News

New Assistant Professor – Prof. Guo Zhiling

BEEE is delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Guo Zhiling as an Assistant Professor, effective from 19th May 2025. Prof. Guo has been an integral part of our community, and we look forward to his continued contributions in his new role.    Prof. Guo Zhiling earned his Master's and PhD degrees in Japan at the Center for Spatial Information Science, The University of Tokyo.    Prof. Guo’s research spans a broad range of interdisciplinary areas, including smart energy, data science, artificial internet of things (AIoT), and remote sensing. Upon completing his Ph.D., he gained valuable industrial experience as a Data Scientist in the R&D and IoT division of LocationMind Inc., Tokyo. He also held research positions at The University of Tokyo and served as a fellow under the prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).    In 2023, Prof. Guo joined the BEEE at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He currently serves as Director of the DigiEnergy Lab under the International Centre of Urban Energy Nexus (UEX). He also serves as Assistant Editor for Nexus (Cell Press) and Advances in Applied Energy (Elsevier).    Prof. Guo has contributed to a number of publications in reputable journals and conferences, with more than 1,700 citations, an h-index of 23, and an i10-index of 33. He has secured competitive research funding across Japan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, including as Principal Investigator (PI) of the JSPS Young Scientists Fund and Co-PI of the National Key R&D Program of China.    Prof. Guo’s current research focuses on the development of high-resolution spatiotemporal datasets through generative AI-enhanced geospatial data, with applications for renewable energy mapping at a global scale. His work integrates remote sensing and machine learning to analyze building envelopes and identify photovoltaic (PV) panel characteristics. He also develops spatial-temporal models for estimating renewable energy generation potential, leveraging advanced spatial-physical modeling and deep learning techniques to deliver real-time, accurate, and scalable simulation results. In addition, Prof. Guo is leading the development of an interactive Renewable Energy Simulation and Digital Twin Toolkit, designed to support the design of smart energy infrastructure and facilitate data-driven decision-making for sustainable urban energy systems.   

Successful 3MT Competition Showcases Exceptional Talent

On 7 May 2025, The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, a vibrant event that brought together academic staff, students, and colleagues to witness the remarkable presentations of our talented participants. The competition was a resounding success, highlighting the innovative research and communication skills of our postgraduate students.   The event kicked off with a warm welcome speech by Professor Wei Minchen Tommy, Chair of the Departmental Research Committee (DRC), followed by a photo session capturing the enthusiasm and anticipation of the day. The competition challenged students to distill their complex theses into engaging three-minute presentations, accompanied by a single static PowerPoint slide, aimed at a non-specialist audience.    Our distinguished panel of academic staff, including Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien, Director of Research Postgraduate Studies (DoRPgS), Professor Du Liangfen, and Professor Yuen Anthony Chun Yin, evaluated the presentations based on comprehension, engagement, and communication.   Congratulations to PEIRIS Manimel Peirislage Sanduni, who emerged as the Winner, impressing both the judges and the audience with her compelling presentation. ZHOU Siqi secured the position of 1st Runner-up, while TAN Hongjun was awarded 2nd Runner-up. The People's Choice Award, voted by the audience, was proudly claimed by WANG Jinglong for his captivating delivery.    The Department will nominate PEIRIS Manimel Peirislage Sanduni and ZHOU Siqi to represent us at the FCE 3MT®.    The event concluded with a lively tea break and panel discussion, followed by the prize presentation ceremony, where winners were celebrated and congratulated amidst applause and photo-taking.    We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, attendees, and academic staff for making this event a memorable success. Your support and enthusiasm continue to inspire our community's pursuit of excellence in research and communication.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

Four PolyU BEEE Teams Won Awards in the 2025 IFMA Student Competition

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that four of our teams have won awards in this year’s IFMA Student Competition for Best Facility Management Project! Under the guidance of Professor Hou Cynthia , our BEEE Assistant Professor, these talented students have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to the field of facility management. Let's celebrate their remarkable achievements: Gold Award PolyU BEEE: CHAN Chun Kit (Project Title: The effect of visual-audio stimuli on restoration in university campus: a virtual reality approach) Silver Awards PolyU BEEE: YUEN Shuk Ling, CHEUNG Sai Man, WONG Chak Hei (Project Title: Generative AI Application on Property Services) PolyU BEEE: LUK Siu Long, CHAN Wai Kei, CHOI Wai Kin, LAM Wa Sing (Project Title: Quality Assessment on M&E Services in Shopping Mall for Users) PolyU BEEE: CHONG Yiu Chi Hubert, CHOW Tsun Kin Adrian, CHUNG Fung Mei Mandy, FONG King Wa John, LAU Chun Wai Carter (Project Title: Investigation Model of the Management of Toilet Facilities in Shopping Malls) Congratulations to all the winners! Your innovation, commitment, and effort are truly motivating. We eagerly anticipate your continued success in the future!  

Welcome to the 2025-26 Executive Committee of BEEESS - Amor!

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) is thrilled to announce that Amor has been successfully elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Building Environment and Energy Engineering Students' Society (BEEESS) for the term from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the society, and we are eager to see the innovative ideas and initiatives that Amor will bring to the table.   Amor has already outlined an ambitious and engaging year plan, which includes a variety of activities designed to enrich the student experience. Among these are an Orientation Night/Camp to welcome new students, a Sports Cup to foster camaraderie and healthy competition, and a Career Talk to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for students aspiring to excel in their future careers.   In addition, Ir Professor Wong Ling Tim has expressed a keen interest in meeting with the new team to discuss and review the year plan. This meeting took place on April 28th, where Prof. Wong joined to offer departmental support and guidance.   We look forward to a productive and inspiring year under Amor's leadership and are confident that the 2025-26 term will be a memorable and successful one for BEEESS. Let's work together to make this year a remarkable one for all members of the society!  

New Assistant Professor – Prof. Li Hangxin

BEEE is delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Li Hangxin as an Assistant Professor, effective from 1st May 2025. Prof. Li has been an integral part of our community, and we look forward to her continued contributions in her new role.    Prof. Li earned her PhD degree in 2020 from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She began her academic career as a research assistant professor at PolyU the same year. Throughout her research career, she has secured over HKD 6.5 million in external funding as PI/PC, including the RGC General Research Fund and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission Major Carbon-Neutrality Fund. She is also a recipient of the NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas).   Prof. Li’s research focuses on smart, energy-flexible, and energy-efficient buildings, building-power grid interaction and renewable integration, data-driven energy system and control optimization, and uncertainty analysis. She has developed various smart technologies for system and control optimization of buildings and districts to enhance their energy efficiency and flexibility. Prof. Li has published over 50 journal papers, with over 1,500 citations and an h-index of 18 on Google Scholar. She serves as a member of the Young Editorial Board for Advances in Applied Energy and guest editor for the journals Energy and Building Simulation.   Prof. Li is also very active in collaborating with the building and power system industries for applied energy research and applications. She is collaborating with China Southern Power Grid and the Shenzhen Institute of Building Research to develop and implement technologies for enhancing and unlocking energy flexibility in real commercial buildings.  

Four BEEE Projects Awarded at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) continues to showcase research excellence and innovation capabilities, as Associate Professor Huang Xinyan from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) secured a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva for his revolutionary invention “Smart Fire Extinguisher for Spacecraft”. Meanwhile, in the Department of BEEE, Professor Yang Hongxing won the Gold Medal for the project “A Multi-objective Yaw-control System for Wind Farm Optimization Based on Novel 3D Wake Model”, Professor Xiao Fu won the Gold Medal for the project "AI-empowered Digital Twin for Smart Building Management”, and Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry won the Silver Medal for the project “ IHAC Film: Intelligent Humidity Control and Atmospheric Water Collection Film".   The project, developed by Prof. Huang’s research team and his startup company, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, introduced a groundbreaking invention that significantly enhances fire safety in spacecraft. This spacecraft air vortex ring fire extinguishing system employs AI to autonomously detect and locate fires. It generates air vortex rings via pressure regulation for precise extinguishing, maintaining stable propagation in microgravity with stronger fire-extinguishing capabilities and better energy efficiency than traditional firefighting blowers. The compact device uses ambient air, eliminating storage needs and residue issues. Compatible with gas-based extinguishers and firefighting robots, it enhances space mission safety while its modular design extends adaptability to complex earth fire scenarios.   The digital yaw optimization system introduced by Prof. Yang is designed for large-scale wind farms. It combines an innovative 3D yaw wake model with a machine learning module to accurately calculate power and loads based on given yaw angles. The system then uses multi-objective optimization strategies to balance energy output and structural loads.  This invention improves the operational efficiency and reliability of wind farms, offering significant economic and social benefits for wind power development. The innovative AI-powered digital twin management platform invented by Prof. Xiao offers a transformative approach to smart building management. It optimizes energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions and enables predictive maintenance while ensuring optimal indoor comfort and air quality. Prof. Yan's project describes an Intelligent Humidity Control and Atmospheric Water Collection Films (IHAC films) that manage humidity and supply fresh water without using energy. They combine hydrophilic PAN/CNT nanofiber layers with water-storage hydrogels, offering exceptional water adsorption and storage. These lightweight, portable and cost-effective ($16.94/m²) films are scalable and durable in various conditions.   We wholeheartedly applaud Prof. Huang Xinyan, Prof. Yang Hongxing, Prof. Xiao Fu, and Prof. Yan Jinyue Jerry – along with their brilliant research teams – for earning these prestigious accolades. Their stellar accomplishments stand as a testament to PolyU's innovative ethos, forging new frontiers through boundary-pushing research.  

BEEE Assistant Professor Secures Prestigious Environment and Conservation Fund Grant

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is thrilled to announce that Prof. Du Liangfen, Assistant Professor at BEEE, has been awarded funding from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) for her groundbreaking project titled "A Novel Acoustic Metagrating Barrier for Traffic Noise Reduction." Prof. Du's project has received an impressive grant amounting to HK$760,592.   This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the ECF funding process, with less than 13% of applications from PolyU being successful. Prof. Du's success underscores her dedication to advancing environmental research and technology.   Warm congratulations to Prof. Du Liangfen for her remarkable achievement and contribution to environmental conservation. Her innovative work not only enhances the reputation of BEEE but also plays a crucial role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.   We look forward to seeing the positive impact of Prof. Du's research on traffic noise reduction and its contribution to sustainable urban development.  

BEEE Academic Honored with ASHRAE Fellowship Award

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is thrilled to announce that Prof. Linda Fu Xiao, a distinguished academic staff member of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been awarded the prestigious ASHRAE Fellowship Award. This accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of HVAC&R and the built environment.   Prof. Xiao, who also serves as the Associate Dean (Partnership) of the Faculty, has dedicated over 20 years to pioneering research in dynamic modeling, optimal control, and fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) of HVAC&R systems. Her groundbreaking work in leveraging big data and AI technologies has significantly advanced building energy efficiency and resilience, bridging the gap between innovative research methodologies and their practical applications in real-world settings.   The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), established in 1894, is a global society comprising over 50,000 professionals from more than 132 countries. ASHRAE is committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.   Prof. Xiao's recognition as an ASHRAE Fellow highlights her substantial contributions to education, research, engineering design, consultation, and mentoring within the HVAC&R community. Her work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that ASHRAE seeks to honor.   Congratulations to Prof. Linda Fu Xiao on this well-deserved recognition. Her achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in building energy efficiency.  

BEEE Maintains Strong Global Standing in Architecture and Built Environment in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

In an exciting development for the academic community, the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has maintained its impressive ranking in the Architecture and Built Environment category of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, holding steady at 17th globally. This remarkable achievement underscores BEEE's unwavering commitment to excellence in education and research, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.   The QS World University Rankings by Subject are highly regarded for their comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide, assessing factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact. BEEE's consistent ranking at 17th globally highlights the department's dedication to fostering innovative research and providing top-tier education to its students.   The 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject features 55 individual subjects across five broad subject areas. This year's rankings are the most extensive yet, with 171 new institutions included that were not present in the 2024 edition.   The success of BEEE in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its academics, researchers, and students. These achievements not only enhance The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's reputation on the international stage but also reinforce its role as a pivotal contributor to sustainable development and innovation in its respective fields.  

Celebrating Excellence: BEEE Students Honored at CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Awards 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce the achievements of two outstanding BEEE students who received the CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on March 20, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong, celebrated exceptional accomplishments in the field of Building Services Engineering.   The evening brought together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring engineers for a memorable annual dinner. We were honored to have Professor Asif Sohail Usmani, Head of the Department, in attendance, along with the two distinguished awardees, Miss Wong Nok Hei and Mr. Chan Lok Kwan. Their outstanding performance and dedication to their studies were recognized.   The event provided an excellent platform for networking and celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students. It was a night filled with inspiration and recognition, highlighting the bright future of the industry.   Congratulations to Miss Wong Nok Hei and Mr. Chan Lok Kwan for their well-deserved awards. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and passion for Building Services Engineering, and we look forward to their continued contributions to the field.