THE SM Group emphasized the importance of sustainable investments in fostering a greener future at a recent forum, organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

"At SM, we believe that securing a better future for generations to come hinges on our commitment to innovative solutions and projects that embody sustainability principles. Sustainable investments play a crucial role in this endeavor," remarked Jessica Bianca Sy, lead executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy of SM Prime Holdings Inc. and SM Development Corp.

As the group aligns its investments with the Sustainable Development Goals, Sy highlighted that investment decisions at SM prioritize environmental, social and governance factors, focusing on pursuing investments that conserve nature.

SM's initiatives aimed to address key environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, energy efficiency and waste management.

SM has been committed to reducing its environmental footprint while fostering economic growth. The group adopted renewable energy solutions, sourcing 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and recycling 14.2 million cubic meters of water in 2023.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property arm of SM, managed 165.7 million metric tons of waste last year with 92.7 million metric tons properly disposed of, 13 percent recycled and 5 percent composted.

Through SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation Inc., the company engaged over 17,000 volunteers in the International Coastal Cleanup 2023, removing 100,432 kilos of trash from 15 malls nationwide. This effort reinforced SM's dedication to a greener future and a culture of volunteerism.