PUNMADARA KARUNARATNE
University of Windsor, MS Civil Engineering
EREF Scholar 2025
Life Cycle Thinking Based Decision Making Framework for Organic Waste Management in Canada
My research focuses on how municipalities can better manage organic waste in a sustainable way. Instead of sending this waste to landfills, which creates a lot of environmental issues, I am studying different methods such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and advanced technologies that can turn waste into energy or useful products. I am using life cycle assessment (LCA) to measure the carbon footprint of these options, from the time waste is collected, transported by trucks, and processed in treatment facilities.
Considering the regional variability of factors such as waste composition and infrastructure, it is essential to have a comprehensive decision-making framework to balance all the governing factors of the organic waste sector. Thus, consequently, this comprehensive evaluation of various management techniques provides a multi-criteria decision-making tool and a solid comparative base for organic waste management. Therefore, this study can guide policymakers and practitioners in selecting the most sustainable organic waste management practices for municipalities across Canada.
Biography
Punmadara Karunaratne earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, one of the top technical universities in the country. He focused on material degradation and developed an early interest in environmental sustainability (2017-2022). He is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Civil Engineering at the University of Windsor, Canada and is expected to graduate in 2026. His research focuses on developing a life cycle thinking-based decision-making framework for organic waste management in Canda, with emphasis on achieving net-zero emissions from the organic waste sector.
Beyond academics, Punmadara has engaged in leadership and volunteer activities, including mentoring international students at the University of Windsor and contributing to Engineers Without Borders (EWB). He has also participated in the Great Cycle Challenge Canada, raising funds for childhood cancer research. His career goals align with advancing solid waste management and circular economy principles through both research and practical policy development.
