Sustainability
SM's water recycling framework promotes long-term water stewardship
Posted by SM Supermalls on September 04, 2026
Water stewardship remains critical in the Philippines, where challenges in sanitation infrastructure and wastewater treatment continue to affect communities nationwide.
Since installing its first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall in the 1990’s, SM has made water stewardship a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy, integrating wastewater treatment and water conservation systems as standard features in the design, development, and operation of its malls nationwide.
This enduring commitment reflects the SM Group's broader focus on resource stewardship, championed by SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, whose advocacy has helped shape decades of sustainability initiatives across the organization.
Modern water engineering
"Over the years, we’ve managed to standardize water management to reduce freshwater demand and build community resilience," said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance at SM Supermalls.
SM Prime's water stewardship initiatives contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by expanding access to safe water management practices and promoting the efficient use of water resources. By reducing dependence on freshwater sources through treatment, reuse, and recovery systems, it supports broader environmental sustainability goals across the company's operations.
SM’s water recycling framework for its malls has three core components: sewage treatment plants, water-saving hardware, and rainwater harvesting. Wastewater treatment plays a vital role in property development to remove contaminants for safe discharge or reuse.
All SM malls are designed with Sewage Treatment Plants that help water conservation through wastewater recycling
Through biological and advanced filtration systems, SM's sewage treatment plants transform collected wastewater into a valuable resource for operational reuse across its properties.
The treated recycled water is supplied to water closets and smart comfort rooms for toilet flushing. Dedicated water tankers collect the remaining treated water and repurpose it for landscape irrigation across SM properties, as well as for cleaning and sanitation in common areas. The bulk is pumped to mall rooftops and used in air conditioning cooling towers.
Through biological and advanced filtration systems, SM's sewage treatment plants transform collected wastewater into a valuable resource for operational reuse across its properties.
Beyond conserving water resources, wastewater recycling also supports SM Prime's broader decarbonization strategy. By maximizing the reuse of treated water and reducing the demand for energy-intensive freshwater extraction, treatment, and distribution, SM's integrated water management systems help improve operational efficiency while contributing to the company's long-term climate resilience and Net Zero by 2040 commitments.
In 2025, SM Prime recycled 6.6 million cubic meters of wastewater, demonstrating the significant impact of its long-standing investments in water treatment and reuse technologies.
Scaling resource recovery
Recognizing the potential of alternative water sources, SM looks to other means of resource recovery and introduced SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility in 2023. Rainwater is collected and treated for safe reuse, maximizing water efficiency while reducing dependence on potable water sources.
Having processed nearly 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater last year, the facility has proven to be a valuable addition to SM's water stewardship initiatives. The second rainwater treatment facility is scheduled to open later this year.
Dedicated water tankers collect the remaining treated water and repurpose it for landscape irrigation across SM properties, as well as for cleaning and sanitation in common areas
Adding to this framework are disaster resilience-related water facilities innovated with recycling capabilities, such as the SM La Union water catchment, which doubles as a water recovery facility. Designed for flood control, the water catchment is equipped with multistage filtration and reverse osmosis technologies that can enable water reuse.
"We remain as committed as we were in 1995 to protect and conserve our water resources, so that we all benefit. As SM continues its sustainability journey, our purpose remains at the forefront of everything we do," adds Silerio.
About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
About SM Green Movement
Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.
