SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD).
The event, which took place at the SMX Convention Center Aura, brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities.
Organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the conference focused on the theme “Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation.” The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges, with experts sharing insights on how to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was prominently featured throughout the events. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan showcased the company’s eco-friendly practices and community-focused programs.
“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience,” he said.
“At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain committed to leveraging innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the Philippines,” he added.
Meanwhile, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated properties that foster lively communities.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s role in disaster preparedness. He presented “From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National Resilience Council in Risk Governance,” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC’s approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by the sciences.
A breakout session on creating connections and partnerships further underscored SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability. The session, hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch, focused on fostering collaboration across sectors.
Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors.”
SM Prime continues to cement its role as a catalyst for economic growth and a leader in sustainable urban development. The company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and collaborate are integral to its vision of building the sustainable cities of the future, enriching the quality of life for millions of people in the Philippines.
