News

Two BEEE Academic Members Recognized for Innovative Projects in MTR Research Funding Scheme 2023

Hong Kong's extensive railway network has long been an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of mass public transportation for the densely-populated city. To address the evolving challenges of developing smart and sustainable railways, the MTR Academy established the MTR Research Funding (MRF) Scheme in early 2023. The scheme aims to support innovative projects in the field of railway technology. We are delighted to announce that two esteemed academic staff members from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been selected for their exceptional insights in enhancing system performance and service provision quality.   Dr Huang Xinyan, an Associate Professor in BEEE, leads the project titled "Intelligent Emergency Digital Twin System in Metro Station for Fire Evacuation." This project proposes an intelligent safety monitoring system that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AIoT, computer vision, and deep learning to enable smart fire emergency responses and evacuations. The system predicts the dynamic flow of occupants and assesses the risk of stampedes during a fire emergency. It also provides on-site evacuation guidance through dynamic exit sign systems. Furthermore, the system can identify the status and behaviors of occupants, enabling the identification of individuals in need of immediate assistance near the fire incident. Real-time information is then transmitted to firefighters and rescue teams.   Dr Yuen Chun Yin Anthony, an Assistant Professor and Presential Young Scholar in BEEE, leads a project titled "Coupling Fire and Toxicity Predictions Using CFD-MD Simulations for Enhanced Pedestrian Movement Modelling and Fire Resilience Designs of Metro Stations." The project aims to identify the parent combustion fuel gases crucial for toxicity assessments, specifically the pyrolysis and combustion releases resulting from burning certain building and furnishing materials. Dr Yuen's innovative approach involves incorporating coupled and non-linear pyrolysis-combustion kinetics through Molecular Dynamics (MD) characterization and validation using thermal gravimetry (TG) data. The project's outcomes will contribute to the design of firefighting and egress systems in metro stations.   The recognition of these two projects in the MTR Research Funding Scheme 2023 highlights the BEEE's commitment to advancing railway technology and addressing critical safety concerns. The innovative approaches taken by Dr Huang and Dr Yuen have the potential to significantly enhance fire resilience and emergency response in metro stations.   We congratulate Dr Huang and Dr Yuen on their outstanding achievements and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of their research on the future development of Hong Kong's railway systems.  

BEEE Student Won 3rd Prize at BSOMES Research Prize 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is thrilled to announce that Ms Arailym Shmidt, an undergraduate student in BEEE, has been awarded the BSOMES Research Prize 2023. This esteemed competition recognizes exceptional research work in the field of building services operation and maintenance.   Ms Shmidt's research submission captivated the judges during the evaluation process conducted by independent assessors, securing her the third prize in this highly competitive competition. Her outstanding work is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field of building services.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms Arailym Shmidt for this remarkable achievement and applaud her unwavering commitment to research excellence. Her success reflects her hard work and dedication to advancing the field of building services. We wish her continued success in her academic and professional pursuits.  

BEEE Research Student Received Sheldon Tieszen Student Award at IAFSS

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to share the news that BEEE PhD student Tianwei Chu has received the prestigious Sheldon Tieszen Student Award for the excellence of research paper presented in the 14th International symposium on fire safety science (IAFSS 2023, top conference of the field).   The award was presented by the Chairman of the International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS) and are sponsored by the International FORUM of Fire Research Directors. The International Symposium on Fire Safety Science, a triennial event organized by the IAFSS since 1985, is widely recognized as the most important academic gathering in the field of fire safety science. The Sheldon Tieszen Student Awards were established to recognize the excellence in an IAFSS symposium paper in fire safety science by a student making a significant contribution to that paper..   The award-winning research paper is titled ‘Introducing an Active Opening Strategy to Mitigate Large Open-Plan Compartment Fire Development’, which introduces a novel fire control strategy ‘Active Opening’ to mitigate the fast fire spread in large open-plan compartments. This research was advised by Dr Jiang Liming  (his chief supervisor) with the help from Professor Asif Sohail Usmani (his co-supervisor). The research was based on PolyU’s recent investigations on fire development mechanisms in modern building compartments, and it has received highly praising feedback after Tianwei’s presentation in IAFSS.   We would like to offer the warmest congratulations to Tianwei for his outstanding achievement in IAFSS. For more information about ‘active opening’, please follow the research led by Dr Jiang Liming and view the VR videos of the recent demonstration tests using scaled compartments. (https://youtu.be/NlUvKoxewjs?si=hvvcTBaHKiuT-KC5 )

PolyU Info Day 2023 Exceeds Expectations in Showcasing BEEE Programmes

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is excited to announce the successful BEEE Career Night: Explore Your Future event held on 2nd November 2023.   The evening commenced with a warm welcome by Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim, Associate Head of  BEEE. Representatives from esteemed organizations such as ATAL Engineering Group, CLPe Solutions, EMSD, ISS Facility Services Ltd, J. Roger Preston Limited, and Sino Land Company Limited shared their insights and experiences through engaging presentations.   The event provided an invaluable opportunity for aspiring engineers to learn from industry leaders. Our students had the privilege of learning from professionals in the field, gaining valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the engineering industry.   We extend our gratitude to the representatives and supporters who made this event possible. We are inspired by the enthusiasm and passion displayed by our students and are confident that events like these will play a crucial role in shaping their future careers. Together, we are empowering the next generation of engineers.   Thank you to everyone involved in making the BEEE Career Night a success.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

PolyU Info Day 2023 Exceeds Expectations in Showcasing BEEE Programmes

PolyU Info Day, held on October 21, 2023, was a resounding success, with the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) actively providing prospective students with the latest information about BEEE programs and curriculum. The Senior Management’s Tour kicked off the day's events in the morning. Head of Department, Professor Asif Sohail Usmani, and all BEEE teachers/students ambassadors warmly welcomed students, parents, and members of the public.  Info Day featured various activities, including information seminars on Undergraduate (Ug) and Taught Postgraduate (TPg) Programmes, 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, such as innovative teaching and learning methods, student activities like WIE and student exchange programs, and the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities available. Three information seminars offered interested candidates, parents, and secondary students an in-depth understanding of the department, building sciences and engineering, and the BEEE program. The presentations highlighted the professionalism and promising career prospects associated with studying BEEE. During the Ug information seminars, Undergraduate Programme Leader Ir Dr WONG Ling Tim and Deputy Undergraduate Programme Leader Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda provided an introduction, followed by guest speakers Ir Gary Chiang and Ir Keith Yue, esteemed BEEE graduates, who shared their experiences and perspectives, emphasising the exciting career opportunities available. Admission arrangements were also explained, and questions from visitors, mainly secondary school students and parents, were addressed on the spot. Professor Du Yaping Patrick delivered the TPg information seminar, introducing the six Taught Postgraduate Programmes. TPg programme leaders, including Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien, Dr Cao Sunliang, and Ir Dr Lui Che Heng Gigi, joined the seminar to answer audience questions. A current master student, Ms. Leung Tze Ying, who was previously an undergraduate student in BEEE, shared her U-life and career planning during the FCE thematic talk. In addition to the seminars, physically guided tours of the BEEE laboratories were arranged, allowing the public to witness firsthand the advanced equipment used in the Department. BEEE extends its sincerest gratitude and appreciation to all colleagues, alumni, guests, and student ambassadors who wholeheartedly participated in Info Day. The event successfully facilitated prospective students' understanding of the department and its academic programs. BEEE eagerly looks forward to welcoming them to join the program in the near future, confident that they will thrive in the dynamic field of building environment and energy engineering.  The photo gallery can be found here.    

BEEE Alumnus Honored with IFMA Distinguished Author Award

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr. Roger Law, an esteemed alumnus of PolyU, has been honored with the 2023 IFMA Distinguished Author Award: Research Paper. This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon him by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) on September 28, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, USA. Mr. Law, a dedicated engineering professional and proud recipient of a Master's degree in Facility Management and a Bachelor's degree in Building Services Engineering from PolyU, has consistently demonstrated the value of his education through his remarkable achievements. His unwavering commitment to his field, combined with his continuous research collaboration with BEEE, particularly with Ir Professor Lai Hung Kit Joseph, has made a significant impact on his professional success. The IFMA Distinguished Author Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the field of facility management, specifically through the publication of high-value research papers. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating not only the research's impact but also the candidate's career trajectory, accomplishments, and overall contributions to the broader facility management community. Mr. Law's receipt of this award serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to facility management and reflects the exceptional standard of education provided by PolyU. His achievement is further amplified as he becomes the first Asian recipient of this prestigious award, marking a significant milestone in his career and enhancing global recognition for our alumni. Since its establishment in 1980, IFMA has remained the world's largest and most renowned international association for facility management professionals, fostering a strong network of over 24,000 members across more than 100 countries. Mr. Law's accomplishment serves as an inspiration to our current and prospective students, highlighting the potential of our graduates to excel on the global stage. Source: IFMA News - 2023 Awards of Excellence Winners, Other Honorees Announced  

Engineers of the future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up on 5 October 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully organized the highly anticipated event "Engineers of the Future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up" on 5 October 2023. The event aimed to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for BEEE students.   This event brought together five 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); and HKIE (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers) – Building Services Division.     The “Engineers of the future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up” was a valuable opportunity for our BEEE students interested in their future engineering careers to connect with the professional engineering societies closely related to their field.  Students had the chance to learn about the latest information and speak with the representatives from each professional body to discuss their professional status, engineering communities, express route to be qualified as a corporate member, registered professional engineers (RPE), and CEng, etc. The Department also sponsored the first-year membership fee of any society of students’ choice.   BEEE would like to extend our gratitude to all representatives for their voluntary participation in the “Engineers of the future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up”. BEEE believes that this experience will inspire and guide our students as they embark on their engineering journeys.   The photo gallery can be found here.

BEEE Student Awarded FSICA Award 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that our student, Liu Jiahao, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious FSICA Award for the 2022/23 academic year. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Liu Jiahao for this remarkable achievement. The FSICA (The Association of Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors of Hong Kong Limited) has recognized Liu Jiahao's outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication in the field of Building Services Engineering. This esteemed award serves as a testament to his exceptional academic performance and unwavering commitment to excellence. We were honored to have Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace and Liu Jiahao in attendance at the FSICA Annual Dinner held on 21 September 2023. It was during this significant event that the FSICA Award was presented to Liu Jiahao. Once again, we extend our warmest congratulations to Liu Jiahao on receiving the FSICA Award. This recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and we are immensely proud of his accomplishments.  

Successful BEEE Non-local Student Gathering 202324 Strengthens Connections and Community

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce the successful BEEE Non-local Student Gathering 2023/24, organized by the Department. The event, held on 20th September 2023, provided a fantastic opportunity for non-local students in the BEEE BEng programme to connect with their peers and Department staff. The gathering, held at Room ZS869, 8/F Block Z, PolyU, welcomed Year 1 and Year 2 non-local students, along with esteemed guests including Professor Asif Usmani, Head of Unit, Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim, Associate Head & BEng Programme Leader, and Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda, Deputy BEng Programme Leader. The in-person event featured various activities aimed at fostering camaraderie and building relationships. Participants enjoyed a warm welcome speech by the Head of Unit and Programme Leaders, introducing upcoming department events. A casual self-introduction session allowed students to share their names, nationalities, hobbies, and study backgrounds. Representatives of current non-local students shared their experiences, followed by a staff-student sharing session where participants engaged in meaningful conversations over tea and refreshments. The gathering concluded with a memorable group photo session, capturing the spirit of unity among the attendees. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who attended, making the BEEE Non-local Student Gathering 2023/24 a resounding success. We encourage those who couldn't attend to stay connected and participate in future department events. Thank you to everyone for their active participation and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to connect within the BEEE community! To view photos from the gathering, please visit our photo gallery here.  

BEEE’s Associate Professor Awarded the National’s 2023 Excellent Young Scientists Fund on Wildfire Research

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that our Associate Professor, Dr Huang Xinyan, has been granted a total funding of RMB 2 million from the National's 2023 Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau). Dr Huang's research focuses on fundamental fire dynamics and the development of smart firefighting technologies to enhance fire safety in buildings and cities. His investigations extend to understanding the complexities of natural fire phenomena and the interaction between humans and wildland fires. The awarded project, "Smouldering Wildfire," specifically examines the burning of decomposed plant litter and organic soils. These large-scale smouldering wildfires lead to significant economic losses, regional haze events, ecological damage, and substantial carbon emissions. Dr Huang's research will involve conducting experiments of varying scales, developing AI-powered computational models to predict smouldering-related wildfire carbon emissions, and proposing a smart firefighting framework for preventing, detecting, and suppressing smouldering wildfires. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young Scientists Fund aims to support young scholars (under the age of 38 for males or 40 for females) who have made significant contributions to basic research and demonstrated innovation in their respective fields, fostering their growth as internationally recognized scholars. Each year, only 25 young scholars in Hong Kong and Macau are selected to receive this prestigious funding. The Department would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Huang for this outstanding achievement.