ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Celebrating Earth Day 2026, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) officially activated its first renewable energy system in the Visayas at Style Residences in Iloilo City. The ceremony, held on April 22, 2026, signals a major expansion of the company’s sustainability initiatives beyond Metro Manila, integrating green energy directly into the daily operations of its residential communities.
The solar energization project is part of a strategic partnership with Buskowitz Energy, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of high-density residential developments.
The activation at Style Residences serves as a blueprint for modern, eco-friendly urban living in regional hubs:
- Operational Impact: Solar power will now support the electricity requirements for common areas, including shared facilities, hallways, and outdoor lighting.
- Cost Efficiency: The integration is expected to reduce the property’s overall energy consumption by approximately 15 percent.
- Lower Dues: This reduction in power usage helps the property management team better manage the portion of association dues allocated to electricity expenses, providing long-term financial benefits for unit owners.
The Iloilo project is one of four pilot developments under SMDC’s initial renewable energy phase. The other three properties located in Metro Manila include:
- Spring Residences
- South Residences
- Vine Residences
Following the success of these pilots, SMDC announced that renewable energy integration will now be a standard feature for all future projects under the SMDC Nature segment. This alignment supports the broader sustainability goals of SM Prime Holdings, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its portfolio in the coming decades.
Jessica Bianca Sy, SMDC Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy, highlighted the importance of making sustainability a tangible experience for residents.
“Sustainability becomes more meaningful when people actually experience it in their daily lives. Bringing this to Iloilo is a step toward making that experience more inclusive—so more communities can benefit from how we design and operate our developments.”
James Carlos Buskowitz, CEO of Buskowitz Energy, emphasized the scalability of the technology.
“This energization demonstrates how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into residential developments and scaled beyond major urban centers. It shows that solar solutions can support everyday operations efficiently.”
Iloilo City has been positioning itself as a “smart and sustainable” city, and the entry of large-scale renewable energy in its residential sector bolsters this reputation. By reducing reliance on the local grid during peak hours, solar-equipped buildings help stabilize power demand in the growing metropolis.
As urban living in the Philippines continues to evolve, SMDC’s move to normalize solar power suggests that “green features” are transitioning from luxury add-ons to essential components of modern real estate development.