For the past few years, the issue of global warming and climate change has risen to greater heights. Like the issue on the hole on the Earth’s Ozone Layer back in the mid-90s, the past decade has seen not only the devastating effects of climate change, it has also seen a rise in the awareness of the general public regarding this ‘planetary emergency’ With the increasing temperatures and stronger typhoons, it is encouraging to witness people taking up the initiative to live a greener and environment friendly lifestyle. It is in this same vein that the SM Cares program has launched its numerous ‘green initiatives’ as part of the SM Prime Holdings corporate social responsibility arm.

Like the industry giants such as British Petroleum and Patagonia, the SM Cares program is a welcome initiative from successful corporations who want a greener future. While some may think that business giants would think that the only thing they care for is business efficiency, the SM Foundation sees SM Cares as part of their responsibility to take care of the country and the environment. Various campaigns and programs have been launched under SM Cares with their aim to develop a more sustainable living for Filipinos and the environment.

Spearheaded by SM Prime Holdings Inc., President Hans Sy, SM has been leading the green initiative around the country with its numerous environment advocacy programs. SM has also integrated several designs when it comes to creating malls that are environment friendly and energy efficient such as maximizing the use of natural light and air to reduce power consumption.

The Big Switch – CFL Exchange Program

Making the Switch to CFLs
This year, the SM Malls, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), launched the ‘Switch to CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb) program where one million CFLs were distributed around the country. Aiming to reduce the energy consumption of households and  establishments in the country, the program encourages people to switch to CFLs from incandescent light bulbs. CFLs have a 10,000 hour life span (compared to incandescent light bulb’s 800 hour capacity) and use most of its energy input to produce light.

Water Conservation
SM Malls are installed with Tertiary Treatment Plant that recycles water for cooling towers, comfort room flushing and irrigation. This treatment plant enables SM Malls to save up to 2.5 billion liters of water per year. Most of the water recycled are used for flushing and maintenance work. Also, waterless male urinals save up to 315 million liters of water annually.

Solid Waste Management
As part of its solid waste management program, the ‘Trash to Cash’ project was launched in SM Malls around the country. This project encourages mall tenants and families to properly segregate their waste and earn money. Held every first Friday and Saturday of the month, the project has generated 699.12 tons of recycled materials and has saved 29,000 seven-year old trees. Proceeds from this project will be used to donate trash bins to public schools around the country. For this initiative, SM was awarded with the ‘Champion for Re-use/Recycle’ award by the Zero Basura Olympics of the DENR.

To educate consumers on proper disposal of electronic devices, a cellphone and battery bin in partnership with Nokia was installed in SM Megamall.

The SM Green Bag
SM has introduced the reusable green bag to consumers, reminding them of the 3Rs of waste management: Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. The project intends to reduce the use of plastic bags by shoppers. Designed by internationally renowned artist Manny Baldemor, the SM Green Bag design is inspired by the four elements (earth, water, fire and air). These bags have been spotted around Asia, United States and Europe. Over 1.5M bags have already been sold and a second edition of the SM Green Bags will be corning out this July.

Earth Hour
The SM Malls are also part of the Earth Hour, a global event where households and businesses turn off lights and appliances for an hour. SM Malls conduct programs in line with the initiative, creating more awareness about climate change. SM Malls all over the country participate in this event. SM has been supporting Earth Hour for three years already as part of the SM Cares program.

A Greener Future
As part of their on-going plans to create more eco-friendly malls, SM Prime intends to include green roofing and solar powered lamp posts for a more energy efficient future.

For their latest initiative in promoting green living, SM is bringing former U.S. Vice President Al Gore for his An Inconvenient Truth presentation on climate change. The updated Asian version, from his Academy Award-winning documentary of the same name, will be the third part of the Leadership Conference Series.