All Out Magazine

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time.  From Vision to Transformation  Through a collaborative ecosystem of stakeholders working toward a common goal, the shared commitment of a waste-free future reflects the SM way of creating meaningful and lasting impact. The launch of SM Waste Free Future in 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia marked the start of the group-wide initiative on waste circularity and standardized waste segregation across SM properties.  At the core of the initiative is the belief that lasting waste reduction begins with everyday behavior. Applying the theory of change, the program started with observations of daily waste generation and an assessment of existin...

The SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) campaign for a Waste-Free Future and its Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC model aims to make segregation simple, easy, and actionable.  In the recent Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025), SM Prime launched the SM Waste Free Future Manual – a playbook that encourages individuals and communities to learn about RDC and building better segregation habits.  Small steps, big impact  In the Philippines, the country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste daily and an annual 2.7 million tons of plastic waste. A figure that will rise with urbanization and poor waste disposal practices.  Inspired by the SM Green Movement’s strong call to action to make sustainability part of everyday life, SM Waste Free Future invites everyone to become part of the solution.  The three categories, RDC, make sorting waste an empowering exercise by focusing on the word “able” meaning having the power, skill, or the opportunity “to do”.  The m...

According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the global production of plastics is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with severe environmental, social, economic, and human health consequences.  As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) remains committed to creating thriving, sustainable cities.  With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM's waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022. A group-wide movement for the EPR Law The SM group, wor...

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines generates over 60,000 metric tons of waste daily, a figure expected to rise with urban growth and economic activity.  Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia. Recognizing the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and divert waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods. In its first year, it implemented a new waste management segregation system across its properties, including all malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers, and estates nationwide.  Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wi...

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland.  Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions. Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR “ Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,”  Sy stated. “ We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.” Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to s...

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence. SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring. In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustaina...

SM Supermalls have enhanced natural lighting and improved insulation, reducing energy needs for lighting, heating, and cooling, leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly operations. As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to such conditions. As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions. The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The rec...

SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges. (L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu SM’s commitment to sustainabil...

The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility. “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).   “There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Seni...