Sustainability at SM Supermalls begins long before customers walk through its doors, with design and operations working together to create comfortable, efficient and environmentally responsible spaces.
From maximizing natural daylight and airflow to using energy- and water-saving technologies, SM Supermalls integrates sustainability into the way its malls are designed, built and managed.
“Sustainability and efficiency are at the heart of how SM Supermalls are built, designed, and managed,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations. “SM has gone above and beyond to incorporate energy-saving spaces and practices that support both our own and national efficiency goals.”
Passive design features help reduce reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. Expansive skylights and high-ceiling atriums allow natural light to brighten mall interiors, while LED lighting provides greater illumination with lower power consumption.
At SM Mall of Asia, only about 10 percent of exterior surfaces are glass-fronted. The rest uses Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, a fire-resistant material designed to help improve indoor and al fresco comfort.
The mall also uses strategically angled windows and entrances to promote airflow. Low-emissivity glass on west-facing windows helps reduce heat and ultraviolet exposure while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
Technology further strengthens these sustainability measures. SM Supermalls uses Building Management Systems to monitor and manage changing energy demands throughout the day. The system has helped generate annual energy savings of up to 50 million kilowatt-hours.
These efforts are part of the SM Green Movement, the group’s sustainability campaign focused on energy efficiency, water stewardship and responsible waste management.
By combining thoughtful design, smart technology and responsible operations, SM Supermalls continues to create spaces that serve the changing needs of communities while reducing their environmental footprint—demonstrating that modern mall experiences can be designed with both people and the planet in mind.
