News

BEEE Academic Staff Honored in Stanford's Top 2% Scientists Compilation

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that 15 BEEE academic staff members have been recognized among the world's top 2% of scientists in their respective disciplines, according to the index recently compiled by Stanford University. These distinguished scholars have been included in the “Career-long Impact” list based on their citation impact throughout their careers. BEEE Top 2% Scientists in the Global List  Name Subject Field (Top-Ranked Science-Metrix Category) Professor Asif Sohail Usmani Civil Engineering Ir Professor Christopher Chao Building & Construction Professor Chen Qingyan Building & Construction Ir Professor Niu Jianlei Building & Construction Ir Professor Wang Shengwei Energy Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry Energy Ir Professor Lai Hung Kit Joseph Building & Construction Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien Energy Ir Professor Mak Cheuk Ming Acoustics Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace Building & Construction Professor Xiao Fu Building & Construction Ir Professor Yang Hongxing Energy Dr Cao Sunliang Energy Dr Huang Xinyan Energy Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim Building & Construction   The latest release of the citation indicators, compiled by a team of experts led by Professor John Ioannidis at Stanford University, is based on the top 100,000 scientists by c-score (with and without self-citations) or those with a percentile rank of 2% or above in their sub-field. Scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields according to the standard Science-Metrix classification.   This publicly available database provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator. The complete list can be found here. (As per the data published by Elsevier on 16 September 2024 (version 7) )   Congratulations to our top scientists for this well-deserved recognition!  

BEEE Career Night Event - Empowering Future Engineers

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is thrilled to announce the successful BEEE Career Night: Explore Your Future event, which took place on November 6, 2024.   The evening began with a warm welcome from Dr Cao Sunliang, Associate Professor of BEEE. Representatives from prestigious organizations, including ATAL Engineering Group, CLPe Solutions, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of HKSAR, J. Roger Preston Limited, Jardine Engineering Corporation, and Swire Properties Limited, delivered engaging presentations, sharing valuable insights and experiences.   This event offered an incredible opportunity for aspiring engineers to learn from industry leaders. Our students benefited from the expertise of these professionals, gaining insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the engineering sector.   We would like to express our gratitude to the representatives and supporters who contributed to the success of this event. The enthusiasm and passion exhibited by our students inspire us, and we believe that initiatives like this are vital in shaping their future careers. Together, we are empowering the next generation of engineers.   Thank you to everyone who played a role in making the BEEE Career Night a success.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

New Beginnings: BEEE Celebrates Non-Local Student Integration

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently hosted a successful Non-Local Student Gathering on November 1, 2024. This event welcomed newly admitted non-local students from Mainland China and around the world, providing an excellent opportunity to foster connections within the BEEE community.   Held in the Alumni Atrium, the gathering featured a warm welcome from Head of Unit Professor Asif Sohail Usmani, Programme Leader Dr Cao Sunliang, Associate Heads Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim and Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace.   Participants engaged in casual self-introductions, while senior students shared their experiences, offering valuable insights to the newcomers.   A highlight of the event was the staff-student sharing session, where attendees enjoyed a light lunch while discussing academic and social opportunities within the department. The gathering concluded with a fun mass game and a group photo session, capturing the camaraderie among students and staff.   We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for making the Non-Local Student Gathering a memorable occasion. We look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing to strengthen our BEEE family!   The photo gallery can be found here.    

BEEE PhD Students Triumph at ISETS-ESCAP Competition, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement by a team of BEEE PhD students.   This talented group, consisting of three PhD candidates from BEEE and a student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has won first prize in the Northeast Asia division of the 2024 ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition. Their innovative research focuses on digital twin technology for sustainable transportation.   Operating under the International Centre of Urban Energy Nexus (IUEX) at PolyU, the team, named “Energy Victory,” is led by Prof. Jerry YAN, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings in BEEE.   Supervised by Prof. YAN and Dr Ying DU, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department, the team members—Junxiang ZHANG, Shibo ZHU, Dayin CHEN, and Haolan CHEN from Shanghai Jiao Tong University—developed an innovative project titled "Drawing the Blueprint of Traffic Electrification with Digital Twin." This award-winning project aims to advance the Sustainable Development Goals within the transportation sector, showcasing the team’s commitment to driving significant change through cutting-edge digital twin technology.   The ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition is organized by the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The competition attracted around 300 submissions from 77 teams representing 37 countries, bringing together young leaders from across the globe. The success of the PolyU team highlights the university’s commitment to fostering emerging researchers and leadership in promoting sustainable energy solutions.   This award not only acknowledges the students' hard work but also reinforces PolyU's reputation as a premier institution for innovative research and collaborative efforts in sustainability. The PolyU team will next represent the university at the Global Final Competition in Chengdu this November, taking part in the event at the United Nations ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok.  

BEEE Assistant Professor Awarded for Departmental Teaching Award 2023/24

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is thrilled to announce that Assistant Professor Dr Hou Cynthia has been selected for the Departmental Teaching Award for the 2023/24 academic year. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching and learning within our department.   Congratulations, Dr Hou!   Her dedication and commitment to educational excellence have not gone unnoticed. We encourage Dr Hou to continue her commendable efforts and fully develop her potential.   Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We wish Dr Hou continued success in all her future endeavors!  

BEEE Shines at PolyU Info Day 2024, Engaging Future Students

The PolyU Info Day, held on 12 October 2024, was a resounding success, with the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) actively providing prospective students with the latest information about its programs and curriculum.   The day's events kicked off with the Senior Management Tour in the morning. Acting Head of Department, Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace, along with BEEE academic   and student ambassadors, warmly welcomed students, parents, and members of the public.   Info Day featured a variety of activities, including information seminars on Undergraduate (Ug) and Taught Postgraduate (TPg) programs, a consultation booth, and guided laboratory visits. These activities aimed to deepen visitors' understanding of BEEE programs and provide an immersive experience.   The consultation booth showcased the unique features of BEEE programs, highlighting innovative teaching and learning methods, student activities such as Work-Integrated Education (WIE) and exchange programs, as well as the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.   Three information seminars provided prospective students, parents, and secondary school attendees with an in-depth understanding of the department, building sciences, and the BEEE program. Presentations emphasized the professionalism and promising career prospects associated with studying BEEE.   During the Ug information seminars, Deputy Undergraduate Programme Leader Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda introduced the session, followed by guest speakers Ir Edward Chan and Ir Gary Chiang, both distinguished alumni awardees of PolyU BEEE in 2024 and 2023, respectively. They shared their experiences and perspectives, highlighting exciting career opportunities. Undergraduate Programme Leader Dr Cao Sunliang and Associate Head (Partnership) Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim presented souvenirs to the guest speakers, while admission arrangements were explained and questions from visitors—primarily secondary school students and parents—were addressed on the spot.   Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien led the TPg information seminar, introducing the six Taught Postgraduate Programs. TPg program leaders, including Professor Du Yaping Patrick, Dr Hou Cynthia, and Dr Jiang Liming, participated to answer audience questions. Current master’s student Mr. Law Sing, a former BEEE undergraduate, shared insights about his university experience and career planning during the FCE thematic talk.   In addition to the seminars, guided tours of the BEEE laboratories were arranged, allowing the public to witness firsthand the advanced equipment used in the department.   BEEE extends its heartfelt gratitude to all colleagues, alumni, guests, and student ambassadors who participated in Info Day. The event successfully enhanced prospective students' understanding of the department and its academic programs. BEEE eagerly looks forward to welcoming these future students, confident that they will thrive in the dynamic field of building environment and energy engineering.   The photo gallery can be found here.    

Engineers of the Future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up Event Ignites Excitement among Students

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly hosted the exciting event "Engineers of the Future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up" on 20 September 2024. This event was designed to offer BEEE students valuable insights and fantastic networking opportunities.   We were thrilled to welcome five esteemed professional engineering societies: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) - HK chapter BSOMES (Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society) CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) – HK Region CIPHE (The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) HKIE (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers) – Building Services Division   The "Engineers of the Future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up" provided a unique platform for our students to connect with these professional organizations and explore their future engineering careers. Attendees engaged with representatives, learned about the latest industry trends, and discussed pathways to becoming corporate members or registered professional engineers (RPE) and Chartered Engineers (CEng). Plus, the Department generously covered the first-year membership fee for any society of the students’ choice!   A huge thank you to all the representatives who participated voluntarily in this event. We believe this experience will inspire and guide our students as they embark on their engineering journeys.   Check out the photo gallery here!   

Welcome Message from Department Head

It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you on behalf of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at the Faculty of Construction and Environment.   Established in December 1981, BEEE has been dedicated to serving Hong Kong's building services engineering industry by promoting sustainable, efficient, and healthy indoor and urban living environments. As part of our mission, we offer a comprehensive range of study programs, from Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) to Masters (MSc and MEng) and even Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), ensuring our students receive world-class teaching and have the opportunity to participate in internationally leading research.   In today's rapidly urbanizing world, where we face the challenges of climate change and environmental pollution, the need for high-quality living environments has never been greater. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and 70% of people projected to live in urban areas, the role of future building engineers has become increasingly crucial. Our programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to design high-performance buildings and building systems, leveraging the latest technologies such as sensor networks, AI, IoT, data science, and BIM.   At BEEE, our academic and teaching staff are actively engaged in research activities focused on three core themes: Building Energy, Building Environment, and Building Safety and Resilience. These research areas are fundamental to improving the sustainability, health, and safety of the built environment.   By joining us, you embark on a journey to learn and contribute to the promotion of smarter urban environments for a better and more sustainable future for humanity and our planet. I sincerely appreciate your interest in our department and programs, and I look forward to witnessing your successful and fulfilling journey with us.   Once again, welcome to the BEEE family. I extend my best wishes for your academic and personal growth during your time with us.   Prof. Asif Usmani Head of Unit Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering  

BEEE’s PhD student selected for the FCE Awards for Outstanding PhD Theses 2023/24

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to report that Dr Shi Wenchao, our PhD student who is under the supervision of Prof YANG Hongxing, has been selected as a recipient of the FCE Awards for Outstanding PhD Theses 2023/24.   This award recognizes the exceptional quality of Dr Shi's PhD thesis and his outstanding performance during the oral presentation. The FCE Awards, organized by the Faculty of Construction and Environment, aim to honor the most exceptional doctoral research conducted within the faculty.   In the thesis, Dr Shi developed a novel plate-type cross-flow indirect evaporative cooler with porous media (PIEC). The proposed PIEC can achieve intermittent spraying so as to shrink the operation time of the pump system and lessen the pressure drop in secondary air channels, noticeably reducing energy consumption compared with the traditional indirect evaporative cooler that needs continuous spraying.    The Department warmly congratulate Dr Shi on this remarkable achievement and look forward to his continued success and the positive impact his work will have on the field.    

Smart Design on Optimising Land Resources- Social Innovation Inventor –Design Competition 2023/24

The World Green Organisation (WGO) and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently hosted the Award Presentation Ceremony for the Social Innovation Inventor Design Competition. The event celebrated innovative design solutions that addressed pressing social and environmental challenges.   The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including: Officiating Guests: Mr. Lam Chi Man, David, JP, Under Secretary for Development Bureau Ms. Joanne Yung, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Resources Recovery), Environmental Protection Department Ir Dr. Wong Ling Tim, Associate Head (Partnership) and Associate Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University   Prize Presenters: Ms. Elizabeth Tai, Director – Corporate Affairs (Business Operations), CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Mr. Martin Putnam, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Airport Authority Hong Kong Mr. Michael Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Karin Group Mr. Alex Cheung, Chairman of Board of Governors, World Green Organisation Mr. Albert Oung, President, World Green Organisation Dr. William Yu, CEO, World Green Organisation   Guests - Judge Panel: Mr. M H Chiu, Assistant Manager, Sustainability, Airport Authority Hong Kong   The Social Innovation Inventor Competition aims to foster a culture of innovation and sustainability, empowering young people to develop solutions that address societal and environmental challenges. This year's event showcased a remarkable collection of innovative designs, demonstrating the creativity and problem-solving skills of the participants.   After a rigorous selection process, the champions in the secondary school and tertiary student categories were announced. The team from Pui Ching Middle School emerged victorious in the secondary school category, showcasing a visit to the recycling factory in the park and an exhibition on the history of Yuen Long, which can raise the environmental awareness and recycling knowledge of the public and visitors, and conserve the culture of Yuen Long in a sustainable way. In the tertiary student category, The University of Hong Kong secured the top position, impressing the judges with a design based on walled villages, continuing the traditional atmosphere and ambiance, while incorporating green elements to establish an intergenerational inclusive northern metropolis.   Under Secretary for Development Bureau, Mr. Lam Chi-man, praised the creativity and excellent performance of the participating students. He stated that the Northern Metropolitan Area is a strategic new development area, which will provide about 500,000 new residential units and about 500,000 new job opportunities, serving as the focal point for future population, industries and economic activities. The government will plan the Northern Metropolitan Area with a forward-looking and innovative concept, striving to achieve a sustainable carbon-neutral community. He firmly believes that the development of the Northern Metropolitan Area will bring unlimited opportunities for the younger generation, and he encourages students to participate in the future development of the Northern Metropolitan Area and help create a better living environment for Hong Kong.   Ms. Joanne Yung, the Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Recycling) of the Environmental Protection Department, also highly praised the outstanding and creative works of the participating students, who were able to integrate a wealth of innovative environmental technologies into the building design, cleverly connecting and interacting the buildings with nature. "The integration of building design and management with the concept of sustainable development, reducing the impact on nature, has become a global trend. To build a sustainable future for Hong Kong, we must vigorously promote the development of green buildings and work together to build a carbon-neutral city to protect the Earth."   Ir Dr. Wong Ling Tim, the Associate Head/Associate Professor of PolyU BEEE, who has been a judge for this competition for many years, is very satisfied with the outstanding performance of the students this year. He praised the students' positive and serious learning attitude, their in-depth understanding of the building environment, and their skillful use of information technology to vividly present their design concepts. He emphasized that Hong Kong's future environmental planning requires talents with professional skills, innovative spirit, and a strong grasp of technology. He encourages young people to develop their interests into professional expertise, becoming green building design talents, and contribute their knowledge to society to lead Hong Kong's progress.   The award presentation ceremony was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the participants, as well as the continued support and commitment of WGO and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , partners, and the wider community in promoting social and environmental sustainability through innovative design.   Photos of the event can be viewed here. For more details about the competition, please visit the official website of the World Green Organization (WGO) :  https://thewgo.org/website/chi/news/siiceremony2023-24/