SM Offices, the office development arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., expanded its water conservation efforts last year, cutting consumption across its portfolio through wider use of recycled water and enhanced efficiency measures.
The company on Wednesday reported total water savings of 185,890 cubic meters, largely driven by increased reuse of treated wastewater in both stand-alone office buildings and mall-integrated developments.
The volume is equivalent to annual consumption of around 775 urban households.
A significant portion of the savings came from on-site sewage treatment facilities, which process wastewater for reuse in non-potable applications such as restroom flushing, irrigation and parts of cooling operations, reducing reliance on fresh water sources.
“Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important in modern office developments as more companies prioritize sustainability in their workplace strategies,” said Alexis Ortiga, vice president and head of SM Offices.
“Using water responsibly helps reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs, and ensure our buildings remain resilient as water resources become more constrained.”
Recycled water is also used to maintain landscaped areas in key developments, including the SM Mall of Asia complex, where large open spaces require regular upkeep.
Beyond water reuse, SM Offices has implemented conservation measures such as low-flow and sensor-based fixtures, routine inspections to detect leaks, and optimized irrigation schedules to minimize waste.
In some buildings, treated water is also used in cooling towers to support air-conditioning systems.
The company is also encouraging tenants to take part in conservation efforts by promoting water-efficient fixtures and sharing consumption data and best practices.
“We are also exploring additional technologies to further reduce water consumption across our buildings,” Ortiga said, noting that these include smart systems capable of monitoring usage in real time and detecting leaks early.
“Through these initiatives, we can support our tenants as they grow their operations while using water more responsibly and reducing pressure on local resources."
SM Offices parent firm, SM Prime, saw its share price rise P1.08, or 5.42 percent, to P21.00 on Wednesday.
