News

Enhancing Teaching Through Peer Sharing: Teaching Research Salon Series 1

The Department successfully held the first session of the Teaching Research Salons on 25 March 2026 at Room Z410, 4/F, Block Z. This new salon series aims to foster peer exchange on effective teaching practices and enhance teaching quality through collegial sharing and discussion.   We were delighted to have our Associate Professor, Prof. Cao Sunliang, recipient of the Departmental Teaching Award 2018/19, as the speaker for Series 1. During the session, Prof. Cao shared his valuable insights, teaching experience, and practical approaches to engaging students and promoting effective learning. His sharing stimulated fruitful discussion among colleagues on innovative teaching strategies and classroom practices.   The salon provided a valuable platform for academic staff to exchange ideas, reflect on teaching approaches, and explore ways to further strengthen teaching and learning within the Department. Participants also enjoyed light refreshments while networking with colleagues in a relaxed and interactive setting.   The Department looks forward to continuing this meaningful initiative through upcoming sessions in the Teaching Research Salons series.  

Hat-Trick for BEEE — Three Honoured by CIBSE Hong Kong Region

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is proud to announce that three of our members have been recognised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Hong Kong Region.   Award winners Dr Zhang Hanbei (PhD, Class of 2025) — Winner, Building Information Performance 2025: Best Report Submission (Gold). Dr Zhang’s award recognises the excellence and rigour of the research and the high standard of the report submission. Ms Wu Jiayan — Recipient, CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Award 2025–2026. Ms Lan Yufei — Recipient, CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Award 2025–2026.   These prestigious awards recognise outstanding academic performance, professional promise and exemplary contributions to the field of building services engineering. We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Zhang, Ms Wu and Ms Lan for their dedication, scholarly excellence and commitment to advancing the profession. Their achievements bring great pride to the Department and reflect the high calibre of our students and researchers.   Please join us in congratulating the awardees on their remarkable accomplishments.  

BEEE Continues to Excel in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

In an exciting development for the academic community, the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has once again demonstrated its global leadership, ranking 21st in the Architecture and Built Environment category of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This year’s impressive position underscores the department’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education and research, solidifying its reputation 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. The 2026 edition evaluated the performance of over 1,900 institutions across 55 academic subjects and five broad subject areas, based on academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, the H-index, and international research network. BEEE’s consistent presence among the world’s top institutions highlights the department’s dedication to fostering innovative research and providing top-tier education to its students. The department’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its academics, researchers, and students. These achievements not only enhance PolyU’s reputation on the international stage but also reinforce its role as a pivotal contributor to sustainable development and innovation in its respective fields.   Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, remarked, “We are pleased with PolyU’s encouraging results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, which demonstrate the University’s internationally recognised academic and research excellence across various disciplines. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to pursuing excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. The University will continue to expand its global collaborative network, with the aim of playing a pivotal role in the global higher education landscape and contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education.”   In addition to BEEE’s outstanding performance, several other PolyU departments have also achieved notable rankings in their respective subject areas, further showcasing the University’s broad-based strengths and international competitiveness.   PolyU remains dedicated to nurturing future leaders and driving impactful research that addresses global challenges. The University’s continued success in the QS World University Rankings by Subject is a reflection of its strategic vision and commitment to academic and research excellence.   For more information about PolyU’s achievements and the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, please visit PolyU’s official website.  

New Book Release: Advanced Energy Saving Technologies for Carbon Neutrality of Buildings

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new book by PolyU Press, Advanced Energy Saving Technologies for Carbon Neutrality of Buildings. This comprehensive volume is primarily based on the research achievements of Prof. Yang Hongxing and his research group over the past 30 years.   The book covers a range of cutting-edge applied energy technologies that not only enhance the energy efficiency of buildings but also integrate seamlessly with the built environment. Topics include building-integrated solar photovoltaic technology, integrated energy storage, and energy system management. Each chapter provides an in-depth overview of methodologies and innovative solutions that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector.   Prof. Yang and his co-authors, Dr Shi Wenchao and Dr Shen Yongting, would like to express their gratitude to all group members for their invaluable support and contributions to the completion of this book.   For more details, please visit the PolyU Press website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/polyupress/books/17_advanced-energy-saving-technologies/  

BEEE Members Visit The Henderson: Exploring Innovation in Building Technologies

We are delighted to share that a team from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), including Assistant Professor Prof. Cynthia Hou, Lecturer Dr Hilda Cheung Hiu Dan and BEEE students, was recently invited by Ir Dr Edward Chan—recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement, PolyU BEEE 2024—for an exclusive tour of The Henderson, an iconic new landmark in Central.   During the three-hour private tour, Prof. Hou, Dr Cheung, and fellow participants had the unique opportunity to explore the building’s breathtaking views, stylish and sophisticated design, and the advanced yet discreet building engineering technologies that power this remarkable structure. The experience not only broadened their perspectives but also inspired new ideas for the future landscape of building technologies and occupant management.   Prof. Hou expressed her gratitude for the invitation, noting, “The visit to The Henderson was truly inspiring. It was wonderful to witness firsthand how innovative engineering solutions are seamlessly integrated into modern architecture, setting new standards for the industry.”   BEEE extends its sincere thanks to Ir Dr Edward Chan for his continued support and for fostering meaningful connections between alumni and the department.  

BEEE Celebrates Recipients of Presidential Student Leadership and Outstanding Student Awards 2025/26

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our students for the 2025/26 academic year.   Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 The Presidential Student Leadership Award was established to give due recognition to young student leaders who possess, display, and apply exemplary leadership qualities and skills. We are delighted to share that Ms. XIE, Jingxuan has been selected as the recipient of the “Presidential Student Leadership Award” for 2025/26. This prestigious award recognises her exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and positive impact on the PolyU community.   Outstanding Student Award of Department 2025/26 We are also pleased to announce that Mr. Li Jiefu has been selected as the recipient of the “Outstanding Student Award of Department” for 2025/26. PolyU organises the Outstanding Student Award Scheme annually to recognise full-time final-year students who excel in both academic and non-academic pursuits. Awardees are selected not only for their outstanding academic achievements, but also for their well-rounded qualities, including strong leadership abilities, exemplary personal conduct, active participation in extra-curricular activities and community service, and a global outlook.   Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Li shared: “Since choosing building sciences and engineering as my major, I have aspired to contribute to the development and construction of the Greater Bay Area. My studies at PolyU have equipped me with the knowledge required to design building services systems and develop engineering solutions that enhance building sustainability. These skills have enabled me to transform my aspirations into practical ideas and real-world applications.   After graduation, I plan to pursue further studies to deepen my understanding of advanced engineering practices related to buildings and the environment, with the aim of playing a significant role in the construction industry of the Greater Bay Area. Ultimately, my goal is to lead projects that create sustainable buildings while providing high-quality indoor environments that support the comfort and well-being of their occupants.”   Congratulations to Ms. XIE, Jingxuan and Mr. Li Jiefu on these well-deserved recognitions! We wish them continued success in their future endeavours.  

AABSE Spring Reunion 2026– Bridging Generations in BEEE

The AABSE Spring Reunion 2026 (建環聚賢), organised by the Alumni Association of Building Services Engineering (AABSE) and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), was successfully held on 6 March 2026 (Friday) at the Communal Building, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event brought together BEEE staff members, alumni, and over 40 students for an evening of networking and celebration.   Before the dinner, alumni had the opportunity to join a lab tour of the HVAC laboratory. This provided a valuable chance for alumni to reconnect with the department, learn about the latest research and projects, and gain insights into the academic experiences of current BEEE students.   The dinner fostered meaningful exchanges among staff, alumni, and students. The reunion not only strengthened the bonds within the BEEE community but also highlighted the ongoing achievements and initiatives of the Department.   We look forward to more successful gatherings in the future!  

BEEE PhD Students Won First Prize in Arup Research Competition 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that our PhD students, Mr. Cheung Wai Kit (team representative), Ms. Zhou Yuxin, and Mr. Zhang Lei, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Prof. Huang Xinyan, have been awarded First Prize in the Arup Research Competition 2025 hosted by Arup Hong Kong.   This year’s competition theme was “Empowering the Future: Energy Transition and Urban Development”. The winning project, titled “Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion for Early Thermal Runaway Prediction in Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems”, focuses on using multi-modal sensing technologies to predict battery thermal runaway before venting or thermal runaway occurs. This innovative research has strong potential for future application in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which help to prevent thermal runaway incidents and enhance the safety and reliability of BESS.   The Arup Research Competition was held in three rounds with 42 submissions from research postgraduate students across Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. This competition sought interdisciplinary and forward-thinking research papers that explore how energy transition can drive equitable, resilient, and smart urban development. Mr. Cheung and his team stood out and won the First Prize in the competition.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Cheung Wai Kit, Ms. Zhou Yuxin, and Mr. Zhang Lei on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE Undergraduate Students Honoured with Prestigious ASHRAE Scholarships

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that two outstanding students have been awarded prestigious scholarships from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Ms Lan Yufei has been selected as the recipient of the Society’s Undergraduate James R. Bullock Jr. Scholarship. This award recognizes Yufei’s exceptional academic achievements, dedication to the field, and commitment to advancing sustainable engineering in the built environment. Ms Xie Jingxuan has received the ASHRAE General Scholarship, one of two one-year undergraduate engineering scholarships awarded annually. This scholarship is granted in recognition of Jingxuan’s outstanding scholastic and leadership abilities, exemplary character and potential service to the HVAC&R profession.   These awards highlight the remarkable talent and dedication of BEEE students and underscore the department’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the HVAC&R industry. Congratulations to Ms Lan Yufei and Ms Xie Jingxuan on their well-deserved achievements!  

MScHPB Student Gathering Brings Students and Staff Together

The MSc in High Performance Buildings (MScHPB) Programme hosted a warm and engaging student gathering on 3 February 2026 at PolyU. Organized under the leadership of Professor Du Yaping, Programme Leader, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together ahead of the New Year.   The afternoon began with a welcome speech from Professor Du, who encouraged students to make the most of their time in the programme and to support one another throughout their academic journey. Professor Jiang Liming and Ir Dr Lui Che Heng Gigi also joined the event and shared their insights, enriching the experience for all participants. This was followed by a lively self-introduction session, where students shared their names, nationalities, hobbies, and study backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.   A student sharing session allowed participants to exchange insights and experiences, further strengthening the bonds within the cohort. The gathering continued with an informal staff-student interaction over a light lunch, creating a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful conversations.   The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the memorable moments shared by all attendees.   The MScHPB Student Gathering was a resounding success, bringing together students and staff in a spirit of friendship and collaboration. We look forward to more opportunities to connect and grow as a community in the future.   The photo gallery can be found here.