Tag: sustainability

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

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The rainwater treatment facility (RTF) of SM City Baguio utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to potability requirements.

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.

“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings‘ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

Building sustainable communities: The future of cities

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The 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.  

What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart. 

“At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC). 

Sy joins a list of esteemed local and international professors, climate specialists, and government officials at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024). 

The theme for this year’s three-day conference is Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation. 

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime’s strong track record in sustainability and disaster resilience is central to the company’s projects. In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities, with a goal to scale efforts to a city level. 

The rapid city growth increases energy demand, necessitating innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions. SM Prime has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions.

For future large-scale master planned developments, Sy shares that SM Prime is taking a systems approach to utility infrastructure down to embedding them in the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level developments.

“We are developing this living framework together with our knowledge partners. Currently the ambition is to combine our efforts and actionable items under six themes of – transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form and materials,” she said. 

Sy carries this clear vision to heart as an invaluable part of the path forward. “We believe this will be the future of cities in the Philippines and we are committed to delivering it to our future generations,” she said.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. 

The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd.

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

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The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste.

Strong foundations

SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.

Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.

In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security.

To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.

(Photo caption) No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.

SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.

“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

Cool down this summer with Beko as your cooling companion

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Summer is just around the corner. While the sun’s out for a perfect beach getaway, it also means a need for more cooling breeze and comfort to bust the heat. Staying focused and being in the right state of mind for study, relaxation, and chores can be difficult if it is sweltering at home. 

Good thing there is Beko as our cooling companion this coming summer season. Durable, stylish, and cost-efficient, Beko air conditioners bring better air quality, humidity, and cooler temperatures. And with The “Beko state of mind”, everyone in the family can be more productive and accomplish the things they need to do with coolness and comfort right in their own homes. 

“Air conditioning in every space is essential, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines. On days when the heat is at its peak, air conditioners provide comfort to help bring in the concentration as it controls the humidity in the environment and helps avoid dehydration,” shared Gürhan Günal, Beko’s Country Director in the Philippines. 

“The Beko state of mind means inspiring Filipinos to experience a more convenient way of living through European-style and good quality product lines so they save time and resources that they can use for the people and things that matter to them. Our air conditioners have a 5-star energy rating, are cost-efficient, and powerful, making it the perfect cooling companion this summer,” Günal added.

The BSEOG 090/BSEOG 091 is a split-type air conditioner with a capacity of 1HP that is perfect for cooling up small spaces such as apartments and small rooms. It has jet cool, dehumidifying, and automatic temperature control features for the utmost comfort. For a window-type option, the BPVOW 090 has a 1HP capacity with energy-efficient and cost-saving inverter technology for optimal cooling.

The BSEOG 120/BSEOG 121 is a 1.5HP split-type inverter air conditioner that is ideal for homes with a terrace and bigger apartments. It has 5 fan speed steps, automatic up & down air direction, and up to 24 hours of timer for more control on the level of coolness within the environment.

For bigger homes, the BSEOG 180/ BSEOG 181 is a SplitType AC HomeWhiz ProSmart Inverter Compressor with 2.0HP capacity, providing powerful cooling performance and quiet operation that can breeze through wide spaces, while the  BPVOW 120 is a window-type inverter air conditioner with a capacity of 1.5HP that has rapid and efficient cooling with controls to personalize your comfort.

These Beko air conditioners are made for the long term and make life a breeze. With technologies that translate to reliability and durability, feel the Beko state of mind even under the summer heat.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, visit beko.ph and follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram.

Beko appliances are available at 1st Megasaver, Abenson, AC Marketing, AllHome, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home, Automatic Centre, BHF, Echo Electrical, Fair N Square, Fiesta Appliance Center, Fonts Home appliances, GB Prime, Gloria Bazar, Great World, J Marketing, Jack Trading, JVValeroso Marketing, K-Alwin’z, Lazada, Lucky 4 City Appliances, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Mike’s Department Store, NB Marketing, Ocampo’s Megastore, Our Builders, Plusign Home, POS Marketing, Pricewise, RJ Homes, Robinsons Appliances, Royal Star, RS David Marketing, Savers Appliances, SaveYour Home, Shopee, Skytech Appliance, Solidmark, SM Appliance, SVC, Tiongsan, United Motoaliance, VPR Marketing, and Western Appliance.

ABOUT BEKO

Beko is the international home appliance brand of Arçelik, which is a multinational household appliances manufacturer that operates with 12 brands and employs over 40,000 people worldwide. It is one of the top three large home appliances brands in Europe* in the white goods sector. 

Beko has been focusing on healthy living for years, raising awareness and developing products that make healthy living possible and convenient. Beko’s brand mission is ‘healthy living is only possible on a healthy planet’. Beko is committed to protecting the planet by designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products and investing in resource efficiency in production.

This year, Beko will be made available soon in other appliance stores nationwide as it continues to expand its distribution to other retail channels. 

For information, follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram or go to http://www.beko.ph.