What brought you to this moment in your career where the Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credential made sense for you?

My journey into the world of sustainability began during my academic pursuits, where I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on New and Renewable Energy. Yet, this narrative began in 2015, a time when the world's thirst for sustainability expertise in Indonesia was in its nascent stage. 

My story took a pivotal turn during my tenure at a Construction Management firm, where I was responsible for the MEP works in a LEED Platinum building in Jakarta's CBD. This experience ignited my passion for green building and sustainable practices. The plot thickened as I transitioned to a real estate asset management company that invests in sustainable real estate projects across Asia. Under the visionary leadership of the Green Building Steering Committee, the sustainability team (including me) steered the ship towards unprecedented success, making the firm a leader in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores in GRESB and attaining multiple green building certifications.

As the demand for sustainability reverberated louder within Indonesia, I heeded the call by founding Sustainahaus in 2020. This consulting firm was conceived to deliver expert counsel in green building and sustainability. I recognize that this mission demanded more than just fervor; it needed comprehensive knowledge, unwavering adherence to best practices, and a strategic vision to navigate the intricate landscape of sustainability programs for our clients.

In my relentless quest for excellence in sustainability, I worked with the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) on a multitude of green building certification projects. They manage diverse sustainability certification programs, including the Sustainability Excellence certification. My journey led me to earn the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) certification in 2020 and, more recently, the distinguished Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) certification in 2023.

How are you putting the knowledge, skills and ability demonstrated in the SEP to work in your career (or work) today?

The SEP certification acts as the bridge connecting the intricate puzzle of sustainability frameworks to the real-world implementation within corporate sustainability initiatives. It's crucial to have a trusty guide in your pocket, showing you how to navigate the labyrinth of stakeholder concerns and power dynamics, and how they impact the programs we steer. The stakes are high, as a failure to identify key stakeholders and grasp their needs can spell doom for even the most well-planned programs.

SEP provides me with the Plan-Evaluate-Implement-Adjust framework, a simple yet effective methodology for navigating sustainability programs. I utilize it as my compass, steering the client in setting clear goals, devising solid strategies and tactics, partnering up with all stakeholders in a seamless implementation, spotting and tackling challenges, and continuously honing the client's sustainability game. With this framework in hand, we've been able to effectively guide the clients toward their sustainability goals, serving as their trusted advisors on this critical journey. 

For those starting out in the sustainability field, what advice do you have for them?

Sustainability is an ongoing journey for organizations. Some trailblazers have been spearheading initiatives that far exceed the bare minimum, setting the bar high. Meanwhile, others are just embarking on the journey, realizing the potential for enhancing their bottom line through sustainable practices. The same holds true for sustainability practitioners.

For those who are just beginning to follow this path, continuous learning is the linchpin. Leveraging resources like SEA and SEP is extremely important to have a body of knowledge at your disposal. Yet, don't stop there. Learn from the seasoned pros and the communities in the field. Look for mentors who can guide you through the intricacies of sustainability. Join vibrant communities, like the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), to be part of a collective force that propels your career in sustainability to new heights. In the world of sustainability, running alongside experts and a supportive community is like having a turbocharger for cars. Full throttle!