Bio
Dr. Kuma Sumathipala is a Technical Professional at ORNL’s Integrated Building Deployment and Analysis group, with over 20 years of experience in sustainability, life cycle assessment, and Circular Economy. He has been instrumental in developing consensus standards with organizations such as UL, ASTM, and ISO, shaping industry practices and guidelines. As Chair of the Policy Committee at the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment he played a key role in advancing life cycle assessment principles in material evaluations. He has extensive industry experience in the development and demonstration of United States building codes. He holds both a Bachelor's degree and a PhD in Chemical Engineering, which have provided a strong foundation for his significant contributions to the field of sustainability.
Professional Experience
Technical Professional, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2023-To Date)
Director of Resiliency & Sustainable Environmental Management, American Wood Council (2020-2022)
Director of Fire and Energy Technologies, American Wood Council (2004-2020)
Manager of Fire Technology, American Wood Council (1997-2004)
Awards
ASTM E05 Award of Recognition, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2023
Education
B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 1982
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick, Canada, 1990
Professional Service
• US representative in drafting ISO 59004 “Circular Economy – Terminology, Principles and Guidance for Implementation”.
• Led the team to develop chapter on bio circular economy UL 3600 “Circular Economy and Corporate Sustainability”.
• Liaison representative from ISO/TC207/SC5 “Life Cycle Assessment” to ISO/TC323 “Circular Economy.”
• US Technical Advisory Committee Chair of ISO/TC92 “Fire Safety.”
• Policy Committee Chair of ACLCA– American Center for Life Cycle Assessment.