News

Successful Student Gathering and Scholarship Awards Ceremony for MScCNCUS Programme

On January 22, 2025, the MSc in Carbon Neutral Cities and Urban Sustainability (MScCNCUS) programme hosted a successful student gathering event at the Alumni Atrium. The highlight of the event was the award presentation for the MScCNCUS Post-Entry Merit-based Scholarship for the 2024/25 academic year.   The event commenced with registration at 10:20 am, followed by a warm welcome speech from the Programme Leader, Prof. Vivien Lu. Prof. Lu congratulated the students on their achievements and emphasized the importance of sustainability in urban development. The award presentation recognized outstanding students with scholarships in three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The recipients were: • Gold (HK$30,000 each): LIU Chenxi, LI Qi, QIU Yi, WANG Shuo • Silver (HK$20,000 each): ZHANG Zhaolin, LIU Yanting, CAO Xin, LU Siqi, LI Wangjie, MAO Wanfang • Bronze (HK$10,000 each): LEUNG Yiu Nam, LI Shuyi, LIN Jiaxin, HUANG Ziyi, ZHANG Yilin, WANG Hanmeng, GE Wenjing, XU Lichi, TANG Duo   Following the award ceremony, participants enjoyed a light lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion among students and the Department. The event concluded with a group photo session at 12:10 pm, capturing the spirit of camaraderie and achievement.    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the scholarship recipients and thank everyone who participated in making this event a memorable success.    The photo gallery can be found here.  

Two BEEE PhD Students Won the Oral Presentation Awards in International and National Conferences

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to report that Mr Yifei DING and Mr Yichao ZHANG, our PhD student who are both under the supervision of Associate Professor Xinyan HUANG, have been selected for the Oral Presentation Awards for two academic conferences in 2024.   Yifei Ding selected for the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award on 2024 National Thermal Safety Conference. His presentation, “AI-based digitized fuel load survey: data collection and statistical analysis”, proposed a new building fire load database, contributing to fire safety design and smart building developments.  Yifei’s research is focused on smart firefighting and fire digital twins.   Yichao Zhang received the Best Student Oral Presentation Award at the 17th International Peatland Congress for his presentation, “Impact of Underground Smoldering on Plant Roots in Peat Soil.” This research investigates the damage caused by smoldering underground peat fires to plant roots, providing theoretical support for forest management and vegetation recovery after wildfires. Yichao’ work focus on wildland fire and smoldering fire.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Yifei, Yichao and their collaborators on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE PhD Student Team Awarded in the Hong Kong ICT Startup Award 2024

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that our PhD student, Mr. Wong Ho Yin, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Dr Huang Xinyan, has won the Certificate of Merit in the Hong Kong ICT Startup Award.   Mr. Wong’s team project, “Generation Alpha Building Emergency System”, initiated in the PolyU Maker Fund Programme 2021 and thus established a start-up, GABES Limited, received the Certificate of Merit Hardware and Devices Stream. The project is an Internet of Things (IoT) system comprising a wireless detectors mesh network and dynamic exit signs. The fire detector system, which utilizes artificial intelligence technology, can significantly reduce the number of false alarms and provide an early warning, while the dynamic exit sign system guides evacuees towards the safest evacuation paths, reducing evacuation time.   This project is crucial to the novel smart firefighting technology developed at PolyU (the SureFire Project). This technology will be applied to the next generation of smart and resilient buildings, helping Hong Kong become the world's leading smart city.   The Hong Kong ICT Awards was established in 2006. It is the most recognised and longest-standing information technology award in Hong Kong. It aims at recognising and promoting outstanding local information and communications technology (ICT) inventions and applications, thereby promoting constant innovation and pursuit of excellence in the entire ICT industry.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Wong Ho Yin and his team on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE Team Wins Gold Medal for Innovative Coating at the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, December 6, 2024 – The Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions (AEII) held in Hong Kong on December 5-6, 2024. The team, led by Prof. LU Lin Vivien and Dr. GONG Quan, was recognized for their groundbreaking project titled "Synergistic Integration of Terrestrial Radiative Cooling and Bifacial Solar Photovoltaics for Low-Carbon Buildings."   The BEEE team has developed an environmentally friendly solar-driven adaptive radiative cooling coating that can adjust cooling capacity based on solar irradiance, thus cooling building roofs and walls without consuming any energy. The invention can integrate bifacial photovoltaic (biPV) modules, enabling simultaneous solar power generation and radiative cooling, thereby transforming buildings from energy consumers into energy harvesters. The coating can also convert solar energy into visible light to prevent buildings from absorbing excessive heat, as well as improve the efficiency of biPV systems and enhance their cooling capabilities. This enables buildings to generate more power while passively radiating excess heat into space, helping to realise energy-efficient and net-zero energy building designs.    The AEII is a renowned annual event that celebrates cutting-edge inventions and solutions from across Asia, attracting scholars, experts, and inventors from around the globe. This year, PolyU achieved remarkable success, securing a total of 18 accolades, including the Grand Prize, one Special Prize, seven Gold Medals, eight Silver Medals, and one Bronze Medal.   Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), expressed his pride in the achievements of the PolyU teams, stating, "The remarkable accomplishments of our academics, students, and alumni reflect PolyU's strong research capabilities and our commitment to innovation. These awards highlight our dedication to addressing global challenges through cutting-edge research and solutions."   The BEEE team's success underscores the vital role of PolyU's research initiatives in driving sustainable development and innovation. Their award-winning project not only contributes to the advancement of low-carbon building technologies but also aligns with PolyU's mission to create a positive impact on society and the environment.   For more information on BEEE award-winning project and innovations showcased at the AEII, please visit the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office website.  

BEEE Chair Professor Joins Elite Ranks as 'Highly Cited Researcher 2024’

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly announces that Prof. Yan Jinyue Jerry, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), has been recognized as one of the "Highly Cited Researchers 2024" by Clarivate Analytics. This prestigious recognition underscores Prof. Yan's significant contributions and impact in his research field, placing him among the top 1% of researchers worldwide based on citation metrics.   The annual list by Clarivate Analytics honors researchers who have demonstrated exceptional influence through the publication of multiple highly-cited papers over the past 11 years. This year, 6,636 researchers from 59 countries and regions have been acknowledged for their outstanding work.   Prof. Yan's inclusion in this list highlights PolyU's commitment to research excellence and its dedication to fostering innovation and societal impact. His work in building environment and energy engineering not only advances academic knowledge but also contributes to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.   BEEE congratulates Prof. Yan on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field and the university's mission of driving positive societal change.    

Successful Completion of The 2nd International Conference on Energy Engineering

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully organized the 2nd International Conference on Energy Engineering (ICEE2024), held from November 29 to December 2, 2024, at PolyU. The conference attracted over 250 academics and professionals from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and various overseas countries. The theme of the conference is ‘Engineering a Carbon-neutral Future’, which aims to address a wide range of global challenges through interdisciplinary discussions and communications. For more details, please visit the event website at https://www.iceeconf.com/.   Chaired by Prof. LU Lin Vivien of BEEE, alongside Prof. WU Wei from City University of Hong Kong and Prof. CAO Sunliang of BEEE, ICEE2024 featured plenary sessions, keynote speeches, oral presentations, poster sessions, and technical tours. Key topics included Renewable Energy, Clean Energy Technologies, Intelligent and Electrical Energy Systems, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage and Energy Policy and Sustainability.   During the opening ceremony on November 30, Prof. LU Vivien delivered an opening speech, followed by welcome speeches from Dr. Miranda Lou, the Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Dr. Wai-kwok Lo, JP, a Member of the Legislative Council (Engineering) and Chairman of the Development Panel in Hong Kong SAR, China.  The plenary distinguished speakers include Prof. Yong Tae KANG from Korea University, with the plenary speech on “Thermal Energy Storage for Plus Energy Building Applications: Sorption Thermal Battery”; Prof. WANG Zuankai from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with the plenary speech on “Field Matching Principle for Energy Efficiency Enhancement”; Prof. ZHANG Lizhi from South China University of Technology, with plenary speech on “Solar Energy Driven Membrane-Based Desalination Systems.”; Prof. DING Yuling from the University of Birmingham on “Sector Coupling Through Synergistic Energy and Resource Integration: The Role and Value of Carnot Batteries,” and another by Prof. Soteris KALOGIROU from the Cyprus University of Technology titled “Renewable Energy Systems: Current Status in the World and Prospects.”      Prof. LU Lin Vivien and Dr Wai-kwok Lo, JP delivering welcome speeches   The success of ICEE2024 is largely attributed to the strong support from PolyU and BEEE, particularly in terms of financial resources and venue arrangements. Additionally, support came from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, China University of Mining & Technology-Beijing, Tech Science Press, HKIE, and several supporting journals, including Energy Engineering, Renewable Energy, Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer, and Science & Technology Review.   BEEE would like to congratulate the success of the conference. We look forward to seeing the participants in BEEE activities in the near future.  

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 16 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 Professor Cao Sunliang Energy Professor Huang Xinyan Energy Ir Professor Wong Ling Tim Building & Construction Professor Yuen Anthony Chun Yin Mechanical Engineering & Transports    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.