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| On the stage of the 7th Annual Association Of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities And Landscapes Conference And Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference On Advancing Sustainable Cities And Communities Through Science, Technology, And Innovations (L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., APRU Chief Executive Dr. Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, SM Prime Holdings Inc. and SM Development Corporation Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Direcror and UPLB Associate Professor Dr. Edgar M. Reyes Jr., APRU-SCL Director and University of Oregon Associate Professor Dr. Yekang Ko (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) held last August 6-8, 2024 at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme “Advancing Sustainable Cities And Communities Through Science, Technology, And Innovation", the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.
SM’s commitment to sustainability was evident through the participation of its top executives. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan showcased SM Supermalls' eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs, saying, “Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the Philippines.” SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster lively communities.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s role in disaster preparedness. He presented “From Risk To Resilience: The Work Of The National Resilience Council In Risk Governance” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC’s approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by the sciences. SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasized during a breakout session on creating connections and partnerships hosted by Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch's Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead Jonas Marie Dumdum. World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio underscored the significance of collaboration, stating, “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”
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Building Sustainable Communities: The Future Of Cities
What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart. “At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy who joined a list of esteemed local and international professors, climate specialists, and government officials at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).
The theme for this year’s three-day conference is Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation. As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime’s strong track record in sustainability and disaster resilience is central to the company’s projects. In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities, with a goal to scale efforts to a city level. The rapid city growth increases energy demand, necessitating innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions. SM Prime has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions.
For future large-scale master planned developments, Sy shares that SM Prime is taking a systems approach to utility infrastructure down to embedding them in the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level developments. “We are developing this living framework together with our knowledge partners. Currently the ambition is to combine our efforts and actionable items under six themes of – transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form and materials,” she said. Sy carries this clear vision to heart as an invaluable part of the path forward, saying, "We believe this will be the future of cities in the Philippines and we are committed to delivering it to our future generations."
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Collaborative Partnerships For Climate Resilience
The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility. “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors. There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).
The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead Jonas Marie Dumdum. “Finding the right champions within the company – that’s very important. It helps to engage the leaders from the top,” said Custodio who has seen the history of the shared goals between the NGO and its many corporate partners over the years. WWF-Philippines and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., (SM Prime) have partnered on successful programs such as the YOUth are the Future, the annual Earth Hour campaign with SM Supermalls, SM Hotel’s Sustainable Diner, and the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development project which is in its 14th year. “At SM Prime, we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy during the event.
As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime believes that taking the right climate action must be grounded in science and endeavor to transition to a net-zero economy. SM Prime’s partnership with WWF-PH ensures that its near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. “WWF-PH is pleased to work with SM Prime on their decarbonization efforts through our Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program. Companies such as SM Prime are guided in identifying climate-related risks, working on a roadmap, and publicly committing to their science-based targets,” said Custodio. When asked by Dumdum about climate partnerships and shared purpose, Custodio responded, “Change does not happen overnight. This is something we have learned in our work with communities all over the country. True partners are willing to work together for a long time, and actively listen to each other. When your project positively impacts people’s livelihood and wellbeing – when people’s lives improve in a durable way, that’s when you know you’ve created an impact."
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Embracing Net Zero: The Philippines' Urgent Call To Climate Action
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines’ vulnerability to such conditions. As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions. The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The recent typhoon has made it evident that the country cannot afford to be a bystander in the global efforts to combat climate change. Instead, it must be a proactive player, advocating for and implementing strategies that contribute to the global net zero target.
One of the key areas where the Philippines can make a significant impact is by leveraging its abundant natural resources to transition to renewable energy sources. By increasing investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the nation can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering its carbon footprint. This transition is crucial for achieving net zero and offers the added benefit of creating a more resilient energy infrastructure less susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme weather. SM Prime Holdings Inc. recognizes the equal importance and urgency of both climate change adaptation and mitigation. As part of its strategy, 10% of SM Prime's Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) has been invested in sustainability and disaster resilience design. A significant initiative supporting this commitment is SM Prime’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The country’s leading integrated sustainable property developer is committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a recognized global standard for corporate decarbonization targets, which makes it one of the few corporations in the Philippines to do so.
To ensure its near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, SM Prime collaborates with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) through their Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program. This ambitious target is supported by concrete actions such as the installation of onsite solar panels across various properties and strategic partnerships for renewable energy sourcing. These initiatives not only reduce the company’s carbon footprint but also set a precedent for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be integrated into core business operations. Pledging to advance every person’s right to a better quality of life through heightened climate action, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity protection, and our strategic corporate social responsibility programs, this commitment places climate action at the forefront as one of SM Prime’s sustainability agenda.
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SM City Baguio's Rainwater Treatment Facility, A Model For Water Sustainability
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| Inside SM City Baguio's rainwater treatment facility (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF). Since its launch last July 2023, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use. This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.
“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources. And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources," said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards. "This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve. By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City," said SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience Engr. Lisa Silerio.
The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.
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Create Waves Of Positive Change With SM At The 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up
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| (Image Source: SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21, 2024 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country including SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindoro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunteer count of 20,000. If you’re interested in joining the global movement towards cleaner seas and oceans, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year’s ICC! For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024. For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC. For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration.
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.
