The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) yesterday said it plans to tap SM Prime Holdings (SMPH), the country’s largest mall operator, to lead an energy efficiency campaign.

ECCP executive vice president Henry Schumacher said just like the US-based Walmart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, did in 2006, SMPH can duplicate the same approach and ask its suppliers, service providers, and tenants to observe energy efficiency.

“SMPH can set an example for the entire country by making sure that everyone involved in its business is adopting sustainable energy policies. This will not only result in huge savings for the companies but will also ensure that the environment is protected,” Schumacher said.

“There is also a growing trend among consumers who are now looking only to purchase clean, green, and socially sustainable products. Consumers now are less convinced by the marketing ploy of companies,” he said.

Walmart, four years ago, measured the ability of its suppliers to develop packaging and conserve natural resources. It ordered the factories of its biggest suppliers to cut energy use by 20 percent by 2012 and supported toys that are made from natural or recycled materials.

Walmart suppliers that failed to meet energy efficient standards and targets were barred from doing business with the retail chain.

Schumacher said they are banking on the ability of SMPH to make available competitively priced goods and services with the least negative corporate impact on the ecology.

Currently, the SM Supermalls have a twice-a-month recycling market where consumers can trade their thrash for cash, built waterless urinals, introduced recyclable green bags for shopping, and installed a building management system that controls electricity consumption.

Still, Schumacher believes SMPH, which is bringing former US Vice President Al Gore into the country to speak on environmental concerns, can still do more.