The SM Group’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., completed LEED Gold certification for seven properties as of 2024 as it continues to work on green certification of its other properties to address climate change and enhance disaster resilience.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
To achieve gold, the second highest level, a building goes through a rigorous review process that includes pre-certification, construction, and post-construction reviews.
“We continue to invest in sustainable designs in our properties. LEED Green certification is an affirmation by independent parties that we are building our properties right and adopting the highest standards. Sustainability for us was never a fad we had to follow. It’s deeply embedded in our core,” said Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls vice president and program director for the environment at SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Supermalls.
SM’s properties that have achieved LEED Gold since 2017 include SM Aura Premier in City of Taguig,The Podium Complex, SM City Baguio, Mega Tower in Mandaluyong City, Conrad Manila, SM North Tower, Quezon City and SM Three E-Com Center in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
It said of all the 42 LEED Gold and Platinum-recognized properties in the Philippines as of the first quarter of 2024, SM contributes over 15 percent to this with seven developments—malls, offices and hotels recognized LEED Gold.
One of its recently-recognized LEED Gold properties is SM City Baguio which secured LEED Gold in March 2023.
During the construction of the mall’s expansion in 2016. SM’s architects, planners and designers closely monitored its progress to ensure compliance from start to finish.
The GBIC reviewed and identified the top green features of SM City Baguio’s expansion namely—energy efficiency, public transport access, water use reduction, water efficient landscaping and vegetated open spaces and reinforced concrete construction with regional materials and high recycled content.
“A successful business is a responsible business,” said Silerio.
“At SM, our commitment to sustainability drives us to design LEED-certified properties both as responsible and strategic decisions to ensure long-term success and resilience.”
Colliers International Group Inc., a Canada-based investment management company, noted in May 2024 that companies who pursue LEED-certified buildings are more attuned to creating a more positive business value by aligning project development with the social well-being, environmental health and the local economy where they operate.
