Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. It has become imperative for both the public and private sectors to continue to band together to primarily, safeguard the welfare of the people and to step up to strengthen the resilience of the nation.
Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA
The
Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change
vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to
altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather
systems and natural calamities.
The
private sector is called upon now more than ever to align with the principles
of sustainable development and to take on the same firm stance on environmentally
sound practices in its operations.
Mr. Hans T. Sy
“I
constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government.
This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress
towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will
continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of
communities,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive
Committee.
Water conservation
Sustainability
at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded
sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to
consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its
developments.
For
one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce
its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants
even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.
Today,
its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water,
lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations,
gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water
catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million
liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized
swimming pools.
By
controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided
more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what
communities would normally fear when the rains come.
Renewable energy
SM
Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its
operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.
In
2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City
North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM
Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.
Showing
its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed
to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business
segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.
Through
these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to
its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its
operations.
Collaboration toward
resilience
As
a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental
protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can
usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management
in the country.
In
2012, Mr. Sy joined the United Nations Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) for
Disaster Reduction. In 2015, he was also inducted as the first and only
Filipino member UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for
Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board. He currently serves as
co-chair in the ARISE-Philippines network and National Resilience
Council (NRC) of the Philippines, representing the private sector. He continues
to help develop multi-sectoral partnerships in the country to strengthen the
ability of corporations, including MSMEs, to prepare and respond
to disasters brought about by natural hazards such as
earthquake.
“Climate
change is looming over our Mother Earth. If we can contribute no matter how
little and if I can get everybody to be aware of it, I think we will make an impact.
It’s never too late,” said Mr. Sy in a video interview for the 50
Sustainability & Climate Leaders initiative.
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