Skip to main content

Water Sustainability: Leading the Change at SM Supermalls

 


The ripple effect of the water crisis has reached every part of the globe. According to the World Wildlife Fund, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Worst, two-thirds of the global population may face water shortages by 2025 and ecosystems will suffer.


As the gravity of these issues becomes increasingly apparent, several countries have taken significant steps to forge a more sustainable future for the Earth. Noteworthy examples include Singapore's water management plan and The Netherlands' intricate conservation practices.






Singapore’s Desalination Plant

        Source: https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/desalinatedwater 







The Delta Works in The Netherlands was built by Rijkswaterstaat to protect the country against flooding from the North Sea. 

Source: https://www.water-technology.net/projects/delta-works-flood-netherlands/  


  

Inspiration for the Philippines


In the Philippines, a multifaceted approach has also been embraced by the public and private sectors in safeguarding and managing water resources. SM Supermalls are at the forefront of the conservation and management of water resources in its mall facilities. Its endeavors form the foundation of a more sustainable and water-secure future that the company has long been advocating.


SM's Vision: Greening the Future


SM has been recycling water since the 1990s, treating an average of 1 billion gallons of water annually in recent years, equivalent to 1,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In line with the SM Green Movement, SM has been continuously working towards responsible consumption and water conservation in its properties.


To illustrate, the SM Supermalls’ comfort rooms have smart fixtures to manage water flow. There are also signages in the mall that advocate wise water use. Wastewater is channeled to the malls’ sewage treatment plants that recycle an estimated total of 4 million cubic meters of water, lessening their dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses. SM did this even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.














SM Mall of Asia has been involved in various sustainability and environmental initiatives, including water recycling among others.







SM Supermalls utilizes recycled wastewater from the mall for irrigating its gardens.






SM Malls have “Save Water” signages that typically aim to create awareness about water conservation and inspire people to take simple actions to reduce their water consumption




Recently, SM took a step further in resource management by launching the first-ever water filtration system at SM City Baguio. This facility can turn collected rainwater into potable water for mall tenant use such as washing and cooking as well as dishwashing and handwashing, allowing the mall to further lessen its dependence on the freshwater supply of the Baguio community.





SM took a step further in resource management by launching the first-ever water filtration system at SM City Baguio.











The Rainwater Treatment Facility at SM City Baguio Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (right) samples the potable water from the SM Baguio rainwater treatment facility with SM SVP for
Marketing Joaquin San Agustin (left) and SM VP for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza Silerio (center).


SM's dedication aligns with the world’s environmental sustainability and climate action goals. Rainwater catchment basins in flood-prone areas and the rainwater filtration in SM Baguio further exemplify this commitment. These significant efforts underscore the ongoing need for sustainable practices and policies.


A Brighter Future Ahead


The journey towards sustainable water management is ongoing. SM Supermalls, through its initiatives, paves the way for a greener, more secure future. 


Learn more at SM Cares  or follow SM Supermalls on social media.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

All within 15 minutes: Urban planning concept city to rise in Pasay

  For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.  A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes.  But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.   Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno wherein he said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike.  An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activ

Farming futures

  Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market. While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down through generations. One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture. “Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.  SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the br

Sony releases the latest addition to the CineAlta digital cinema camera line, the “BURANO”

    Sony Philippines has officially launched the BURANO Camera in the Philippines, Sony’s latest addition to the CineAlta digital cinema camera lineup that introduces a new era in cinematography. Professional filmmakers, aspiring film students, and photography enthusiasts alike were given the opportunity to witness Sony’s vision to create an innovative, next-generation digital cinema camera that aims to redefine the cinema shooting experience. Launched in Green Sun Makati, BURANO was unveiled to participants from all over the film industry and academe. Present as well were internationally renowned cinematographer, director, and producer O Sing-Pui along with award-winning cinematographer and Sony Alpha professional JA Tadena, sharing their takes on high-quality cinematography that underlined Sony’s contribution to redefining the cinema shooting experience with the BURANO’s next-generation features. The launch was moderated by Sony Product Expert and commercial director Nigel Laxamana.