Imagine a world where the sun powers everything—a cleaner, greener future. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuels, shifting to renewable energy has never been more important.

The Philippines, blessed with year-round sunlight, is in a prime position to embrace solar energy. In 2024, Manila alone had about 4,440 hours of daylight, making it perfect for solar power generation.

SM Prime saw this opportunity early. Back in 2014, SM North EDSA made history as the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar panels on its roof. At the time, it was the largest installation in Southeast Asia—a bold move that marked SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy.

As SM Supermalls President Steven Tan puts it, “SM’s journey in sustainability started with energy and water conservation. Embracing renewable energy is our way of stepping up for people and the planet.”

Leading the Way with Solar Energy

Fast forward to today, and 44 SM malls now run on solar power. With a combined capacity of 51.6 megawatts (MW), they have the largest solar energy portfolio in the Philippines. This includes 96,000 solar panels spread across malls in Luzon and Visayas, covering about 33 hectares. The biggest setup is at SM City Santa Rosa, supporting the company’s Net Zero by 2040 goal to drastically reduce its carbon footprint.

This 51.6 MW capacity isn’t just a number—it’s a game-changer. It provides enough clean energy to power thousands of homes or take thousands of cars off the road. By cutting down on coal usage, SM’s efforts bring huge benefits to local communities and the environment.

Solar Power at Work

The solar energy generated fuels essential mall operations, from lights to escalators, which means less dependence on the national power grid. This not only helps stabilize electricity supply but also reduces the risk of blackouts. SM Prime’s push for renewable energy shows how businesses can make a difference by choosing clean, reliable power sources.

Going Beyond Solar

SM Prime doesn’t stop at solar. They’re also tackling waste management, water conservation, and air quality improvement, all with the goal of reducing their environmental impact. These efforts are part of a bigger mission to run responsibly while driving innovation.

Building a Greener Future

By leading the charge in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is showing how businesses can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the Philippines. Their large-scale solar adoption and broader environmental initiatives set the standard for a cleaner, greener tomorrow—powered by the sun.

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Lee Gatz

One response to “Harnessing the Sun: SM Prime’s Solar Power Journey”

Apart Cy

January 26, 2025

Maganda Ito kasi can save electricity at the same laking tulong din sa ating environment kahit din dito sa boss ko mahilig din sila sa solar energy

Reply

Lee

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