Long before energy efficiency became a national mandate, SM Supermalls had already been incorporating energy-saving measures into its nationwide network, making sustainability part of the way its malls are designed and operated.
Through the SM Green Movement, energy efficiency has become an integral part of mall operations—from design and lighting to renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
“Under the SM Green Movement, responsible energy use is woven into the fabric of SM’s operations DNA,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations. “On top of the energy we utilize, efficiency is also implemented for the power we save to benefit the communities surrounding our business.”
Built for efficiency
As SM continues to transform its mall portfolio, energy-efficient designs, fixtures and practices are being integrated into new developments and redeveloped properties.
Natural light is maximized through strategically designed skylights, reducing reliance on artificial lighting in areas that receive ample sunlight.
One example is the upcoming SM Nuvali in the south, which will feature an approximately one-hectare indoor garden illuminated by natural light. Its innovative Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roofing allows sunlight to enter while helping dissipate heat.
Powered by the sun
SM’s push for renewable energy also predates the country’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019.
Its measured adoption of solar power began in the early 2010s, with SM North EDSA becoming the first SM mall equipped with solar panels. Solar installations have since become a standard in new mall developments, while rooftop solar networks have been expanded across existing malls nationwide.
SM has recently reached 123 MWp in peak solar generation capacity, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of more than 11,400 households. By the end of 2026, the company aims to reach 140 MWp, enough to power nearly 13,000 households.
Beyond reducing reliance on conventional power sources, SM said its increased use of renewable energy helps ease pressure on the national power grid, potentially freeing up electricity for essential services and households in surrounding communities.
Charging the shift to EVs
Sustainable mobility is another component of SM’s green initiatives, with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations now available across its entire mall network.
The program began before EVs became mainstream in the Philippines and has since expanded nationwide. Today, 100 percent of SM malls have EV charging stations, which customers can use free of charge for up to three hours.
The network currently includes 167 charging stations across 90 malls, helping make EV use more convenient while supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“With these efforts, SM expands its spaces beyond retail while reaffirming its commitment to social equity to benefit customers and positively impact its surrounding communities,” Eusebio said.
For SM, the evolving mall is more than a destination for shopping and leisure—it is increasingly being designed as an energy-efficient space that integrates sustainability into the everyday experience of customers and communities.
