More LEED-certified properties up for SM

MANILA, Philippines — SM Prime Holdings Inc. is working on the green certification of more properties to address climate change and enhance disaster resilience.

The property arm of the Sy family said it has completed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for seven properties.

Developed by the US Green Building Council, the LEED rating system is the world’s most widely used green building rating system.

Gold is the second highest certification level. To achieve it, 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,” SM Supermalls vice president and program director for the environment at SM Cares Liza Silerio said.

Since 2017, SM’s properties that have achieved LEED Gold are SM Aura Premier in City of Taguig, The Podium Complex, SM City Baguio, Mega Tower in Mandaluyong, Conrad Manila, SM North Tower, Quezon City and SM Three E-Com Center in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay.

SM contributes over 15 percent out of all the 42 LEED Gold and Platinum-recognized properties in the Philippines as of the first quarter of 2024.

“Sustainability for us was never a fad we had to follow. It’s deeply embedded in our core,” Silerio said.

“A successful business is a responsible business. 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,” she said.