SM Prime Joins Global Conversation on Building Sustainable Cities for the Future

“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.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

(L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a critical 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 the 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at the SMX Convention Center Aura. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) organized a prestigious event with over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. The conference's theme, "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges.

SM's commitment to sustainability was demonstrated by the participation of its top executives. President Steven Tan of SM Supermalls showcased the company's eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs.

Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls’ President

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives.

Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), spoke about the company's vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster vibrant communities. 

(L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC), emphasized the importance of social media in disaster preparedness. He discussed the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC approaches and tools, and how risk governance is supported by science.

“From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance.” ~Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

Silvestre Barrameda Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC)

Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead at Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, emphasized SM Prime's commitment to sustainability during a breakout session on connecting and forming partnerships. Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”

SM Prime remains committed to its role as an economic growth catalyst, creating innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and moving forward to build sustainable cities of the future. 

Collaborative Partnerships for Climate Resilience

“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. Finding the right champions within the company – that’s very important. It helps to engage the leaders from the top. 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. 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.” ~Katherine Custodio, World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director

Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties.

The Philippines ranks first among countries with the highest disaster risk, so increasing our capacity to respond, recover, and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a national priority and shared responsibility.

Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH), spoke at a breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024. Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead at Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, hosted the session on connecting and forming partnerships.

Jonas Dumdum of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio on Collaborative Partnerships for Climate Resilience, at the breakout session 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, is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

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 collaborated on successful programs such as 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 now 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.” ~Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

As one of Asia's leading integrated property developers, SM Prime believes that effective climate action must be science-based and aim to transition to a net-zero economy. SM Prime's collaboration with WWF-PH ensures that its near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040 are consistent with the global commitment to reach net zero by 2050.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as an economic growth catalyst, creating innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and moving forward to build sustainable cities of the future. 

The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd.