How SM Prime’s environmental leadership and innovation are continuously powering a more sustainable future for all

3 min. read

For SM Prime, sustainability is not merely a statement, but a strategic imperative that is deeply embedded in the way the company operates. This is demonstrated in concrete outcomes that reflect the organization’s innovation and leadership when it comes to its environmental efforts, continuously delivering measurable progress in advancing sustainability across its developments.

Anchored in its Net Zero 2040 goals, SM continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through the scaled deployment of renewable energy solutions in its properties, integrating solar energy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on grid-supplied fossil fuels, while aligning its operations with global climate goals. 

As of early 2025, a total of 47 SM Supermalls nationwide are now outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, generating a combined peak capacity of 63 Megawatts. These systems comprise 118,313 solar panels installed across mall rooftops, contributing to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and representing a significant benchmark in the advancement of renewable energy adoption within the Philippine commercial real estate sector.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the company’s flagship developments, exemplifies this commitment through its multi-use rooftop, MOA Sky. Among its features is a solar-covered walkway integrating 555 PV panels, contributing an additional 0.3-Megawatt peak capacity while offering shade to pedestrians. With a total of 11,355 panels now installed, SM MOA’s cumulative solar PV system delivers 3 Megawatts of peak power—enough to operate approximately 1,000 escalators for a day or provide electricity to 1,800 average households for a month.

SM’s renewable energy projects were prominently featured during the 2025 Energy Efficiency Day conference, where SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corporation Vice President Engr. Teodoro Bautista presented the group’s performance and ongoing efforts in operational energy efficiency. The initiative was also a key factor in SM MOA’s recognition as the recipient of the first Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution, organized by the Department of Energy, affirming the commercial viability and environmental value of large-scale solar adoption.

Meanwhile, another SM mall, SM City Bicutan, recently introduced solar-powered parasols within its Sky Garden. These structures, designed with both function and form in mind, utilize solar energy to provide 4 to 5 hours of nighttime lighting after a 3-hour daytime charge. Beyond their energy efficiency, these installations reinforce the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the customer experience.

“Through these initiatives, we are able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and create long-term operational savings for our malls, while simultaneously introducing innovative solutions towards a greener and brighter future for everyone,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

SM Prime’s transition to renewable energy is a key component of its climate action strategy under the Net Zero 2040 roadmap. Through systematic decarbonization across its portfolio, the company continues to play a leading role in supporting national and global climate targets while delivering measurable sustainability outcomes that leave a lasting positive impact on the environment.