Getachew Assefa

Dr. Getachew Assefa is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL). He previously held the Athena Chair in Life Cycle Assessment and currently consults on product sustainability and life cycle assessment. His research focuses on sustainable design, life cycle sustainability assessment, energy systems, climate change, and industrial ecology. He has received awards including the 2017 Sustainability Award and the 2015/2016 Outstanding Teaching Performance Award.

Education: B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure, Licentiate in Industrial Ecology, and PhD in Industrial Ecology. His work emphasizes integrating sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, particularly through software development for triple-bottom-line analyses and machine learning applications for data-driven decision-making.

• Research Highlights: Developing tools like EcoEffect and ORWARE, advancing circular economy principles via black soldier fly systems, and policy analysis for sustainable infrastructure.
• Awards: University of Calgary Sustainability Award (2017), Schulich School of Engineering Teaching Awards (2015/2016).
• Consulting: Focuses on corporate sustainability positioning and life cycle assessment methodologies.

Dr. Assefa collaborates on projects addressing transboundary water management (e.g., Nile River), flood prediction in Ethiopia, and climate change mitigation strategies. His work bridges technical innovation with policy, aiming to achieve equitable and environmentally conscious development globally.