Sustainability X-Lab
The Sustainability X-Lab is led by Prof Xiaoling Zhang and made up of a research community that spans scientists, engineers, innovators, and other collaborators across the University of Hong Kong and the world, dedicated to reveals insights with scientific & impactful knowledge and cost-effective solutions towards urgent sustainable development challenges.
The Team
​Prof. Xiaoling Zhang
Sustainability X-Lab (Director)
Professor Xiaoling Zhang is a member of the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) and holds the position of full professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture, at HKU. She is a sustainability scientist primarily focusing on the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment. Her work centers on developing models of the carbon-climate-human system by understanding the interactions and feedback mechanisms within this coupled complex system, as well as the socio-ecological processes influencing climate and global environmental change. As the Director of 'Sustainability X-Lab', she spearheads a research team delving into four core themes:
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Human Dimensions of global & regional environmental change.
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Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) for Energy, Ecology, Environment and Economy.
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Convergence Science and Geospatial analytics for Environmental Sustainability.
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Nature-based solutions, AI technology driven innovations and system engineering solutions in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In recent years, her research has been dedicated to exploring affordable yet effective ‘net zero’ technologies and systems, including renewable and clean energy technologies across various spatial and temporal scales. Professor Zhang has been honored as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field for the years 2022 & 2023. Furthermore, since 2020, she has been listed among Stanford’s top 2% most highly cited & life-long impact scientists in the field of Environmental Engineering.
