Environmental Protection Policy
1.0 OBJECTIVE
This Environmental Protection Policy is part of SM’s Sustainability Management System to ensure the full practice of the Sustainability Policy. It aims to provide implementing guidelines on how the Company protects natural habitats and biodiversity as part of responsible corporate practices and good corporate governance culture.
2.0 OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICY
SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) envisions to be a catalyst for responsible development in the communities it serves. To realize this, SM shall protect natural habitats and biodiversity wherever it operates, contributing to the regeneration of natural habitats and biodiversity whenever possible.
3.0 OUR COMMITMENT AND INITIATIVES
With SMIC serving as lead and exemplary to the group, all business units within the SM group are expected to develop their respective Environmental Protection Policy or an Environmental Policy that stipulates its approach to the protection of natural habitats and biodiversity aligned to the Commitments stated in this policy. This policy shall be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.
3.1 Protection of Natural Habitats
We employ practices that protect the natural habitats wherever SM is present; as much as possible avoiding any disturbance of natural habitats, especially those deemed as natural conservation areas.
3.2 Protection of Biodiversity
We ensure the protection of biodiversity wherever SM is present; as much as possible avoiding activity that poses a threat or disturbance to the natural ways of life of the species, especially those deemed as endangered species.
3.3 Conservation of Habitats of Global Significance
We ensure the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of natural ecosystems such as the Coral Triangle wherever SM is present; as much as possible avoiding any disturbance of the said natural habitats and advocate for such areas to be nationally protected areas to conserve their contribution to the global balance of nature and even the regeneration of natural resources.
3.4 Promote Regenerative Practices
Whenever possible, we shall promote practices that support and restore nature’s ecosystem to replenish itself or rejuvenate its natural ability and cycle to produce, renew and re-produce naturally.
3.5 Environmental Protection Data
We measure our efforts and impact on environmental protection providing timely, accurate and balanced reporting to all our stakeholders, averting any form of greenwashing or green hushing.
This policy is part of the SM Sustainability Management System to ensure the full realization of the SM Sustainability Policy.