The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the distinguished Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The award was presented at the ASHRAE Annual Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, on 21 June 2025.
Established in 1894, ASHRAE is a leading global professional society dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and related fields. The Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, inaugurated in 1979, recognises individuals for their sustained excellence and leadership in engineering and research. As one of ASHRAE’s highest honours, the award is presented to only one Fellow each year, or may not be awarded if no suitable candidate is identified.
Professor Chao is the third recipient from Asia to receive this esteemed recognition, joining distinguished professors from the University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore. As the sole awardee invited to deliver an acceptance speech on stage, Professor Chao remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from ASHRAE. This award reflects not only my work but also the dedication and innovation of my colleagues at PolyU over the years. Together, we strive to advance research and innovation in the field of building energy and environment, contributing to the academic and professional communities that inspire us to push the boundaries of engineering excellence.”
Professor Chao’s pioneering research integrates intelligent building systems with infectious disease prevention. By leveraging AI-driven energy optimisation, he creates infection-resilient and energy-efficient environments, positioning smart buildings as vital for both health and sustainability.
This international recognition of Professor Chao’s achievements underscores PolyU’s and BEEE’s commitment to research excellence and innovation, further reinforcing the University’s standing as a leader in the region. His contributions, particularly in sustainable building technologies, have made a significant impact on both academic research and practical applications.
For more information about the ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, please visit the ASHRAE official website.
