Despite having tackled green technologies full-on, Vergara says the company is still on the lookout for innovations that address their power pain points. "We are evaluating the technology of using water-cooling to reduce the need for air conditioning to cool our data centers," he says.

Aside from cooling options, Metrobank is also looking at modular construction of data centers. Vergara says IT managers are forward-looking when initially designing their data centers. "In effect, you end up cooling a huge space even if you have not utilized most of it," he adds. Modular construction allows cooling to be concentrated only on places where it is needed.

The case for RP

Despite boisterous claims by various vendors about the cost and ecological benefits of green technologies, businesses in the Philippines seem caught in a rut regarding its implementation. "The key focus among users is still maximizing and optimizing the current infrastructure," explains Jubert Alberto, research manager, IDC Philippines. "Philippine companies tend to have longer replacement cycles, which affect adoption of more green-centric technologies."

Lukewarm reception aside, what is notable in the Philippine market is the increased awareness of sustainable technologies. "The country's prominent business organizations as well as government officials are treading the path towards efficiency," says Katrina Tirante, communication and marketing manager, Emerson Network Power Southeast Asia.