"Connecting Today to Tomorrow" is a mall exhibit that features the sustainability and resilience initiatives of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and the Department of Science & Technology DOST). Conceptualized as a series of exhibits to be held at select SM malls across the country, and with a kick-off at the Central Atrium of the Mall of Asia (MOA), the photo exhibit demonstrates how the pressing issue of climate change is being addressed by both SM Prime and the DOST in the present time with an eye to the future. It’s an important and educational journey through photos, and it couldn’t come at a more opportune moment.
Sharing honors in the ribbon-cutting were (L-R) Mr. Glenn Ang, SVP of SM; Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls; Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology and OIC of PHIVOLCS; Mr. Jeffrey Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings, Inc; and Dir. Jose Patalinjug III, Regional Director of DOST-NCR during the launch of the multi-mall exhibit on Sustainability and Resilience initiatives of SM Prime Holdings, Inc and DOST last February 24 at SM Mall of Asia. The exhibit were launched simultaneously in SM CIty Baguio, SM City Bacolod and SM City Davao and it will be open to the public until March 20, 2022.
Sustainability, resilience, and climate change persist as the catchphrases and buzzwords of today. Sustainability and disaster resilience seen as important factors for mitigating the impact of climate change, and other environmental problems of our planet. It’s seen as the template for ensuring a viable future for our children, and our children’s children. For many, the survival of our planet depends on initiatives couched in both sustainability and disaster resilience, given the chokehold of carbon emissions that presently grip our world—as historically, we’ve ignored the warning signs continuously.
And I mention educational journey in a big way, as what I loved about this photo exhibit is how SM Prime and DOST recognize that it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ response. The exhibit shows us how there are many layers, that both sustainability and disaster resilience come in many shapes and sizes, and that down the line, it’s about adapting as many of the best practices, taking into consideration geographical and topographical factors. Examples being how SM Marikina is built on stilts, SM developments by Manila Bay have flood control, 20 flood-prone communities have rainwater catchment capabilities, and in both MOA and North EDSA, with their expansive land areas, have solar panels are deployed to help store and save on power in a quantitatively meaningful manner.
A video presented during the MOA launch stressed the diversity of SM Prime’s response to these threefold initiatives across water, energy, and waste management. In the case of water, it’s about vigorous programs, that include rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and opting for efficient plumbing fixtures and equipment. Sewage treatment plants handling more than 3.8 million liters of water mean SM Prime is self-sufficient, and no longer depends on public fresh water sources for their use.
In the case of Energy efficiency, SM Prime has invested heavily in solar energy panels and energy efficient LED lighting systems, saving more than 10 million kWh per year. With the result that SM Prime has reduced their energy consumption by 28 percent, carbon emissions by 31 percent, and, by the end of 2022, 50 percent of their Energy will come from renewable resources.
With waste management, it’s about reducing, reusing, or recycling, and saving the sea and earth from toxic materials. Their waste composting program runs the gamut from simple segregation, to converting solid waste into compost. It’s really about green technology, and their buildings look to improve air quality, with parking spaces that reduce vehicular emissions, and with dedicated spaces that are pedestrian-centered and bike-friendly.
The company continues to allocate 10 percent of its capital expenses in features in its properties that support these advocacies, from the aforementioned rain catchment facilities to renewable energy sources—all proof positive of how important and crucial the company takes its role in being a catalyst for progressive change and development.
Citing the leadership of Hans Sy for always looking at ways to make it better for the people and the planet, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan talked about how “DOST & SM Prime have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in promoting sustainability and disaster resilience in the country. In recent years, working together with visionaries like Undersecretary Dr. Renato Solidum, we have made great strides in facilitating discussions and creating long-term solutions in line with these two advocacies, and we hope to continue building on these achievements.”
SM Prime employs a multi-stakeholder approach to sustainability and disaster resilience, working together with partners in the public and private sectors. And this long-term collaboration with DOST is just one aspect of how SM Prime is committed to these advocacies in its numerous business units. SM Supermalls, SMDC Residences, the Commercial Property Group, Leisure Resorts, and the Hotels and Convention Centers business all take the advocacies seriously and make them part of their corporate DNA.
Head to any of the select SM malls where the exhibit is running, and your eyes will be opened to the myriad of ways that these advocacies find concrete manifestations within SM Prime. At a time when big business is being asked to play a role in the responsible stewardship of our planet, SM Prime is aware of how this must be shouldered by the company in numerous ways, and it’s never going to stop. It’s about doing things today that connect to the tomorrow we all seek for the next generations to come.