Liang Zhao | Carbon Emission | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Liang Zhao | Carbon Emission | Best Researcher Award

Liang zhao at Hebei University of Engineering, China

Liang Zhao is a Ph.D. candidate in Architecture at Southeast University, specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM), machine learning, generative architectural design, and carbon emissions analysis in buildings. With over five years of experience in BIM development, digital modeling, and lifecycle information systems, he has contributed significantly to research and innovation in architectural heritage preservation and prefabricated building technologies.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Education Background

  • Ph.D. in Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (Mar 2019 – Present)

  • M.S. in HVAC and Gas Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering (Sep 2012 – Jun 2015)

  • B.E. in Building Environment and Equipment Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering (Sep 2008 – Jun 2012)

Professional Development

Liang served as a BIM Developer at the China Architecture Design & Research Group (2015–2019), where he contributed to the CBIM comprehensive solution, focusing on program development and system integration. He has also led and participated in major national research initiatives, producing impactful software tools and securing patents in BIM-related technologies.

Research Focus

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)

  • Machine Learning in Architecture

  • Generative Design and HVAC Systems

  • Lifecycle Management for Architectural Heritage

  • Carbon Emission and Cost Estimation in Prefabricated Buildings

Author Metrics:

  • First inventor on multiple utility model patents

  • Holder of several national software copyrights

  • Author of an Excellent Dissertation titled Generative Design and Application of HVAC Systems in Residential Buildings Based on BIM and Machine Learning

Awards and Honors:

  • Multiple national patents (utility models)

  • Recognized software copyrights

  • Excellent Dissertation distinction for Ph.D. thesis

Publication Top Notes

1. BIM-Based Analysis and Strategies to Reduce Carbon Emissions of Underground Construction in Public Buildings: A Case on Xi’an Shaanxi, China

Citation:
Han, Y., Wang, Y., Zhao, L., & Wang, H. (2024). BIM-Based Analysis and Strategies to Reduce Carbon Emissions of Underground Construction in Public Buildings: A Case on Xi’an Shaanxi, China. Buildings.

Authors:
Yuheng Han, Yue Wang, Liang Zhao, Haining Wang

Journal:
Buildings

Publication Date:
July 2024

Summary:
This study addresses the high carbon emissions in the underground construction phase of public buildings. It introduces a BIM-based method to assess emissions from various construction stages including raw material extraction, equipment production, and installation. Analyzing 125 real-world cases from Xi’an, China, the study finds a strong link between larger underground space and higher embodied carbon emissions. The research identifies 16 and 19 influencing factors for buildings without and with underground spaces respectively, providing useful insights for early design decisions to reduce emissions.

2. Integrating BIM and Machine Learning to Predict Carbon Emissions under Foundation Materialization Stage: Case Study of China’s 35 Public Buildings

Citation:
Wang, H., Wang, Y., Zhao, L., & Lv, Y. (2024). Integrating BIM and Machine Learning to Predict Carbon Emissions under Foundation Materialization Stage: Case Study of China’s 35 Public Buildings. Frontiers of Architectural Research.

Authors:
Haining Wang, Yue Wang, Liang Zhao, Yihan Lv

Journal:
Frontiers of Architectural Research

Publication Date:
March 2024

Summary:
This paper combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) with machine learning techniques to create a predictive model for carbon emissions during the foundation phase of construction. Using data from 35 public buildings in China, the study applies statistical modeling and AI to accurately forecast carbon output. The findings suggest that this integrative method enhances precision and offers a proactive approach to managing emissions in early construction planning.

3. Carbon Emission Analysis of Precast Concrete Building Construction: A Study on Component Transportation Phase Using Artificial Neural Network

Citation:
Wang, H., Zhao, L., Zhang, H., & Wang, Z. (2023). Carbon Emission Analysis of Precast Concrete Building Construction: A Study on Component Transportation Phase Using Artificial Neural Network. Energy and Buildings.

Authors:
Haining Wang, Liang Zhao, Hong Zhang, Zixiao Wang

Journal:
Energy and Buildings

Publication Date:
December 2023

Summary:
Focusing on the transportation phase of precast concrete construction, this paper applies Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to analyze carbon emissions related to component logistics. The model predicts emissions with high accuracy and highlights key variables contributing to high carbon output. The study underscores the need for optimized transportation planning to mitigate environmental impacts during prefabricated building processes.

4. An Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Behavior of COVID-19 Patients Using Activity Trajectory Data

Citation:
Shen, X., Yuan, H., Jia, W., & Zhao, L. (2023). An Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Behavior of COVID-19 Patients Using Activity Trajectory Data. Heliyon.

Authors:
Xiumei Shen, Hao Yuan, Wenzhao Jia, Liang Zhao

Journal:
Heliyon

Publication Date:
October 2023

Summary:
This study examines the spatio-temporal movement patterns of COVID-19 patients in Nanjing and Yangzhou, China. Using activity trajectory data and complex network theory, the authors identify critical transmission nodes such as residential areas and vegetable markets. Findings reveal differences in movement behavior based on outbreak location (central vs. suburban), and provide actionable insights for improving pandemic containment strategies.

5. Building a Satisfactory Indoor Environment for Healthcare Facility Occupants: A Literature Review

Citation:
Shen, X., Zhang, H., Li, Y., & Jia, W. (2022). Building a Satisfactory Indoor Environment for Healthcare Facility Occupants: A Literature Review. Building and Environment.

Authors:
Xiumei Shen, Hong Zhang, Ying Li, Wenzhao Jia

Journal:
Building and Environment

Publication Date:
November 2022

Summary:
This review investigates how indoor environmental quality (IEQ) influences the satisfaction of healthcare facility users. Drawing from 98 studies (2001–2022), the paper focuses on visual, acoustic, thermal environments, and indoor air quality. It identifies low-cost interventions and the importance of user control over their environment. A conceptual framework is proposed to help designers and administrators enhance occupant satisfaction and health outcomes in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Liang Zhao exemplifies the attributes of a forward-thinking, innovative researcher whose work not only pushes academic boundaries but also solves real-world problems. His multidisciplinary approach—merging BIM, AI, and sustainability—makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Final Recommendation:
Highly suitable for the award. Recognizing Liang Zhao would honor an emerging thought leader in sustainable architecture and inspire further research in this vital area.

Hina Najam | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hina Najam | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Air University Islamabad, Pakistan📖

Hina Najam is an Assistant Professor at the School of Management, Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan. With a keen interest in finance, sustainability, and green technologies, she has authored several impactful publications in top-tier academic journals. Her work addresses the role of green finance, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability in driving economic and societal transformation. Hina holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Iqra University, Islamabad, and has contributed significantly to the academic community through her teaching and research.

Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Education Background🎓

Hina Najam has a distinguished educational background in finance, management, and education. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Finance at Iqra University, Islamabad, Pakistan, with a focus on advanced financial management and qualitative research methods. She earned an MBA (1.5 years) from Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, where she achieved an outstanding CGPA of 3.97/4.00. Prior to her MBA, she completed her BBA (HONS) from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, with a CGPA of 3.77/4.00. Additionally, Hina holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, further enhancing her expertise in educational methodologies and teaching. Her academic journey is underpinned by a strong foundation in management, finance, and education, enabling her to contribute to various teaching and research initiatives.

Professional Experience🌱

Hina Najam has a rich professional experience as an educator and researcher, with roles spanning across various prestigious institutions. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor (IPFP Fellow) at the School of Management, Air University, Islamabad, where she teaches courses in financial accounting and business finance. Prior to this, she was a Visiting Faculty Member (VFM) at Bahria Business School, Bahria University, Islamabad, and at the Faculty of Management Sciences, Air University. Hina has also taught at Riphah International University, Islamabad, and PMAS, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, where she delivered courses in business mathematics, financial accounting, and performance management. In her early career, she was a visiting faculty member at Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, specializing in corporate governance and corporate finance. Her extensive teaching experience reflects her versatility and dedication to fostering financial literacy and management skills among students.

Research Interests🔬

Hina Najam’s research interests lie at the intersection of finance, sustainability, and environmental management. She is particularly focused on the role of green finance in supporting renewable energy investment and green technological innovation. Her work examines how environmental decentralization, green human capital, and digital finance contribute to sustainable societal development. Hina’s research also explores the relationship between environmental regulations, financial development, and green total factor productivity, particularly in emerging economies. Her work in green finance aims to provide empirical insights and policy recommendations for achieving carbon neutrality and economic sustainability, with a strong emphasis on the role of green finance in the MENA region and Asian economies.

Author Metrics

Hina Najam is a prolific author with numerous contributions to academic literature, focusing on sustainable finance, green technology, and environmental management. Her research has been published in well-regarded journals with high impact factors, such as Environment, Development and Sustainability (IF: 4.9), Geological Journal (IF: 1.8), Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments (IF: 8), and Journal of Cleaner Production (IF: 11.07). She has co-authored over 20 papers, many of which explore the relationship between environmental finance, green innovation, and sustainability, with a particular focus on the role of green finance in advancing carbon neutrality and economic sustainability. Her work has received significant attention in both academia and industry, contributing valuable insights into green finance and environmental policy.

Publications Top Notes 📄

1. “Green technological innovation, green finance, and financial development and their role in green total factor productivity: Empirical insights from China”

  • Authors: C Jiakui, J Abbas, H Najam, J Liu, J Abbas
  • Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Volume: 382
  • Article: 135131
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 440
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.135131

2. “Investment in renewable energy and electricity output: Role of green finance, environmental tax, and geopolitical risk: Empirical evidence from China”

  • Authors: J Abbas, L Wang, SB Belgacem, PS Pawar, H Najam, J Abbas
  • Journal: Energy
  • Volume: 269
  • Article: 126683
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 242
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.126683

3. “Role of environmental regulations, green finance, and investment in green technologies in green total factor productivity: Empirical evidence from Asian region”

  • Authors: L Tong, CJC Jabbour, H Najam, J Abbas
  • Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Volume: 380
  • Article: 134930
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 104
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134930

4. “Achieving financial sustainability through revenue diversification: A green pathway for financial institutions in Asia”

  • Authors: Z Xie, X Liu, H Najam, Q Fu, J Abbas, U Comite, LM Cismas, A Miculescu
  • Journal: Sustainability
  • Volume: 14(6)
  • Article: 3512
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 76
  • DOI: 10.3390/su14063512

5. “Towards green recovery: Can banks achieve financial sustainability through income diversification in ASEAN countries?”

  • Authors: H Najam, J Abbas, S Álvarez-Otero, E Dogan, MS Sial
  • Journal: Economic Analysis and Policy
  • Volume: 76
  • Pages: 522-533
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 70
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2022.01.002

Conclusion

Dr. Hina Najam’s work epitomizes excellence in the realm of sustainable finance and environmental management. Her pioneering contributions to green finance, renewable energy investment, and sustainable economic development are invaluable, particularly in the context of emerging economies. Her research is characterized by a strong empirical foundation, real-world relevance, and interdisciplinary integration. With continued focus on expanding global collaborations and increasing the practical application of her findings, Dr. Najam has the potential to further enhance the global dialogue on sustainable finance and green technologies.

For these reasons, Dr. Hina Najam is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating the ability to merge academic excellence with policy-relevant research that can drive societal and economic transformations toward sustainability.