Over the past five years, Southeast Asia has seen growing environmental awareness, with coastal municipalities facing rising plastic pollution in the ocean ecosystem. With this, governments are seeking innovative waste management solutions today, creating opportunities for companies that convert waste into clean energy while supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals.
However, challenges persist. Technologies like biomethanation remain unfamiliar, making startup funding and financial backing difficult. Additionally, High capital costs, limited institutional support, and clients driven by necessity rather than proactive environmental concern complicate projects. Moreover, businesses must provide detailed studies and proof of viability to implement large-scale, sustainable waste-to-energy solutions successfully.
Amid this landscape, Alterna Verde has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions. By implementing Proof of Performance projects and pioneering industrial-scale waste-to-energy systems in the Philippines, the company has built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and measurable environmental impact.
Poultry to Power
Alterna Verde, now approaching its 15th year, was founded by Dr. Nervy C. Santiago, who initially ran a large poultry business with more than 1.5 million broilers. As the business grew, the focus shifted towards sustainability by processing poultry waste. However, in 2013, Typhoon Nari, a powerful tropical cyclone devastated their poultry farms, leading to significant financial losses and forcing a shift in direction.
In response, the company began to pivot, offering biogas solutions to other poultry, pig farms, and food facilities, building systems and sourcing technology from Thailand. Encouraged by a colleague, the company later pivoted to the municipal solid waste sector, a move that would define its future.
Today, the company has expanded internationally, with operations as far as Liberia, West Africa where it has been processing waste in cities like Monrovia and Paynesville for the past year. Clients worldwide recognize the company for its positive environmental impact and innovative waste-to-energy solutions.
Over the years, the company has earned significant accolades for its sustainability efforts. In 2019, it received the Green Ear Award for Sustainability in Lisbon, Portugal. Locally, the company has been honored with numerous certificates of recognition from environmental groups and government units, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and project excellence.
The Guiding Philosophy
“We believe in turning disadvantages into opportunities, transforming challenges that others see as setbacks into solutions that create value for communities and the environment,” states Dr. Nervy C. Santiago, CEO and General Manager at Alterna Verde. By preventing waste from entering the oceans, the company addresses the Philippines’ dire plastic pollution. It transforms garbage, agricultural, and farm waste into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, while using low-speed wind technology to turn typhoons into an advantage.
In total, the company’s mission prioritizes off-grid and micro-grid energy solutions. Basically, it focuses on delivering affordable renewable energy to off-grid areas to support rural development rather than prioritizing grid-connected projects.
Rural Energy Revolution
Alterna Verde focuses on off-grid, micro-grid, and rural development energy solutions. The company designs and operates biomethanation plants ranging from 100 kilowatts per hour to megawatt-scale, processing agricultural and food waste. It also runs municipal solid waste-to-energy plants that convert garbage without burning it.
Additionally, the company together with a Korean technology partner is developing low-speed wind turbines, and plans to implement micro-hydro turbines, called hydro screws, for highland communities by 2028. Its primary offerings include waste-to-energy through biomethanation, low-speed wind turbines, and low-head hydro screws.
A Competitive Edge
Alterna Verde actively integrates technology and innovation to scale operations. It participates in international organizations to stay updated on new technologies, including the American Biogas Council, where Dr. Nervy serves as VP for Technology and Innovation at the Asia- Pacific Biogas Alliance, and the Worldwide Wind Energy Association.
Furthermore, the company maintains a strong connection with academia. Its head office is located within the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, at the Southeast Asian Research Center for Agriculture (SEARCA).
Notably, the company also collaborates with both private and state universities, sponsoring student capstone projects, and works with the Department of Science and Technology on research initiatives. This approach advances technology and supports continuous research and development.
Growing Leaders Within
Alterna Verde’s core team brings together expertise from multiple disciplines. The design and engineering team, led by civil engineer Ella Atesora, handles civil aspects of municipal solid waste projects. The agricultural and biosystems team, headed by Engineer Jovelyn Alcantara, focuses on bioremediation, particularly phytoremediation, using plants to produce biomass and absorb heavy metals from leachate. Additionally, mechanical engineers manage piping systems, while electrical engineers convert biogas into electricity.
We believe in turning disadvantages into opportunities, transforming challenges that others see as setbacks into solutions that create value for communities and the environment
The company in particular, puts emphasis on talent development. Many team members started from humble beginnings, including former garbage pickers, and have been trained to become key managers in waste-to-energy facilities. Currently, eight young management trainees are being groomed to strengthen the team further.
Robust Future Roadmap
Alterna Verde’s future goals focus on monetizing carbon credits and raising awareness about carbon emissions from municipal solid waste and agricultural waste. Additionally, the company is collaborating with British and American partners to track the chain of carbon custody and plans to generate carbon certificates by October. Similar initiatives are underway in Liberia. Through participation in carbon markets, the company aims to contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Dr. Nervy C. Santiago, DVM CEO & General Manager, Alterna Verde Corporation
Dr. Nervy C. Santiago is the CEO and General Manager of Alterna Verde Corporation, leading the company’s mission to deliver sustainable waste management, resource recovery, and waste-to-energy solutions across the Philippines. Under his leadership, Alterna Verde drives innovation in circular economy practices, advancing technologies that convert waste into valuable resources and clean energy.
He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and completed advanced studies in business management at Ateneo de Manila University, integrating technical expertise with strategic vision to propel the company’s growth and impact. As a leader, Dr. Santiago is committed to advancing responsible waste management and environmental stewardship, building partnerships with government, industry, and communities to create sustainable, scalable, and energy-positive solutions for the region.
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