Envision a planet fueled by the sun, the primordial source of life. As global warming escalates owing to the utilization of fossil fuels, the significance of renewable energy options cannot be overstated. The Philippines, blessed with copious sunlight, is optimally positioned to exploit solar energy and aid in the fight against climate change. In 2024, Manila enjoyed approximately 4,440 hours of daylight, which indicates a remarkable capacity for solar energy generation.
SM Prime acknowledged this opportunity early in the process. In 2014, SM North EDSA emerged as the inaugural commercial establishment in the Philippines to integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) panels atop its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at that moment. This initiative marked the commencement of SM Prime’s dedication to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan articulates, “SM’s dedication to environmental sustainability initiated with energy and water conservation. Transforming our malls’ energy efficiency via renewable resources amplifies our duty towards serving the community and the planet.”
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Currently, SM Supermalls manages 44 malls equipped with solar PV systems, producing a collective peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The most extensive installation resides at SM City Santa Rosa. With an aggregate of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime maintains the Philippines’ most extensive solar energy portfolio, encompassing roughly 33 hectares. These initiatives are a crucial component of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, designed to diminish its carbon footprint.
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This 51.6-MW capacity significantly reduces carbon footprint, delivering clean energy that powers numerous residences or eliminates thousands of vehicles from the streets. It furthermore diminishes the reliance on coal, yielding ecological advantages for both the globe and surrounding neighborhoods.
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The solar energy produced directly powers crucial mall activities such as lighting and escalators, thereby lessening SM Supermalls’ dependence on the national grid. This, in turn, assists in stabilizing the electrical supply, mitigating the risk of blackouts and relieving the strain on electricity suppliers. By engaging with clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is fostering a more sustainable tomorrow for the Philippines.
SM Prime’s sustainable initiatives extend beyond solar energy. The organization also emphasizes waste management, conservation of water, and air quality projects, all aimed at reducing environmental impact. Through these all-encompassing strategies, SM Prime aims to generate positive changes while ensuring responsible, inventive operations.
In conclusion, SM Prime’s extensive implementation of solar PV systems, along with its wider environmental plans, showcases its commitment to fostering a sustainable future for the Philippines. By pioneering in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is helping to carve out a cleaner, greener, and more luminous future.
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