for sustaining society but also for protecting the environment.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers, has long been at the forefront of sustainability. Since the early 1990s, SM Prime has prioritized water conservation and management, well before the global conversation recognized the impact of climate change on water resources.

Through its Water for Tomorrow campaign, SM Prime actively champions water stewardship, integrating climate resilience into its developments. This initiative ensures the responsible use of water while securing a sustainable future for the communities it serves.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Water Conservation

Sustainability is embedded in SM Prime’s building operations, with significant investments in water-saving technologies and infrastructure. These innovations reduce freshwater consumption and ease the demand on municipal water supplies.

In 2023, SM Prime reported a total water consumption of 7.2 million cubic meters, with an impressive 61% of that water recycled. Across SM Supermalls, more than 1 billion gallons of recycled water were utilized for mall operations. This includes using recycled water for cleaning, landscaping, and air-conditioning cooling towers. Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems further regulate water consumption.

Beyond its malls, SM Prime has expanded these practices across its properties:

SM Offices’ E-Com Centers at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex operate sewage treatment plants that recycle greywater.

SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) Sea and Shore Residences contribute to sustainability by donating treated wastewater to maintain the greenery of the MOA Complex.

SM Hotels and Convention Corporation has implemented water conservation strategies at Pico Sands Hotel, reducing freshwater consumption by 36%, achieving 52% water reuse, and ensuring 41% water conservation at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

At Hamilo Coast, a luxury and leisure estate in Nasugbu, Batangas, SM Prime has operated a water desalination plant since 2010, providing a sustainable water source for residences, hotels, staff housing, and offices.

Protecting Water Resources for a Sustainable Tomorrow

SM Prime strongly supports the UN-Water World Water Day 2025, which highlights Glacier Preservation. Glaciers play a crucial role in the global water cycle, storing 69% of the world’s freshwater. However, rapid glacial melting, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels are threatening global water security.

Recognizing this challenge, SM Prime continues to integrate water-efficient systems into its developments. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also foster awareness and encourage responsible water use among tenants, employees, and mallgoers.

A prime example is SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF), launched in 2023. This facility has already treated 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water, significantly reducing the mall’s reliance on traditional freshwater sources.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The Water for Tomorrow program is a key pillar of SM Prime’s broader sustainability strategy, aligning with its Net Zero by 2040 and Waste-Free Future initiatives.

“As businesses face growing water challenges, we must take action to secure our Water for Tomorrow,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

“Water stewardship is an investment in our future. We must move beyond conservation and prioritize resource protection, waste reduction, and water security for future generations.”

SM Prime’s Sustainable Water Initiatives in Action

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility ensures water quality through a six-step purification process, providing clean water to the community. This initiative was recognized at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards.

Three E-Com Center at the MOA Complex efficiently operates its sewage treatment plant, treating wastewater to ensure safe environmental discharge.

Pico Sands Hotel promotes water conservation through a towel and linen reuse program, encouraging guests to participate in sustainability efforts.

Hamilo Coast’s desalination plant continues to provide a sustainable water source to its growing community.

SMDC’s Sea and Shore Residences contribute to urban greening by repurposing treated wastewater for landscaping.

Through these pioneering initiatives, SM Prime continues to set the benchmark for sustainability, ensuring that water remains available for tomorrow’s generations.

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