It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you on behalf of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at the Faculty of Construction and Environment.
Since our establishment in December 1981, BEEE has been committed to fulfill our mission: to imagine, engineer and promote sustainable, salutogenic and safe environments for human habitation. We have been nurturing competent professionals and innovative researchers for Hong Kong’s construction industry and beyond. Upon graduation, our alumni have gone on to play leading roles in industry, government, and academia, reflecting the strength and impact of our Department.
With rapid urban‑population growth, the demand for sustainable, resilient and healthy cities is more urgent than ever. Our programmes - from Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) to Master (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), integrates cutting‑edge technologies including AI, data science, IoT and green infrastructure into high‑performance building and urban‑environment design and operation. Students benefit from world‑class teaching and participation in leading‑edge international research.
Our academic staff are internationally recognized experts, who actively engage in research across three core areas: Building Energy, Building Environment, and Building Safety and Resilience. We take pride in the fact that, according to a 2025 Stanford University study, 19 of our colleagues are ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists in their fields. PolyU’s global reputation is further reflected in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, ranking 21st worldwide in “Architecture and Built Environment”, and 18th in “Civil and Structural Engineering”— achievements to which BEEE has significantly contributed in.
PolyU’s Education 4.0 initiative transforms learning and teaching by embedding AI and emerging technologies within a student‑centred education framework. Aligned with this institutional vision, the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) is integrating AI‑enhanced learning across our curriculum. This includes our compulsory course “AI as a Tool for Language Learning”, to meet evolving higher‑education learning needs as technology reshapes university education. Moving forward, we will further optimise our curriculum and actively develop AI‑related Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
Beyond academia, BEEE maintains strong partnerships with industry, government and overseas institutions to deliver real‑world impact through its research. These connections offer rich internship opportunities for students to build practical professional skills. Our dynamic, supportive learning environment nurtures visionary, socially‑responsible future‑ready leaders.
I invite you to explore our website to discover our programmes, research and latest achievements. By joining BEEE, you embark on a journey that embodies PolyU’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. Together, we can engineer more sustainable, healthy and safe living environments for generations to come. I look forward to witnessing your successful, fulfilling journey at BEEE. Once again, welcome to the BEEE family. I wish you every success in your academic and personal growth during your time with us.
Professor Meng Ni
Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology
Head, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering
