The 2009 SM Green Retail Agenda was held at the SMX Convention Center on November 16,2009. In attendance were (from left to right) Lisa Silerio, SM AVP for Operations and head of SM Cares Environment Committee, Annie Garcia, President of SM Supermalls, Vice Admiral Emilio Marayag, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Dr. Rosa Perez, Consultant & Member of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Chin-Chin Gutierez, renowned actress and Founding Chair & President of Alaga LAHAT, Colin Crorkin, deputy head of mission UK Embassy, Kaye Tinga, Program Director of Taguig Waterlily Livelihood Program, Edgardo Manda, General Manager of Laguna Lake Development Authority and Mr. Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings Inc.

      As more businesses look for more profitable and efficient ways to 'turn green', SM leads the way with the launch of its annual 'Green Retail Agenda'. As part of their SM Cares program, the Green Retail Agenda aims to help SM tenants and retailers establish a more environment friendly business but still profitable at the same time. SM has always made it a point to encourage mall tenants and concessionaires to create a greener future with the use of environment friendly materials and other 'green strategies'. The conference discusses trends, materials, policies and 'green architecture' for a more sustainable business.

      Gathering pioneers and leaders successful in implementing environment-friendly programs in architecture, food and retail, local government programs and education, the conference emphasizes the need for a collective approach to change and become responsible. Speakers from past conferences include U.K. Ambassador, H.E., Stephen Lillie, Founding Chair and President of Alaga LAHAT Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Program Director of Taguig Waterlily Program Kaye Tinga and Dr. Nereus Acosta, World Fellow of Yale University for his advocacies on education and environment programs. The conference, already on its third run, has also been held in SM Supermalls across the country.

      With the Green Retail Agenda conferences, SM hopes that retailers would start taking the initiative to transform their businesses and establishments with eco-friendly and energy efficient designs. The SM Cares programs believe in the capacity of Filipinos to change their behavior towards climate change and other environmental issues. As the reach of SM programs grow wider and stronger, it wont be long before more people start to take charge and become responsible and think about their impact to the environment.