SM Offices accelerates green push to meet corporate climate goals
The LEED Gold certification underscores FiveE-com Center’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining a stable and efficient workplace for its occupants.
SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s office unit is accelerating its push for a greener real-estate portfolio, securing an international sustainability certification for its FiveE-com Center as it seeks to attract corporate tenants focused on environmental targets.
The developer’s FiveE-com Center recently earned LEED Gold certification for Operations and Maintenance, according to a statement from the company. The designation, awarded under the LEED v4.1 framework, evaluates energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality.
The move brings SM Prime’s total to six LEED Gold-certified office buildings, joining a list that includes the Mega Tower in Ortigas and Aura Tower in Bonifacio Global City.
SM Prime Vice President and SM Offices Head Alexis Ortiga said the certification confirms that the property is operationally efficient and responsive to evolving business demands. The 15-story twin-tower development in Pasay City spans more than 93,000 square meters of gross leasable area, with large floor plates designed for flexible layouts.
The company is banking on advanced building management systems to lower its environmental footprint. The FiveE-com Center utilizes automated meter reading to track energy consumption in real time, while a central management system adjusts cooling based on building occupancy. Energy recovery ventilators are also used to refresh indoor air while reducing the power demand on HVAC systems.
Sustainability in the Philippine office market has transitioned from a niche preference to a corporate requirement, particularly for multinational firms with global net-zero commitments. To meet this demand, SM Offices is also pursuing LEED certification for OneE-com, TwoE-com, and the upcoming SixE-com Center.
Beyond energy savings, the developer is emphasizing employee wellness through biophilic design. The property features landscaped decks, pocket gardens, and koi ponds intended to serve as break areas. The site is also integrated into the Mall of Asia Complex, featuring covered walkways that connect to retail hubs and transport terminals. To support lower-emission commuting, the building includes electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle facilities.
The push for green certification comes as Manila's office landlords face a competitive market where energy-efficient buildings often command higher occupancy rates. By retrofitting existing assets and designing new towers to meet international standards, SM Prime aims to solidify its position as a preferred landlord for ESG-conscious tenants. (James A. Loyola)