Access to clean and potable water is fast becoming a problem with today's rapid urbanization and population growth. It is becoming a challenge as fresh water resources is getting depleted. United Nations (UN)- Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment.
With that in mind, SM Prime Holdings, has prioritized water conservation and management since the early 1990- long before water stress and its link to climate change became widely recognized.
SM Prime's Water for Tomorrow campaign integrates climate resilience into its developments, ensuring responsible resource management while supporting the well-being of the communities it serves.
Water conservation measures and efficient management systems are embedded in SM Prime's building operations. The company invests heavily in sustainable water management technologies to reduce freshwater use and the demand for municipal water supply. It has identified practical water usage and innovations to address the growing concern of water security.
In 2023, SM Prime's reported total water consumption amounted to 7.2 million cubic meters, with 61% of that consumed water being recycled. On average, more than 1 billion gallons of recycled water is used for mall operations. SM Supermalls user recycled water for cleaning and sanitation, caring for its plants and landscaping and cooling its air conditioning towers. Efficient plumbing and innovative water-saving technologies with low-flow fixtures also regulate the mall's water consumption.
SM Offices at E-Com Centers in SM MOA have sewage treatment plans that recycle greywater. The building also has rainwater harvesting system that help maintain its urban gardens. SMDC Sea and Shore Residences on the other hand, donate its discharged treated water to the greening of the Estates in the MOA Complex.
As part of its water conservation program in Pico Sands Hotel, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation reduced its freshwater consumption by 36%, reaching 52% water reuse and 41% for Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club. Together with Hamilo Coast, SM Prime's luxury and leisure estates in Nasugbu, Batangas, its water desalination plant has made significant impacts on water management and sustainable eco-tourism since 2010, ensuring that it services all developments that call Hamilo home.
This year's UN-Water World Day 2025 is on March 22, and focuses on the theme- "Glacier Preservation."
Glaciers play a critical role in the global water cycle. Glacial ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water, holding about 69% of the world's fresh water. However, with its rapid glacial melting, altered rainfall patterns, droughts and rising sea levels, the planet has a looming water crisis that will affect the most vulnerable.
With these challenges and the need for a reliable water supply, SM Prime continues to integrate water-efficient systems in its property developments. This helps create public awareness and encourages responsible water use among mall-goers, tenants, employees and communities. In 2023, SM Supermalls' SM City Baguio rainwater treatment facility was launched to help reduce dependence on freshwater resources. It has treated 17,000 m3 of rainwater into potable water and continues to operate and serve its host community.
SM Prime's Water for Tomorrow program plays a key role in SM Prime's sustainability strategy, along with Net Zero by 2040 and a Waste-Free Future.
"As businesses face growing water challenges, we must take action to secure our Water for Tomorrow," said Hans Sy, SM Prime Exec. 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."
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