SM statement on cutting of 200 trees

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

(In the interest of fair play, hereunder is a press statement of SM Baguio in reaction to critics who are against the development and “balling” of around 200 trees at the giant firm’s compound atop Session Road in the summer capital.)

SM City Baguio, one of SM Prime Holdings’ most innovatively designed malls, has begun its expansion and redevelopment project to better serve its customers as the first mall in the North region designed to be certified by LEED, the internationally recognized standard for green building design and construction developed by the US Green Building Council.

Long considered a green destination because it was built to follow the contour of the land and has open areas where shoppers can enjoy the cool mountain air, SM City Baguio’s redevelopment is a take-off from its environmentally conscious beginnings.

The expanded and renovated SM City Baguio will be a seven level open air retail, dining, and entertainment destination that will rely almost exclusively on natural ventilation for the mall’s generous public spaces.

It is the product of careful planning anchored on SM’s continuing commitment to become a responsible member of the communities it serves as a catalyst for employment and business opportunities, a top taxpayer, and key player for a sustainable environment.

Recognizing that the environment, especially the trees, that mean so much to Baguio City and its residents, SM Prime Holdings has not let any stone unturned to make the transformed Baguio complex a tree-people-environment-friendly area.

It aims to make the project a true testament of man’s triumph in making style, comfort, and modern technology blend with sensitivity, sustainability, and safe and sound construction

Aiming to remain as one of – if not the best – strategic spots in the city that offers a perfect view of the metropolis in the midst of nature, SM City Baguio has pulled all stops to transfer the affected trees in the area.

It recognizes that these contribute to clean air, are a vital part of the city’s environs, and a legacy for Baguio’s future children.

Close consultations between SM’s technical, engineering, and design department and the Department of Environment and Natural resources as well as other environmental experts have preceded the earth balling of trees.

This aims to ensure the high survival of the affected trees, along with the commitment that more trees will be planted in Baguio as part of SM’s corporate social responsibility commitment.

The expanded and renovated SM City Baguio is envisioned to be a prime tourist destination in the city that will be a shining example of sustainability and environmental awareness.

The project is designed to receive a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental design) Gold Rating, which requires the implementation and documentation of achievement of a minimum of 60 of the listed points, which will be subject to the review and approval of the Green Building Rating.

It aims to encourage the use of energy efficient public transport by adding an additional mall entrance along Governor Pack Road.

The mall will have almost 1,000 underground parking spaces.

By locating these spaces underground, the expansion’s impact on wooded surroundings will be reduced, as will undesirable “heat island effects’ often encountered in large shopping centers.

Park finders using LED have been incorporated in its design for customers to easily locate parking spaces, thereby lessening fuel consumption.

A lushly landscaped Roof Garden with delightful water features will be one of the expanded SM City Baguio’s attractions. This Roof Garden will use Green Roof Technology, which will create an environment for vegetation growth that is as close to the plant’s natural environment.

Lighting will be key in the mall, whose interior spaces will generously allow daylight to penetrate deep into the common areas of the mall, greatly reducing the need for energy consuming artificial lighting. Artificial lighting will be very energy conscious, consisting primarily of LED and Compact Flourescent Lamps, among the most efficient sources available.

Ceiling fans will be located throughout the public areas of SM City Baguio for the comfort of shoppers.

A Water Reservoir occupying 6.9 m liters of water will be located at the lowest level of the expansion building. This aims to alleviate the problem caused by heavy rains in the drainage system within the area.

All these efforts will make the expanded SM City Baguio truly a green mall.