At SM Supermalls, efficiency begins at the drawing board. From maximizing natural daylight and airflow to incorporating energy- and water-saving technologies, every mall is thoughtfully designed to enhance the customer experience while reducing environmental impact. This holistic approach allows SM Supermalls to deliver modern, comfortable spaces while supporting the communities it serves – benefiting both people and the planet.
‘Sustainability and efficiency are at the heart of how SM Supermalls are built, designed, and managed. SM has gone above and beyond to incorporate energy-saving spaces and practices that support both our own and national efficiency goals,’ said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations.
Passive design elements maximize the use of natural energy. SM integrates natural daylight into its mall designs to improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity use, and create more inviting spaces for customers with its expansive skylights and high-ceiling atriums. LED lighting further conserves energy, producing more brightness, and using significantly less power.
Only 10% of exterior surfaces are fronted with glass. The rest is made from Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), a fire-resistant material that improves customers’ indoor and al fresco experiences.
Moreover, windows and entrances are angled accordingly to improve airflow throughout the mall interiors. Windows on the west side use low-emissivity glass to protect customers from harmful ultraviolet rays while maintaining comfortable temperatures for customers as they go through their mall routines.
Behind the scenes, SM Supermalls also uses a state-of-the-art Building Management Systems (BMS) that allows the mall operator to manage its properties fluctuating energy demands throughout the day. This innovative system has empowered SM Supermalls to save up to 50M kilowatt hours annually.
These initiatives are driven by the SM Green Movement, an SM sustainability campaign that integrates environmentally responsible practices across the SM group, to scale simple, everyday acts into systemic impact, thereby protecting the planet’s resources for present and future generations.