The Metro Business

  Using solar panels or other renewable energy sources lowers the carbon footprint, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable energy. As we enter the typhoon season, recent extreme weather events have once again underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to such conditions. As the nation grapples with the potential aftermath, it is clear that being part of the global conversation on achieving net zero emissions is imperative. This typhoon has highlighted the urgency for the Philippines to be an active participant in the fight against climate change, not only to mitigate future impacts but to also contribute to global solutions.   The concept of net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. For the Philippines, a country frequently in the crosshairs of severe weather, achieving net zero is a crucial step towards enhancing climate resilience. The recent typhoon ...

  (L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu 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) at SMX Convention Center Aura. This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges. SM’s commitment to sustaina...

  Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties. Manila, August 7, 2024. The Philippines tops the list of countries with the highest disaster  risk, thus building our capacity to respond, bounce back and adapt to intensifying climate  impacts is a nationwide priority and shared responsibility. “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working  together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7 th Annual Conference of  the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference  and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024). “There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our  national policies and our commitmen...

  The 7 th 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.   Manila, August 6, 2024. 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 commu...

  Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.   SM Prime’s sustainability journey began in the 1990s, guided by a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, favoring strategies grounded on real-world application rather than flashy, short-term fixes.  Its strategy is built on what truly matters to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both effective and enduring.   In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a sustainable future – aligned with its vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable...