Edwin P. Nerva - SEP Case Story

June 4, 2025

Edwin Nerva is the AVP for Sustainability at Nickel Asia Corporation, where he leads the company’s sustainability strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community development efforts. With over 15 years of experience across the corporate, nonprofit, and international development sectors, His work focuses on integrating sustainable practices into core business operations while advancing inclusive growth and environmental resilience across rural and mining communities in the Philippines.


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


Sustainability is a dynamic and evolving field that requires a solid foundation and continuous learning. Earning the Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credential made sense to me because it not only deepened my understanding of sustainability fundamentals but also brought together my diverse background and experiences. Additionally, ISSP community offers valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and ongoing growth in the field. I saw it as a vital step to strengthen my expertise and stay at the forefront of sustainability practices.


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


The learnings and knowledge gained from SEP credential are important in my current role as the demands of my job require a comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainability. The competencies I gained through SEP guide my performance and that of my team, driving us to achieve better outcomes in our sustainability initiatives.


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


Sustainability is a challenging field, especially with everything happening around us today. However, nothing is impossible if we work together and collaborate. My advice for those just starting out in sustainability is to always stay curious and open to learning. Continuous learning not only enhances your skills but also strengthens the collective effort toward achieving meaningful and impactful sustainability outcomes. 


Interested in earning your SEA credential? Download our free sample of the SEA Study Guide or sign up for the next SEA Study Cohort.

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