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SM City Fairview Unveils Philippines' Largest Commercial Rooftop Solar System, Bolstering Net Zero 2040 Goal

7 months ago
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SM City Fairview Unveils Philippines' Largest Commercial Rooftop Solar System, Bolstering Net Zero 2040 Goal

Key Insights

  • SM Supermalls launched the Philippines' largest rooftop solar photovoltaic system at SM City Fairview, featuring a 3.785 MWp capacity.

  • The new system will generate 5,960 MWh annually, covering 11% of the mall's energy needs and offsetting 4,133 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

  • This initiative significantly advances SM Prime Holding’s Net Zero 2040 goal and contributes to the company's target of 100 MWp total rooftop solar capacity by year-end.

  • Developed in partnership with Buskowitz Energy, the project underscores SM's commitment to reducing grid reliance and supporting national renewable energy targets.

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls has unveiled the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system on a commercial building in the Philippines at SM City Fairview, marking a significant stride in its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate resilience. The 3.785-Megawatt peak (MWp) installation, launched in line with SM Supermalls' 40th anniversary, is a cornerstone contribution to SM Prime Holding’s ambitious Net Zero 2040 goal.

The new solar PV system at SM City Fairview encompasses 6,882 solar modules spread across a 4.3-hectare rooftop area. This expansive array is projected to generate an average annual solar production of up to 5,960-Megawatt-hour (MWh). This capacity is designed to meet approximately 11% of the mall’s annual energy consumption, a volume equivalent to powering 44 escalators and all mall and perimeter lights for up to two and a half years. Operationally, the system is expected to prevent the release of 4,133 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, directly supporting climate action initiatives.

This project significantly bolsters SM Prime’s broader solar pipeline, which currently stands at 73-MWp across its portfolio. The company aims to further increase this capacity to 100-MWp by the end of the year, underscoring a robust strategy for reducing its overall carbon footprint and dependence on conventional grid power. The development was executed in partnership with Buskowitz Energy, aligning with the Philippine government's thrust towards expanding renewable energy sources.

SM Supermalls has been a pioneer in commercial rooftop solar adoption in the Philippines, with SM North EDSA being the first mall to feature a 1.5 MWp rooftop solar PV installation in 2014. The SM City Fairview project now surpasses the previous largest installation, a 3.088 MWp system at SM City Santa Rosa. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee for SM Prime, has championed the property giant's comprehensive sustainability programs for over two decades, encompassing energy demand management, water management, and solid waste management. This latest deployment reinforces SM Prime’s leadership in integrating sustainable practices into large-scale commercial operations.