SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are hosting a series of mall exhibitions at selected SM malls across the country, focusing on the sustainability and disaster resilience initiatives of both organizations, especially those related to to combat climate change. The joint initiative was launched at SM Mall Asia on February 24 last year.
Climate change is the biggest environmental problem facing the world today, and the global temperature has risen sharply in recent years. Since 1880, the average increase in land and ocean temperatures has been 0.8°C per decade, according to NOAA’s 2020 annual climate report. However, the average growth rate is higher. double the 0.18°C since 1981.
This phenomenon affects our planet’s natural systems in a number of ways. For example, there is a strong scientific consensus supporting the idea that climate change is causing typhoons to occur more frequently and lead to stronger storms. This is very worrying for a country like the Philippines that is considered one of the most vulnerable to extreme weather events in the world.
As a responsible and trusted member of the community, SM Prime understands the importance of sustainability and resilience in mitigating the impact of climate change and other environmental issues on our planet. As a trusted integrated property developer and one of the largest developers in Southeast Asia, SM Prime is committed to promoting both initiatives across all its properties, and this exhibition is the latest to be implemented as part of that commitment.
Joining SM Prime are its many business units, each with their own sustainability and disaster recovery plans. These include SM Supermalls, SMDC Residences, Commercial Properties Group, which is engaged in the development and leasing of office space; Leisure Resorts (Tagatay Heights and Pico de Loro) and the Hotel and Convention Centre business unit, which develops and manages hotels and convention centres across the country .
Sustainability and resilience are at the core of SM Prime’s business. Consistent with this, the company continues to dedicate 10% of its capital expenditures to property features that support both initiatives, from rainwater harvesting facilities to renewable energy and everything in between.
In addition to this, the company takes a multi-stakeholder approach to sustainability and resilience, working with partners in the public and private sectors, one of which is DOST.
“DOST sees innovation as a cornerstone of national development. Our vision is to vigorously advance science and technology for resilience. We are committed to developing and delivering science, technology and innovation services that will influence our leaders’ adoption of science and evidence-based decision-making , which will boost our business operations and prevent further losses to our economy, it will improve the way our Filipino community adapts to risks, and finally, innovation will make our country a model of resilience and sustainability,” DOST Usec said . and PHIVOLCS OIC Dr. Renato Solidum.
“In all of this, science and technology play a vital role in shaping our aspirations. More importantly, science works best with partners and collaborators. SM has been leading the way in resilience and sustainability initiatives that motivate our businesses in the private sector to embrace this as a core business value cycle through their corporate social responsibility,” added Dr Solidum.
“DOST and SM Prime have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in promoting the country’s sustainability and resilience. In recent years, we have worked with visionaries such as Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Renato Solidum to facilitate discussions And great strides have been made in developing long-term solutions based on these two propositions, and we hope to continue building on these achievements in a more sustainable and sustainable direction. The Philippines is resilient,” SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said. Say.
Talking about the mall exhibit, Tan cited Hans Sy’s leadership, which inspired the company to “always look for ways that we can do better for people and the planet.”
SM Prime is one of South East Asia’s leading integrated property developers, always committed to driving economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that enrich the quality of life for millions.Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction Elasticity Forms part of SM Prime’s core business strategy. It ensures that its venture-informed investments promote sustainable development and positive change in the communities in which it operates.To learn more about SM Prime’s sustainability and resiliency, visit www.smprime.com/sustainability-overview.
refer to:
SM Prime Holdings 2020 Integrated Report:
https://www.smprime.com/sites/default/files/esg_report/2020_Final_SMPH_IR.pdf
SM Hotel and Conference Center:
https://smhotels.com.ph/sustainability-overview/
SM Cares for the Environment Program:
https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/events/environmental-programs-on-solid-waste-management
