BIZ BUZZ: SM Prime’s prized liquid assets
Hans Sy, chair of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc. is surely all smiles these days knowing that the sustainability efforts that he spearheaded across the group are yielding the desired results.
The property giant reported that in 2024, it recycled a staggering 5.58 billion liters of water in 2024—enough to fill over 2,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Behind the impressive number is a consistent strategy: future-proof operations, cut costs and manage risk in an increasingly water-stressed world.
How exactly? Every SM mall is now backed by in-house sewage treatment facilities that convert used water into supply for cooling towers, landscaping and restrooms.
Up in Baguio, the group’s highland mall has gone one step further—installing a rainwater treatment system that now covers 30 percent of the site’s requirement for potable water, which is usually in short supply in the City of Pines.
“Resource efficiency is central to how we future-proof our operations and support long-term sustainability—for both our business and the communities we serve,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim, framing water reuse as a core element of the company’s ESG strategy.
SM Prime has more water-wise upgrades in the works—from expanded rainwater harvesting to desalination systems that could ease the load on local water grids and reduce deepwell reliance.
Indeed, yet another reason to put a smile on everyone’s face.
