As cities grow and urban life accelerates, balancing progress with environmental sustainability can feel daunting. But what if the solutions are closer and simpler than we think? Amid rapid urbanization, practical and inspiring answers are already taking shape—bridging the gap between development and sustainability, offering hope for a resilient future.
At the recent Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum 2024, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), a leader in sustainability since the 1990s, highlighted its efforts to harmonize urban growth with environmental care. Its sustainability journey began with a simple yet profound question: as they expanded, were they truly accountable for the impact? This reflection led to the company’s first step in environmental stewardship—sewage treatment.
From addressing sewage treatment to broader environmental challenges, SMIC’s early efforts sparked a culture of collaboration and proactive problem-solving. This foundation continues to drive its commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of its operations.
To keep pushing progress, the company’s vision is both simple and powerful: build smarter and more sustainably. As Hans Sy Jr., president of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation, put it, "How you get to the levels we're reaching is by constantly pushing yourself. You're always thinking, 'I'm better than everyone else.' The moment we become complacent is when our sustainability journey ends." This mindset drives their relentless pursuit of efficiency, always aiming to grow while minimizing environmental impact.
Water solutions from the ground up
SMIC has embraced advanced technologies for water treatment and energy efficiency, with Sy highlighting innovative strategies to tackle these challenges. For instance, during SM Masinag’s development, concerns arose about potential flooding in a nearby low-lying area, even though the site itself didn’t flood.
To address this, SMIC installed a rain detention system capable of holding rainwater equivalent to half a meter across the property’s footprint over six hours. This proactive approach prevented excess runoff, turning the site into its own dam and demonstrating how thoughtful design can mitigate risks while fostering community trust.
Sy also discussed the need for long-term water sustainability, advocating for the recycling of sewage into potable water, citing Singapore’s successful implementation of this system. “Astronauts drink recycled water, and Singapore has adopted it on a large scale,” he noted, underscoring the importance of public acceptance.
SM’s sustainable breakthroughs
Beyond sewage solutions, SMIC integrates advanced technologies like remote monitoring, telemetrics, and IoT to detect issues early. By analyzing harmonics, ultrasound frequencies, and usage patterns, they prevent breakdowns, optimize maintenance, and lay the foundation for AI-driven innovations.
With air conditioning accounting for 70 percent of SM's energy consumption, efficiency is key. Small inefficiencies, like equipment vibrations, might seem minor, but addressing them can save millions by preventing significant increases in energy costs. Through machine learning, the system adjusts settings based on temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, SM’s Waste Free program tackles trash management by recycling food waste into compost and encouraging communities to sort trash into recyclables, disposables, and compostables. This simple act has a significant impact on sustainability.
The forum emphasized that the journey to sustainability requires precision, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. SMIC, with Hans Sy Jr., continues to drive these principles forward, ensuring that sustainability remains a priority not just for today, but for a resilient future.