Village Connect
SM Prime has long recognized the importance of environmental stewardship, making it a core aspect of its corporate mission. As the world faces growing environmental challenges, the company continues to take decisive action to protect the seas, inspire sustainable practices, and work towards a future where marine ecosystems thrive.
At the heart of SM Prime’s advocacy is its Net Zero 2040 initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact. This goal extends beyond business operations and into community-driven programs that encourage Filipinos to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Through its initiatives, SM is not only helping protect coastal and marine ecosystems but also fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
One of the most impactful programs SM has implemented is its cleanup initiatives across the country. In 2024 alone, the company successfully collected and diverted 157,425 kilograms of trash from bodies of water. These efforts significantly reduce pollution, protect marine life, and preserve the country’s biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can enjoy cleaner seas.
Beyond waste collection, SM Prime understands the broader environmental effects of improper waste disposal. Waste that ends up in landfills, particularly organic and plastic waste, emits methane—a greenhouse gas (GHG) far more potent than carbon dioxide. By preventing waste from reaching the oceans, SM also mitigates climate change, aligning its cleanup efforts with global sustainability goals.
SM Prime’s environmental success is driven by the collaboration of its various business units. These coordinated efforts allow the company to expand its reach beyond coastal cleanups to rivers, esteros, and other critical waterways. Through mobilizing thousands of employees and volunteers, SM ensures that its efforts are not just symbolic but create lasting, tangible change.
A key factor in SM’s progress is its strong partnerships with government agencies and global organizations. The company has worked closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). These partnerships amplify the impact of cleanup drives and strengthen public engagement.
The ICC 2024 event was a significant milestone for SM Prime. Marking its 10th consecutive year of participation, SM expanded its reach to 15 SM malls nationwide and gathered a record-breaking 23,320 volunteers. The overwhelming response demonstrated a growing public commitment to protecting the environment and reinforced SM’s leadership in sustainability initiatives.
SM Prime is determined to sustain this momentum through consistent engagement. At SM By the Bay, monthly cleanup activities have been ongoing since January 2025, ensuring that cleanup efforts remain an integral part of its long-term environmental mission.
Looking ahead, SM encourages the public to participate in its upcoming major cleanup drives: June 7 for World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month, September 20 for International Coastal Cleanup Day, and November 24 for the National Day for Youth in Climate Action. These events serve as opportunities for individuals to contribute to a larger cause and take meaningful action.
“Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “At SM, we encourage Filipinos to be active participants by joining our cleanup activities, practicing proper waste segregation, and supporting our SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins in our malls.”
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