The management of the SM City General Santos has undertaken various environment-friendly projects, which qualified the business establishment to become the first real “green mall“ in the city after its opening in June last year.

Justine Mae Acharon, SM General Santos public relations officer, said the architectural design of the mall was highlighted by a skylight window, which purposely brings the outside light and fresh air into the inner area of the mall.

“The architectural set-up provides effective internal lighting through natural day light and maximizes visual comfort while reducing electricity consumption,“ Acharon said.

Aside from having a “green“ architecture, Acharon stressed that the SM City General Santos has been cited by the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. during its Region-12 2012 General Assembly for its best practices on both the Safety Management System, and the Solid Waste Management programs.

One of the many best practices highlighted by the award-giving body was the use of a system in treating waste water for environmental discharge compliance and for reuse, and recycling water for cooling towers.

(Joseph T. Jubelag)