SM Supermalls participates in Earth Hour 2016 by switching off the lights of 56 malls, including seven malls in China, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Photo source: SM Cares website.
 
March 19, Saturday—Tonight, all 56 SM malls around the country, including seven in China, will be turning its lights off at exactly 8:30 p.m. in observation of Earth Hour.
 
The country’s biggest chain of shopping malls has been implementing this campaign for eight years already. In 2015, the Philippines was listed as one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of participants.
 
According to the company’s SM Cares website, “This year’s theme, ‘Shine a Light on Climate Action,’ reiterates Earth Hour’s goals of not only getting public support for climate change mitigation and adaptation but also getting individuals and groups to do their share beyond the one-hour symbolic switching off of lights.”
 
Liza Silerio, Director of SM Cares Program on Environment and Sustainability, said, “We invite the public to visit the nearest SM mall in their respective areas on March 19 and be part of this global movement.
 
“We want to help in spreading the effects of climate change and creating awareness on what we can do to help our planet. We hope that through our different programs, we can convince more people to stand against climate change, and commit to do something in every way we can. ”
 
Silerio also added, “Being present in more communities gives SM the opportunity to empower everyone toward initiating change in how we treat the environment. From our neighboring households, to schools and local government offices around the country where SM operates, we can get as many supporters for the Earth Hour initiative.”
 
The website also quoted SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy, “Risk planning against calamities has been part of SM’s business strategies for decades. Natural disasters will happen, and we all have to be prepared not just for our business but also for the communities we serve.”
Besides its mall-wide Earth Hour participation, SM has also taken other green initiatives such as incorporating water recycling facilities, rainwater catchment tanks, and LED lighting systems in its malls. SM ongoing programs include Regular Trash to Cash activities wherein the public can exchange specified recyclable or reusable trash for cash.
 
In 2014, SM North EDSA installed the country’s first and biggest commercial solar rooftop at 1.5MW. Soon, more SM malls around the country will have solar panels on its rooftops.
 
Earth hour programs
Mall goers will be able to participate in Earth Hour activities for each SM mall. Cultural numbers and rituals to signify SM and its shoppers’ commitment to help protect the environment will be part of each malls’ programs.
 
At SM Podium, the “Shine a Light on Climate Action” features a candle-lighting ritual while SM Fairview will have artist Neil Arvin Javier paint the Earth Hour logo using luminous paint. Bayang Barrios will also perform at the mall.