SM Prime: Holistic Retail Architecture for Climate and Community

SM City Puerto Princesa makes use of design elements as shading devices to reduce energy for air conditioning cooling requirements, without sacrificing natural light.

As conversations around climate action intensify, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. believes that climate-smart solutions should translate into practical, everyday benefits for business and communities.

​Starting from LED retrofits as an early energy-efficiency initiative in the 90s, to solar-powered outdoor parasols and revitalized open-space concepts, for SM Supermalls, it’s a new era for sustainable retail architecture.

From systems design to systems impact

Creating an environment that supports businesses, local communities, and the social-cultural events of a neighborhood has been part of elevating the Filipino shopping experience for SM Supermalls. 

Behind the scenes, its holistic building approach – from water, waste, and energy efficiency systems, to mall designs that make spaces work harder for people – allows daily operations to flow smoothly, making spaces more comfortable, sustainable, and future-ready.

More than just a vehicle to favorite stores, a mall’s escalators are an enormous convenience to shoppers and can drive sales for tenant-partners. To conserve power, motion-sensor escalators have intelligent control systems that detect low passenger load. Visitors in SM Supermalls are also encouraged to get their steps in – located at strategic areas are stairs for the health-conscious population.  

Air conditioning is a must-have in the shopping space. To minimize environmental impact, SM Prime has long invested in advanced cooling systems, which also provide substantial operational savings and reduced water usage. 

In some of the hotter areas of the metro, Big Ass Fans are also deployed to work in conjunction with the building’s air conditioning systems, enhancing cooling and increasing their effectiveness.

Setting the standard in urban renewable energy adoption, SM Supermalls also has one of the largest solar portfolios in the Philippines. Currently, 48 SM Supermalls are equipped with on-site renewable energy, reducing the need to draw power from the grid.

A future to share

Progress in climate action must translate into real benefits. For SM Prime, it is a long-term investment in public well-being and the future resilience of Filipino communities.

The SM Green Movement journey continues for SM Supermalls, balancing the needs of people, business, and the planet.

“We have long thought of our mall spaces as bringing communities together and creating tangible connections that last for generations. Every improvement to become energy efficient is meant to give a more sustainable and enjoyable experience,” says SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.