The SM Group’s commitment to adopting best building practices is being carried forward by the next generation of leaders.
Jessica Sy, vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy for SM Prime and its residential arm, SM Development Corp. (SMDC), champions sustainable development by emphasizing the importance of respecting the land and creating green buildings designed to safeguard the long-term well-being of communities.
“From an architectural standpoint, we want to make sure that when we develop a building, it's going to last for a long time,” said Sy. “We've seen that what's good for our communities is actually good for our company because addressing their needs also strengthens our connection with them as our customers.”
Drawing from her architectural background, Sy highlighted the dual nature of water as a life-giving resource and a potential cause of destruction.
To mitigate flooding risks, SMDC reassessed and upgraded existing projects, such as the Field Residences in Parañaque, which was retrofitted with a state-of-the-art rainwater detention tank. Completed in September 2024, the tank can manage rainfall volumes similar to Typhoon Ondoy’s deluge of 455 millimeters in 24 hours.
SMDC’s commitment to disaster resilience has yielded tangible results. During Typhoon Carina, none of its properties experienced flooding—a testament to its proactive approach.
Incorporating sustainability, SMDC integrates native flora into its projects to promote biodiversity.
“We try to reduce the types of plants that neither benefit the local environment nor enliven its biodiversity,” she said. “What we do is to identify plants that can prosper here such as the endemic katmon [Dillenia philippinensis] tree."
Nurseries for these plants are being developed in projects such as Parkville in Bacolod, North and South Luzon, and Mindanao, with plans to expand their integration across SMDC properties.
SM Prime’s developments also follow the “15-minute city” concept, ensuring retail, residential, commercial, and leisure spaces are seamlessly connected. Sy envisions these pedestrian-friendly communities as a solution to urban challenges like traffic congestion.
“The decisions that we have today are going to impact the long-term future,” she added. “With sustainability at the forefront of our conversations nowadays, we see that that’s part of the legacy that we must uphold.” --Ed: CSN
