#SMWasteFreeFuture: SMHCC launches sustainable hospitality initiatives

MANILA, Philippines — SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) joins SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) in the #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Prime, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, brings all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste.

The #SMWasteFreeFuture program promotes behavioral changes in waste management through effective waste segregation via Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable (RDC). It aims to achieve two primary objectives: (1) Reduce Overall Waste Generation by implementing effective waste segregation practices, and (2) Enhance Waste Diversion Rate by diverting a greater proportion of waste away from landfills through recycling, composting and other sustainable disposal methods.

The #SMWasteFreeFuture project was launched at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on June 5, World Environment Day.

Sustainability champion and SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation president Hans “Chico” Sy Jr. emphasized, “We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions,” he said.

“This is a small step in a long journey. This is a learning process and it will not be perfect. We highly encourage all of you to give us feedback,” he said. Sy further emphasizes that, “This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives.”

Sy also encourages the youth and the general public. “Now it’s up to you and every individual here in attendance, to embrace the cause of change. We are given the opportunity to work on the biggest problems of our community when the planet truly needs it. Let’s not waste this opportunity,” he said. 

In the hotel and tourism sector, SMHCC’s practical and sustainable solutions zeroed in on waste diversion focused on food waste management and condemned linens.

In 2019, SMHCC took decisive leadership to mitigate global food waste across all its properties in the Philippines. It opened its Back of House