SM Hotels advances circular economy via Bacolod biodiesel push

Insider Spotlight

• SMHCC expands waste-to-energy program in Bacolod
• Biodiesel donations reach 2,600 liters since launch
• Initiative supports fisherfolk livelihoods and cuts waste
• Partnerships drive scalable circular economy model
  
  
  

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is doubling down on sustainability, with Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod emerging as a flagship for circular economy innovation through its growing biodiesel initiative.

The hospitality arm of SM Prime is positioning sustainability as a core business strategy, not a side program, as volatility in global fuel markets pressures local industries to find alternative energy sources.

Park Inn Bacolod’s Biodiesel Project, launched in 2024, converts used cooking oil into clean-burning fuel, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste while supplying energy to nearby communities.

Why it matters

The project illustrates how hotels can transform routine operations into economic and environmental value.

SMHCC said the initiative has already delivered 2,600 liters of biodiesel, including a recent 200-liter donation to residents of Barangay Singcang. This output is estimated to support about 16 tons of fish catch, directly benefiting local fisherfolk facing rising fuel costs.

How it works

Collected used cooking oil is processed into biodiesel through a partnership with Green Solutions, ensuring efficient conversion into fuel instead of landfill waste.

“Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially as we navigate the complexities of the global fuel market,” Reljun Oloroso, director of people and culture and sustainability champion of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, said in a press statement.

Beyond biodiesel

The Bacolod property is also scaling complementary programs that reinforce its circular model.

• Tela Tales repurposes retired linens into new products, supporting 15 community volunteers
• Bokashi composting has processed over 100,000 kilos of food waste into fertilizer, aiding 55 farmers
• Festival showcases are boosting public awareness and stakeholder engagement

Zoom out

SMHCC’s broader portfolio spans more than 2,600 rooms and 42,000 square meters of convention space, giving it scale to replicate similar sustainability initiatives nationwide.

“At SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, we see sustainability as a shared responsibility,” said Leah Magallanes, vice president for quality and sustainability at SMHCC.

What’s next

With government backing and technical partnerships in place, SMHCC is building a template for circular hospitality that blends operational efficiency with community impact—an approach likely to gain traction as sustainability becomes a competitive differentiator in the industry. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma