Associate Dean at Tianjin University | China
Prof. Dr. Wei Yang is an eminent academic leader and visionary researcher in the field of sustainable architecture and building science. Serving as Vice Dean at the School of Architecture, Tianjin University, and Deputy Director of the Tianjin Municipality Key Laboratory on Building Environment and Energy, she has consistently advanced knowledge in life cycle assessment, carbon-neutral building design, and sustainable urban evolution. With a Doctor of Engineering from Tianjin University and international research experiences at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich, she blends global perspectives with local solutions. Prof. Yang has directed national-level projects, collaborated in IEA EBC Annex72 and Annex89, and published influential works in Building and Environment, Applied Energy, and Sustainability. Her leadership in winning the Solar Decathlon China, Championship underscores her commitment to practical innovation. A respected educator, mentor, and member of international committees, she exemplifies dedication to advancing sustainable futures through research, teaching, and community service.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Wei Yang built her academic foundation at Tianjin University, where she completed her Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Doctor of Engineering. Her doctoral studies emphasized building life cycle design and environmental performance optimization, laying the groundwork for her research career in sustainability and architecture. She studied at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, as a DAAD-sponsored visiting Ph.D. scholar, where she deepened her expertise in life cycle modeling for sustainable construction. She further expanded her international perspective as a guest researcher at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, where she explored advanced concepts of resource efficiency and urban building renewal. This blend of rigorous domestic training and global exposure shaped her multidisciplinary approach, combining architectural design, environmental science, and engineering principles. Her educational journey reflects both academic excellence and international engagement, driving her commitment to advancing sustainable building practices worldwide.
Experience
With over two decades of academic service, Prof. Dr. Wei Yang has held progressive positions at Tianjin University’s School of Architecture. Beginning as a lecturer, she advanced to associate professor, and was promoted to full professor. Currently serving as Vice Dean, she also leads as Deputy Director of the Tianjin Municipality Key Laboratory on Building Environment and Energy, where she guides cutting-edge research in carbon-neutral building strategies and sustainable urban transformation. Her international collaborations include key roles in IEA EBC Annex72 and Annex89, strengthening her reputation as a global expert in life cycle sustainability assessment. She has also engaged in visiting scholar positions at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich, further enriching her global experience. Alongside research, she teaches advanced courses in sustainable architectural design and resource-efficient construction, blending theory with practice. Her leadership extends to design competitions and interdisciplinary projects, showcasing her visionary expertise.
Research Interest
Prof. Dr. Wei Yang’s research focuses on the sustainable evolution of the built environment, with a particular emphasis on building life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon-neutral design, and resource-efficient construction methods. Her studies integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and advanced environmental assessment tools, offering holistic solutions to sustainability challenges in urban and rural contexts. She investigates how architectural strategies can minimize environmental footprints while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant well-being. As the principal investigator of several China National Natural Science Foundation projects, she has developed parametric design methods that align ecological impacts with cost efficiency. Her contributions to international collaborations under IEA Annex frameworks highlight her global engagement in shaping carbon-reduction strategies for buildings. Beyond theoretical modeling, her applied research includes prototypes like the RCELLS zero-carbon solar house, demonstrating practical pathways toward climate-responsive architecture. Her research vision combines scientific rigor, innovation, and real-world impact.
Award and Honor
Prof. Dr. Wei Yang has received wide recognition for her contributions to sustainable architecture and research. She was the leader of TEAM Tianjin U+, whose project RCELLS Zero-Carbon Solar House achieved the championship at Solar Decathlon China, winning eight first prizes across ten categories—a remarkable demonstration of her ability to translate research into innovation. Alongside her colleagues, she earned the Second Prize in China’s National Award for Higher Educational Achievement and received an Honorable Mention in the UIA Innovation in Architectural Education Award, affirming her excellence in both teaching and research. Her projects and teaching studios have been showcased at national exhibitions and global platforms, highlighting her integration of design, research, and sustainability practices. Beyond formal awards, her leadership in international research committees and professional associations, including UIA and the China Architect Association, reinforces her standing as a pioneer in sustainable built environment innovation.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Probabilistic life cycle assessment in buildings: A systematic literature review
Authors: Bi XJ, Li J, Li XY, Jin WD, Iannaccone G, Yang W*
Year: 2025
Title: Evaluating new construction-led vs. renovation-led building energy codes for life cycle carbon reduction potential under urban development transition
Authors: Zhang JR, Mu YF*, Li J, Tong YH, Yang W*
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Wei Yang exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished academic and a forward-looking researcher dedicated to sustainability. With a strong educational foundation, extensive teaching and leadership experience, and an active portfolio of international collaborations, she has advanced the global dialogue on carbon neutrality, life cycle design, and sustainable building evolution. Her impactful research has shaped not only scholarly literature but also real-world architectural innovations, such as the RCELLS solar house, which embodies the fusion of theory and practice. Through mentoring, committee service, and her role as Vice Dean, she continues to inspire the next generation of architects and researchers. Her awards and global engagements underscore her contribution to both academia and society. Prof. Yang’s career trajectory demonstrates intellectual excellence, visionary leadership, and practical innovation, making her an outstanding figure deserving recognition as a global leader in sustainable architectural research and education.