The region’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, driving an increasing demand for data centres that can support high-performance computing, cloud services, and artificial intelligence. However, this growth comes at a cost—data centres are among the most energy-intensive infrastructures, requiring vast amounts of electricity and water to operate efficiently. The challenge is clear: how can the industry meet escalating digital demands while maintaining sustainable practices?
For ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Philippines, sustainability isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a business priority. As one of the country’s leading data centre providers, the company is taking decisive steps to minimize its environmental footprint while ensuring operational efficiency. From integrating advanced cooling technologies to committing to 100% renewable energy, STT GDC Philippines is setting a standard for sustainable infrastructure in a region where digital growth is accelerating.
We take a look at Southeast Asia’s rising popularity as a data centre hub
We speak to Carlo Malana, President & Chief Executive Officer at STT GDC Philippines to explore the concrete steps the company is taking to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2030. We check with him on how their facilities optimize energy and water usage. As well, as discuss the roles that partnerships and renewable energy agreements play in their long-term sustainability strategy. And most importantly, how can data centres across Southeast Asia adapt to a future where efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand?
With the Philippines positioning itself as a critical player in the region’s digital transformation, companies like STT GDC are proving that sustainability and business growth don’t have to be at odds. This conversation sheds light on the innovations shaping the industry and the practical measures that can drive meaningful change.
Sustainability is a major concern in the data centre industry. What concrete steps is STT GDC taking to balance the growing demand for data capacity with the need for sustainable operations?
Sustainability is not just a concern; it’s a core value at STT GDC Philippines. We recognize our immense responsibility to balance the increasing demand for data capacity with environmentally responsible operations, and we’re taking concrete steps on multiple fronts.
In terms of energy efficiency, our facilities are designed and built with market-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE). For example, STT Fairview will achieve this through advanced cooling technologies like adiabatic chillers, efficient power distribution units, and optimized airflow management.
Regarding renewable energy, our data centres are powered by 100% renewable energy. We actively pursue partnerships with green energy suppliers, utilize renewable energy certificates (RECs), and explore Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to maintain our renewable energy utilization. Our goal is to achieve carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030. We also adhere to stringent green building standards, exemplified by the LEED Gold pre-certification for STT Fairview, which includes the use of recycled materials in construction (like steel), rainwater harvesting systems, efficient plumbing and lighting, and low-VOC paints and coatings.
Additionally, we are minimizing the embodied carbon in our facilities by using solutions like hollow core concrete slabs and HDPE piping, which provide both direct and indirect sustainability impacts. Lastly, we continually evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance energy efficiency, including exploring direct liquid cooling solutions that offer a substantial reduction in both energy and water consumption, as well as AI-powered optimization of cooling systems.
The Philippines is emerging as a key player in Southeast Asia’s digital economy. How does STT GDC Philippines differentiate itself from competitors like PLDT, Converge, or other regional players?
In a market with high execution risk, we build customer confidence by delivering on our promises. STT GDC Philippines differentiates itself through speed, agility, and an unwavering focus on customer experience. We provide efficient solutions, dramatically reducing order-to-delivery times. Our commitment is evident in our on-time project execution. For example, when STT Fairview broke ground in 2023, construction began that very day, and we’re on track for our Q2 2025 opening. Our proven operational excellence, combined with our hyper-scale focus (exemplified by the 124MW STT Fairview campus), international standards familiar to our global customers, and commitment to 100% renewable energy, positions us as a leader in the Philippines. We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly respond to customer needs, and keeping our in-house processes streamlined. As part of the STT GDC global platform, we bring world-class expertise in data centre design, construction, and operations, coupled with deep local market knowledge to get things done.
We are strategically focused on serving the needs of hyperscale cloud providers and large enterprises, with facilities designed and scaled to meet their demanding requirements for capacity, reliability, and security. The scale of STT Fairview, coupled with additional expansion through our land bank, provides a long runway for customers to grow with us. In terms of customer experience, we take pride in our ability to respond quickly to customer needs and deliver solutions efficiently, leveraging our streamlined processes and in-house capabilities to enable rapid decision-making and project execution. As part of the STT GDC global platform, we combine world-class expertise in data centre design, construction, and operations with deep local market knowledge and a strong understanding of the specific needs of businesses in the Philippines.
On the sustainability front, we stand as the only data centre company at our scale operating on 100% renewable energy, with our vehicle fleet also being 100% electric. Finally, our commitment to operational excellence ensures maximum uptime, security, and reliability for our customers, all delivered according to global standards.
Venture capital in Southeast Asia has slowed down recently. From your perspective, how is this affecting the growth of digital infrastructure, and what should startups and enterprises do to navigate this environment?
The venture capital climate does not significantly impact STT GDC Philippines. We operate with a robust financial foundation, maintain healthy operating cash flows, and strategically manage our finances, ensuring our continued growth and investment in digital infrastructure independent of venture capital trends. We have also seen that VC investments in other parts of the world will also look at emerging economies with large populations like the Philippines, with potential digital infrastructure expansion into the country.
How do you see big data and AI shaping the next phase of ICT development in the region?
Big Data and AI are undeniably transformative forces shaping the next phase of ICT development in the region. We’re seeing this play out in several key ways, all of which are driving a significant surge in demand for robust data centre infrastructure.
Big data analytics is enabling businesses to gain invaluable insights into customer behaviour, market trends, and operational performance. This explosion of data generation and processing directly fuels the need for powerful, scalable data centres to store, manage, and analyze these massive datasets. AI is automating tasks, improving efficiency, and driving innovation across diverse sectors. However, AI’s computational demands are immense. The complex algorithms and machine learning models require significant processing power and storage, making advanced data centres essential for their deployment. In terms of enhanced customer experience and real-time processing.
AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing customer experiences through personalized services, chatbots, and predictive analytics. These applications often require real-time data processing and low latency, which can only be achieved with high-performance data centres located strategically within the region.
Finally, Big data and AI are catalyzing the development of innovative business models and revenue streams. However, these digital transformations are built upon a solid infrastructure foundation. The rising demand for data centres is a direct consequence of the increasing reliance on data-intensive technologies like Big Data and AI, creating a symbiotic relationship that will define the future of ICT in the region.”
What’s next for STT GDC Philippines? Are there new technologies or business models you’re particularly excited about implementing in the coming years?
We see exciting days ahead for STT GDC Philippines as we are well-positioned for the continued digitalization of the country. We have the scale and proven execution capability to support the growing computing and storage needs to support an increasingly digitalized environment. Throw in the uptake of AI and few providers can show a runway to allow for the exponential growth that comes with digital adoption. We are implementing the following with a customer-first approach: We will remain at the forefront of technology innovation, implementing advanced solutions like direct liquid cooling, AI-powered optimization, and next-generation infrastructure. This includes the launch of the 1st Liquid Cooling Showroom, our AI Synergy Lab, in the Philippines. As for our strategic expansion, we will continue to explore opportunities in key markets across the Philippines. This year, we are opening two data centres: STT Fairview 1, located at the country’s largest campus, and STT Cavite 2. Our strategic expansion is accelerating with the launch of the STT Fairview Data Centre Campus, set to be the largest, carrier-neutral, and sustainable data centre in the country, with a capacity of 124MW, and STT Cavite 2, with an initial capacity of 6MW.
We will continue to identify and capitalize on expansion opportunities across the Philippines. In terms of sustainability, we will deepen our commitment to achieving carbon-neutral operations and implement even more innovative green solutions. Regarding talent development, we will invest in developing local talent to support the growth of the digital economy, including our partnership with EPI to launch the “DC Power-Up” program. This program targets graduate students and early-career professionals, providing them with essential training and certification, including the globally recognized Data Center Foundation Certificate (DCFC®). Successful participants will also be offered employment opportunities at STT GDC Philippines, directly contributing to our talent pipeline. This program allows us to invest in and directly recruit high-potential individuals into our organization.
We believe that the country has tremendous potential to become a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia, and STT GDC Philippines is committed to playing a key role in enabling a digital Philippines.