Renewables now fuel most of SM Offices’ needs
The commercial property arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is taking the lead in providing greener office spaces, as over half of its power needs are now sourced from renewable energy.
“SM Offices not only supports but also goes beyond the Philippine government’s target of having 50 percent of the country’s power generation come from renewable sources by 2040,” vice president and head of SM Offices Alexis Ortiga said in a statement.
So far, the business unit has invested in solar grids, sensor-enabled fixtures and energy-efficient cooling systems to include in its building design and operations.
It said that the move helps lower their power costs as imported supplies are more vulnerable to price volatility, as well as boosts investor confidence.
Companies have been integrating environmental, social and governance metrics into their decisions, as investors become more values-driven or socially conscious.
Some of SM’s flagship properties have secured LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the US Green Building Council. The list includes ThreeE-Com and FourE-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex, Aura Tower beside SM Aura Premier in BGC, Mega Tower in Ortigas and North Towers in Quezon City.
One E-Com, Two E-Com and Five E-Com are also undergoing LEED certification.
“Our offices are located closer to where people live, helping reduce travel time and emissions, and we are expanding renewable energy use and EV (electric vehicle) charging infrastructure to support a lower-carbon economy,” Ortiga said.
