Taking the lead in efforts to spark awareness and inspire society to combat the adverse effects of global warming, SM Supermalls and all its 56 malls took part in the celebration of Earth Hour Saturday night, March 19.
Leading the official switch off at the SM Megamall were World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Charicesma Salao, Climate Change Commissioner Frances Veronica, Solar Philippines CEO Leonardo Leviste, and SM celebrity endorser Anne Curtis.
Aside from its malls throughout the country, its six SM malls in China namely Xiamen, Jinjang, Chenghua, Wuzhong, Yubei, and Zichuan also participated in the simultaneous hour-long “lights-off” moment between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m..
The hour-long program was culminated by a light show wherein performers used LED lights and costumes to the delight of the audience composed of families spending their weekends at the mall.
Solar Philippines’ Leviste thanked SM Supermalls for their successful partnership in developing the rooftops of SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia as the largest solar powered commercial rooftops in Southeast Asia.
Salao noted the importance of the event saying lowering carbon emissions will spur economic growth and how a shift to renewable energy can lead to a “climate resilient” Philippines that can withstand the challenges of climate change.
Victorio said the Earth Hour is one small step towards achieving resiliency and making the people know about the importance of energy conservation and other environment-friendly initiatives. “This small act for the environment no matter how small, multiplied by the millions, would make the difference,” she said.
Curtis, on the other hand, performed for the crowd and shared her advocacy of inspiring the youth to make “earth-friendly decision making” in their everyday lives.
Aside from its solar-powered rooftops, SM Supermalls through SM Cares, its corporate social advocacy arm, have also carried out sustainability programs that include the mall-wide switch to LED lights, the Trash to Cash initiative, and general water recycling and energy conservation efforts implemented in all SM Super Malls—all aimed at making an impact and taking the lead in the efforts towards a more Earth-friendly environment.