With the El Niño phenomenon posing risks of prolonged dry spells and water shortages, water remains a critical resource that must be safeguarded for essential community services and future generations.
SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its commitment to water stewardship by innovating its resource transformation, conservation, and reuse across its properties. Beyond reducing water consumption, the mall operator integrates resilience into its sustainability framework, supporting efforts to mitigate flooding, manage climate-related risks, and help communities prepare for natural calamities.
“Resource conservation and risk-mitigation have always been at the heart of SM Supermalls. Since the 1990s, we have broadened our efforts to support national resource management by reducing our reliance on local water sources while helping address water scarcity as well as flooding,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance.
Innovative resource transformation and resilience
Among the communities that SM Supermalls has supported is Baguio City. Through the Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF) in SM City Baguio, rainwater is transformed into resource through a treatment process using ozone technology expert PureO3. This includes disinfection, filtration, and reverse osmosis. The facility can provide approximately 51,000 cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to about one-third of the mall’s annual water consumption.
SM Supermalls will expand its rainwater treatment initiatives in Central Luzon to help communities build resilience against climate-related risks.
Across its properties, SM Supermalls currently has 32 rainwater catchment facilities that collect and treat rainwater for reuse for tenant operations. Collectively, the facilities can hold 87,000 cubic meters of floodwater, equivalent to 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Strategically located in flood-prone areas, these facilities help manage stormwater while supporting water conservation.
Smart water monitoring technologies can further strengthen these efforts by tracking consumption, identifying unusual water flows, and helping maintenance teams detect leaks early. By combining efficient fixtures with data-driven monitoring, malls can better manage water demand while maintaining hygiene, functionality, and a comfortable customer experience.
Building a Circular and Climate-Resilient Water System
SM Supermalls’ integrated approach to water management supports a circular system in which resources are conserved, captured, treated, and reused wherever appropriate. During the rainy season, rainwater catchment facilities help build water reserves and manage excess runoffs. During periods of drought, the treated and stored water can help support mall operations and reduce reliance on other water sources, subject to actual supply, treatment capacity, and intended use.
At the same time, the capacity to capture stormwater contributes to flood mitigation in vulnerable locations.
By linking water conservation with stormwater management, reuse, and more efficient consumption, SM Supermalls continues to explore ways to strengthen its operational resilience while contributing to broader community sustainability efforts.
“Our initiatives and innovations are guided by the simple principle that every drop of water counts. We will continue our pledge to help build efficient and circular systems that benefit communities and the entire nation,” Silerio said.
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