News

New Assistant Professor – Prof. Xie Yongxin

BEEE is delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Xie Yongxin as an Assistant Professor, effective from 27th October 2025. Prof. Xie has been an integral part of our community, and we look forward to her continued contributions in her new role.   Prof. Xie received her PhD in 2020 from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University; her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees are from the South China University of Technology (SCUT) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), respectively. Upon completing her Ph.D. degree, she continued as a postdoctoral researcher (Shuimu Scholar, 2020) at Tsinghua University, and returned to PolyU in 2022 as a Research Assistant Professor.    Since her joining PolyU in 2022, she has secured several competitive external grants as PI, including two General Research Funds from RGC and one Young Scientist Fund from NSFC.    Prof. Xie’s research focuses on thermal comfort, heat–health assessment, human thermoregulation modeling, urban microclimate, and human–built thermal environment interactions. She has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, with over 1,000 citations and an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar. She also serves on the Young Editorial Boards of Building and Environment, Building Simulation, and Architecture Intelligence.  

BEEE Mentorship Programme 2025/26 Kicks Off with Inspiring Face-to-Face Meeting

The BEEE Mentorship Programme 2025/26 officially launched with a successful kick-off meeting held on 15 October 2025 at PolyU Campus. The event brought together mentors and mentees for an evening of introductions, networking, and the start of what promises to be a rewarding mentorship journey.   The meeting began with a warm welcome from Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda, Undergraduate Programme Leader and Lecturer, who emphasized the importance of mentorship in supporting students’ personal and professional growth. This was followed by an insightful introduction to the Mentorship Programme by Ir Professor Mak Cheuk Ming, who outlined the objectives and expectations for the year ahead.   A highlight of the evening was the certificate presentation to mentors, recognizing their commitment and invaluable contribution to the development of future professionals. The ceremony was officiated by Ir Professor Mak Cheuk Ming, Ir Professor Wong Ling Tim (Associate Head, Partnership), and Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda.   The event also provided an excellent opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet in person, exchange contact information, and begin building supportive relationships.    Participants enjoyed light refreshments and engaged in lively discussions during the networking session, setting a positive tone for the mentorship journey ahead. The evening concluded with a group photo, capturing the spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm shared by all.    The BEEE Mentorship Programme team encourages all participants to maintain regular communication and make the most of this valuable opportunity. We look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of our mentors and mentees.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

BEEE Hosts Successful Non-local Student Gathering 2025/26

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce the successful completion of the BEEE Non-local Student Gathering 2025/26, held on 9 October 2025 at Z204. The event brought together non-local students from Mainland China and overseas, fostering a warm and inclusive environment for new connections and engagement. The gathering began with a welcome speech by Associate Head (Partnership), Ir Professor Wong Ling Tim. Programme Leader Dr. Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda then introduced upcoming departmental events. Professor You Ruoyu and Ir Professor Yuen Anthony Chun Yin, Deputy Programme Leader, along with Professor Jiang Liming, Academic Advisor, also joined the event to greet students and share information about future activities. Students had the opportunity to introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds, hobbies, and aspirations in a relaxed and friendly setting. This was followed by a staff-student sharing session over a light lunch, encouraging meaningful conversations and allowing students to interact closely with their academic advisors and peers. The event concluded with a lively mass game and a memorable group photo session, capturing the spirit of camaraderie and community. BEEE extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm and active involvement, which contributed to the event’s vibrant and supportive atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming everyone to future gatherings and activities! The photo gallery can be found here.  

Inspiring Future Leaders in Building Services Engineering at PolyU Info Day 2025

PolyU Info Day 2025 was successfully held on 27 September, welcoming 43000+ secondary school students and their parents. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of Building Services Engineering. The event provided a comprehensive overview of academic programmes, career prospects, and the latest advancements in the field. Ambassadors Lead the Way Under the leadership of Prof. Ni Meng, Head of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), our dedicated ambassadors played a vital role in welcoming guests at the consultation booth and answering questions about our programmes and career opportunities. Their enthusiasm and expertise enabled students and parents to gain a deeper understanding of academic pathways and future prospects.   Interactive Consultation Booth Featuring AI Innovations A highlight of the event was the interactive online platform, led by Prof. Guo Zhiling, Assistant Professor, which offered hands-on learning experiences powered by AI. The booth showcased cutting-edge research and development projects under the theme "GreenSense: AI for Renewable Buildings" within BEEE. Visitors learned how AI is being integrated to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, with demonstrations focusing on both the demand and supply sides of building energy.   Laboratory Tours: A Glimpse into the Future Two lab tours were arranged, giving participants an exclusive look at the state-of-the-art facilities, such as HVACR Laboratory, Piped Services Laboratory, etc. The morning session ran from 11:00 to 11:45 AM, while the afternoon session took place from 3:00 to 3:45 PM. These tours provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of Building Services Engineering at PolyU.   Undergraduate Information Seminars and Alumni Sharing The Undergraduate Info Seminar, held in two sessions at HJ302, featured Dr. Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda, Undergraduate Programme Leader and Lecturer, who provided an overview of the programme and its unique offerings. Each session included an inspiring alumni sharing segment: Session 1 (12:00 NN - 12:45 PM): Ir Brain Cheng, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BEEE 2025, shared his experiences, career journey, and valuable tips for parents. Session 2 (4:00 PM - 4:45 PM): Ir Gary Chiang, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of PolyU BEEE 2023, offered valuable insights into the industry and his professional development. Looking Ahead: BEEE at the Forefront PolyU Info Day 2025 was a resounding success, sparking interest and enthusiasm among prospective students and their families. The event highlighted PolyU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in education. As we look to the future, BEEE remains at the forefront, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in building services engineering. We look forward to welcoming new talents to join our dynamic community at PolyU.   The photo gallery can be found here.   

Facility Management Student Receives IFMA Foundation Scholarship 2025

 The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr. TONG Kin Ho Kevin, a Facility Management student under the supervision of Professor Hou Cynthia, Assistant Professor of BEEE, has been awarded the prestigious IFMA Foundation Scholarship 2025.   The award ceremony was held on the morning of Thursday, September 18, during the IFMA World Workplace 2025 conference programme. This renowned global event brings together leaders and emerging professionals in facility management, offering a unique platform for learning, networking, and celebrating excellence in the field.   The IFMA Foundation Scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a key initiative in nurturing the next generation of facility management professionals. Through its Global Workforce Initiative, the program continues to expand scholarship opportunities, encouraging high school seniors, associate degree students, working students, and veterans from around the world to apply.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. TONG Kin Ho Kevin on this remarkable achievement. His dedication and excellence exemplify the high standards of the PolyU BEEE community. We wish him continued success in his academic and professional journey.    

BEEE Professors Honoured with PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2024

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that two of our distinguished professors, Prof. YANG Hong Xing and Prof. HUANG Xinyan, have been recognized as recipients of the PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2024. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions to intellectual property (IP) filing and innovation at PolyU.   Award Highlights: Prof. HUANG Xinyan Top Patents Filing Award 2024: Recognizes IP filing activities over the past five years (2020–2024). Most Active Patents Filing Award 2024: Acknowledges IP filing activities within the year 2024. Prof. YANG Hong Xing Outstanding IP Commercialisation Award 2024: Honours high-value licensing cases over the past three years (2022–2024).   Prof. Huang has filed more than 10 patents covering innovative technologies such as smart fire detectors, firefighting robots, fire services systems, battery safety management, and advanced combustion reactors.   Prof. Yang’s award is attributed to two successful IP license transfers to local engineering companies, showcasing the real-world impact of BEEE’s research and innovation. The licensed technologies are: 1. Indirect Evaporative Cooling Technology for Air-Conditioning A highly efficient indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) has been developed for energy recovery in central air-conditioning systems. This innovation utilizes the cooling potential of exhaust air, enabling effective evaporative cooling even in hot and humid regions. Installed before an air-handling unit (AHU), the IEC pre-cools fresh air by harnessing cool, dry exhaust air from air-conditioned spaces. Specially designed channels with hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings further enhance cooling efficiency. This technology can save approximately 17% to 35% of energy for fresh air supply in commercial buildings. 2. Micro Incline Hydropower Harvesting Device An innovative self-adaptive hydropower harvesting system has been developed to generate electricity from water flow in urban pipelines, powering the Waterpipe Intelligent Network (WIN) while minimizing water head loss. The fourth-generation system has been successfully tested on WSD water pipelines for over a year, providing reliable and continuous power. This micro power generation system offers significant economic and sustainability advantages over traditional chemical batteries, with potential applications in water pipelines in other cities. It enables cost-effective and reliable power for data monitoring meters and sensors, reducing maintenance costs and improving system reliability.   Please join us in congratulating Prof. Yang and Prof. Huang for their remarkable achievements and contributions. Their dedication to innovation, impactful research, and the successful translation of intellectual property into societal and commercial value is truly inspiring. We hope these awards will continue to motivate our BEEE community to strive for excellence in IP creation, commercialisation, and knowledge transfer, further strengthening our department’s role in shaping a future of innovation and impact at PolyU.  

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 delighted to announce a significant achievement. 19 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.  BEEE Top 2% Scientists in the Global List  Name Subject Field (Top-Ranked Science-Metrix Category) Professor Ni Meng Energy Ir Professor Christopher Chao Building & Construction Professor Chen Qingyan Building & Construction Ir Professor Niu Jianlei Building & Construction Ir Professor Wang Shengwei Energy Professor Asif Sohail Usmani Civil Engineering Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry Energy Ir Professor Lai Hung Kit Joseph Building & Construction Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien Energy Ir Professor Mak Cheuk Ming Building & Construction 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 Dr Liu Junwei Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Dr Shi Jihao Energy   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 a percentile rank of 2% or above in the sub-field. Scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields according to the standard Science-Metrix classification. Field- and subfield-specific percentiles are also provided for all scientists with at least 5 papers. Career-long data are updated to end-of-2024 and single recent year data pertain to citations received during calendar year 2024.    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 19 September 2025 (version 8) )   Congratulations to our top scientists for this well-deserved recognition!  

BEEE Researchers Publish Breakthroughs in Top Energy Journals

The BEEE Department is proud to announce two recent research breakthroughs published in the prestigious journal Advanced Energy Materials, showcasing our commitment to innovation in sustainable building and energy technologies.   Smart Window Film for Cooler, Drier, and More Private Indoor Spaces A research team from BEEE, Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry and Dr Liu Junwei, has developed a revolutionary smart window film that passively regulates both sunlight and humidity, making indoor environments cooler during the day and drier at night—without any electricity or moving parts. The moisture-responsive, light-regulating (MRLR) film demonstrated impressive results in real-world tests, reducing room humidity from 92% to 54% within six hours at night and lowering daytime temperatures by upto 21°C compared to unprotected areas. The film’s durability was confirmed over 300 cycles, and its low-cost, eco-friendly materials make it highly scalable, with an estimated payback period of just 34 days. Building-scale modeling suggests the MRLR film could cut annual energy use by 24.6% and reduce carbon emissions by 18.89 kg/(year·m²). This innovative work was published in Advanced Energy Materials and was awarded a Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Read the full paper: DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202503332   Hydrogel Coating Makes Solar Panels Safer, More Efficient, and Longer-Lasting In another significant advance, BEEE researchers, Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry and Dr Liu Junwei, have created a simple, affordable hydrogel coating that passively cools solar panels, preventing damaging “hot spots” without requiring any changes to panel wiring. This new hydrogel keeps hot spots up to 16°C cooler and boosts power output by as much as 13%. The coating is also more durable than previous versions, maintaining its effectiveness over time. Modeling indicates that this technology could increase annual solar power generation by 7% in Singapore and 6.5% in Hong Kong, with payback periods as short as 3–4 years. Globally, it could recover about half of the power lost to hot spots in building-integrated solar systems, accelerating the transition to clean, carbon-neutral energy. Read the full paper: DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202504366   Congratulations to our research teams for these outstanding achievements and for advancing the frontiers of sustainable energy solutions!    

BEEE Research Team Honoured with Prestigious Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University(PolyU) is delighted to announce that Prof. Jiang Liming, Prof. Asif Usmani, and Dr Chu Tianwei have received the prestigious Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence Award from International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS). This award is to recognize the only one best paper of each IAFSS held in every three years, and the award will be presented at the 15th IAFSS symposium in 2026, La Rochelle, France.    IAFSS as the most recognized association in fire safety research, was founded in 1985, which organises the IAFSS symposiums every three years. The Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence is awarded to the author(s) of the best paper presented at a previous IAFSS Symposium, which is selected according to the five criteria: pertinence, utility, significance, rationality, eloquence of the paper.    The 2026 Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence is awarded to BEEE research team for their best paper presented in IAFSS 2023, which is titled “Introducing an active opening strategy to mitigate large open-plan compartment fire development”. This research is led by Prof. Jiang Liming (Associate Professor of BEEE, Chief Supervisor of 1st Author and Corresponding author of the awarded paper), whose research mainly focuses on fire safety of modern buildings and automated construction solutions. The 1st author Dr Chu Tianwei was a PhD student in BEEE, graduated in March 2025, has just started his Associate Professor job in China University of Mining and Technology. The 3rd author of this awarded paper is Prof. Asif Usmani, who is Chair Professor of Building Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering, and the co-supervisor of Dr Chu Tianwei.    This prestigious medal demonstrates the international recognition of BEEE research team in the field of fire safety research and underscores PolyU’s and BEEE’s commitment to research excellence and innovation. More details about IAFSS Philip Thomas Meda of Excellence could be found here: https://iafss.org/awards/philip-thomas-medal-of-excellence/    

Result Announcement - Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BEEE 2025

The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department aims to give public recognition to outstanding graduates of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) for their significant contributions to their profession and community, as well as to their alma mater. The Award was first presented in 2010, and this year marks the 10th round of the selection process. We are pleased to announce the two distinguished awardees for 2025: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BEEE 2025 Ir Cheng Wai Lung, Brian   Ir Cheng Wai Lung, Brian, is the Group Executive Director and Managing Director of Analogue Holdings Ltd. He also serves as a director of various subsidiary companies within the Analogue Holding Group across Hong Kong, the PRC, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering and a Master of Science in Construction and Real Estate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With over 30 years of experience in the building engineering sector, he previously served as Deputy General Manager at China State Mech. & Elec. Engineering Ltd. and as Director and General Manager of Transcendence Company Ltd. under China State Construction Engineering Group.  Throughout his career, Mr. Cheng has been dedicated to upholding the status and standards of the building services profession. He has actively served various professional institutions for more than 17 years and he has also contributed to nearly 40 committees, panels, and advisory groups across government bodies and higher educational institutions, including various Appeal Boards, Tribunal Panels, Examination Groups, and Advisory Panels since 2009.   He is a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) in Building Services and Energy, a Chartered Engineer and a fellow of several leading engineering institutions in Hong Kong and the UK.  He served as Chairman of the Building Services Division of HKIE from 2018 to 2019.   Currently, he serves as an Honorary Technical Advisor of CIPHE (HK), Council Member, Deputy Chairman of the Professional Assessment Committee, and Deputy Chairman of the Building Services Discipline Advisory Panel of HKIE.   Mr. Cheng is widely recognized as one of the pioneering leaders in applying innovative construction methods and advancing engineering digitalization within the MEP and maintenance sectors. He established MiMEP Research and Manufacturing Centres in both Hong Kong and mainland China to enhance construction safety, maintenance efficiency, and productivity. Through these efforts, he consistently leverages his expertise to elevate industry standards and strengthen the professional standing of building services.   Committed to social contribution through his profession, Mr. Cheng has initiated  impactful CSR programs within the company: (1) The Homework Support Initiative pairs graduate engineers with underprivileged students for tutoring, fostering both academic growth and social responsibility; (2) The Elderly Home Safety Project deploys skilled technicians to assist elderly residents with essential home safety modifications and repairs; (3) The Neighbourhood Sisters Programme offers flexible part-time employment and training in site safety inspection for homemakers seeking to re-enter the workforce; (4) The Community Workshops provide practical home maintenance training, empowering residents to build self-reliance and mutual support within the community. These initiatives have established him as a role model who seamlessly blends professional excellence with social responsibility.     Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU BEEE 2025 Professor WANG Yuanhao Prof. Yuanhao Wang is a Professor at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), a Distinguished Chair Professor at the Shenzhen Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials (Shenzhen Nobel Prize Laboratory), and concurrently serves as a Ph.D. supervisor at Northeastern University and Xinjiang University. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in New Energy Materials from the Faculty of Construction and Environment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2011 and his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Tsinghua University in 2007. Prof. Wang has extensive academic and industrial experience. Before joining USTB, he worked as Research Professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology, Professor at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and served in leadership roles in multiple high-tech enterprises, including co-founding Shenzhen Peacock Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Fujian Sino-American Youtop Technology Development Co., Ltd., where he acted as Chief Scientist.   Prof. Wang has devoted his career to the research and industrialization of green building nanomaterials, resource recycling, and new energy materials and devices. He has published over 200 papers in leading international journals, including Advanced Materials and Advanced Energy Materials, with 25 ESI highly cited papers, and an h-index of 47. He has applied for and been granted more than 20 Chinese invention patents, many of which have been successfully commercialized, generating more than 80 million RMB in economic benefits. He has led over 20 national and regional research projects with a total funding exceeding 50 million RMB.   Prof. Wang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the First Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award (2025), and State Council Special Allowance Expert (2021). He was selected into the National “Thousand Talents Plan” (2016), honored with the Fujian May Fourth Youth Medal (2019), and has won multiple international invention gold medals, such as at the Geneva and Nuremberg International Exhibitions of Inventions. His innovative technologies, including superhydrophobic coatings and self-cleaning photovoltaic materials, have been widely recognized for their contributions to sustainable development. Prof. Wang actively contributes to the academic community, serving on the editorial boards of Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, Solar Energy, Salt Lake Research, and Engineering. He also engages closely with PolyU, as a co-supervisor of Ph.D. students, a project leader in award-winning PolyU-led research, and an active member of the PolyU Beijing Alumni Association.   The Department is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these two awardees in the building services engineering industry and their contributions to the community and PolyU. We extend our gratitude to all the Selection Panel members for their excellent volunteer work in the selection process.