News

BEEE PhD Student Honoured with Two Research Awards at the CIB World Building Congress 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to share that Ms Sanduni Peiris, a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Joseph H.K. Lai and Professor Mohan Kumaraswamy, has received two prestigious awards at the CIB World Building Congress 2025, held at Purdue University, USA.    Sanduni was presented with the Best Paper Award in the category W070 – Facilities Management and Maintenance, and the 4th Emerald Award, which also includes a cash prize of GBP 100, in recognition of her research paper titled "Developing a Smart Retrofitting Decision-Making Model for Office Buildings: A Case Study."    The awarded paper presents a multi-criteria decision-making model that supports facility managers in selecting optimal smart retrofit options. By integrating expert input, retrofit project data and a final ranking process, the study provides a structured and transparent evaluation tool for use in real-world retrofitting scenarios. The model was validated through a case study on a 40-storey office building in Hong Kong.    Sanduni’s work contributes to the advancement of data-driven decision-making in the built environment and aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).    The Department congratulates Sanduni on this outstanding achievement and wishes her continued success in her academic journey.  

BEEE Study Tour 2025: A Memorable Learning Journey to Sydney, Australia

The BEEE Study Tour 2025 was successfully held in Sydney, Australia from 14 to 20 May 2025. A total of 33 students and 4 teachers participated in this enriching overseas experience. The accompanying teachers were Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda, Professor Yuen Anthony Chun Yin, Professor Hou Cynthia, and Dr Tsang Tsz Wun, Hayley.   The study tour featured a variety of academic and cultural activities. On 15 May, participants enjoyed a campus tour and laboratory visit at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Website). The following day, students engaged in cultural exchange activities at UNSW, fostering international understanding and collaboration.   During the weekend, the group explored the vibrant city of Sydney, experiencing its unique culture and landmarks. On 19 May, the tour continued with a laboratory visit at Western Sydney University (WSU Website).   The BEEE Study Tour 2025 provided students with valuable insights into engineering education and research in Australia, while also broadening their global perspectives through cultural immersion. The tour was a memorable and rewarding experience for all participants.   The photo gallery can be found here.

BSE2S01 Students Lead Transformative STEM Workshop in Cambodia, Fostering Sustainability and Cultural Exchange

From December 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025, a dedicated group of 23 students and staff from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), including Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace, Interim Dean of Students and Professor, and Ir Professor Wong Ling Tim, Associate Head (Partnership) and Associate Professor, embarked on a transformative Service-Learning project at Kurmul International School (KIS) in Cambodia. BSE2S01 Science for Healthy and Sustainable Living Environments, this initiative was designed to foster educational exchange and promote sustainability through a comprehensive STEM workshop, which directly benefited 65 Grade 10 students at KIS.   The workshop spanned four days, during which five groups of PolyU students engaged with the Cambodian students in dynamic and interactive sessions. These sessions were meticulously crafted to impart essential knowledge and skills related to sustainability, emphasizing practical applications and innovative thinking. The culmination of this educational journey was a spirited competition where all participating Cambodian students showcased their newfound understanding of sustainability concepts. This event not only highlighted the students' learning achievements but also created a vibrant and joyful atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.   Beyond the academic and educational benefits, the project significantly enhanced the students' understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices. It also served as a bridge, strengthening the relationship between PolyU BEEE and KIS, and fostering a rich cultural exchange that broadened global awareness among participants. The school expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful cross-cultural collaboration, which deepened their understanding of sustainability and its global importance.   In addition to their teaching responsibilities, PolyU students immersed themselves in cultural training, gaining insights into Cambodia's recent history through visits to poignant sites such as S21 and the Killing Fields. These experiences provided a deeper context for their Service-Learning project, enriching their understanding of the local culture and history. The students also enjoyed a brief excursion to Siem Reap, where they marvelled at the world-renowned historical site, Angkor Wat. This visit added an extra layer of enrichment and memorability to their journey, making the entire experience both educational and personally rewarding.   The photo gallery can be found here.

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.