Research
Our research advances integrated assessment modeling to evaluate the resilience and environmental impacts of existing infrastructure systems, as well as to design and assess emerging solutions that enhance resilience and minimize environmental burdens. The integrated assessment framework combines agent-based modeling, engineering process simulation, and impact assessment to provide a robust understanding of system behavior and performance across multiple dimensions. We explore data solutions (e.g., digital water technologies, sensor development, and surveys) to elucidate key governance processes and validate the integrated assessment model.
Current research focuses on non-traditional water resource technologies, nature-based solutions, and green hydrogen and fuels.
- Urban Water System (Water, Wastewater & Stormwater): digitalization, water reuse, decentralization.
- Built Environment: nature-based solutions, co-benefit analysis
- Hard-to-abate Sectors: green hydrogen from renewables and organic waste, low-carbon fuels.
Our Team
Alumni
- Dr. Chao Xu, Postdoc 2024, Coupled Building Energy and Microclimate Simulation, Now Professor at Guangdong University of Technology
- Dr. Yue Li, PhD Graduate 2023, Nontradtional Water Resources Planning for Urban Water System, Now Postdoc at Oxford University
- Dr. Stefano Mingolla, PhD Graduate 2024, Green Hydrogen for Ammonia Production, Now Assistant Professor at IE University
- Ruby Qingru Zhuang, Research Master 2022, Green Infrastructure Modeling in the Context of Hong Kong, Now EcoVadis Hong Kong
- Justin Tang, Research Master 2024, Nontradtional Water Resources Technologies in Hong Kong, Now Hong Kong Department of Planning
- Weiqi Wang, Undergraduate Research Assistant 2023, Smart Electricity Meter and Energy Efficiency Analysis
- Zixuan Zhou, Undergraduate Research Assistant 2022, 2023, Smart Electricity Meter and Energy Efficiency Analysis
- Joshua Eivin, Undergraduate Research Assistant 2026, National Energy System Modeling
Publications - see Google Scholar for the full list
- Fang, X., Zhang, J., Mauter, M. S., Cominola, A., & Lu, Z. (2026). Enhancing household water end-use estimates from low time-resolution smart meter data via stochastic discrete event modeling and Bayesian inference. Water Research X, 100526.
- Mingolla, S., Rouwenhorst, K., Gabrielli, P., Sansavini, G., Klemun, M. M., & Lu, Z. (2025). Trade-Offs between Grid Connectivity and Operational Flexibility in Reducing the Cost and Carbon Footprint of Green Ammonia. Environmental Science & Technology, 59(48), 25803-25816.
- Li, Y., Lu, Z., Zhang, X., Zhang, Q., Xu, H., Fung, J. C., & Daigger, G. (2024). Multiobjective Spatial Optimization Framework for Determining the Optimal Degree of Decentralization for Nonpotable Water Reuse in Existing Cities: A Case Study of Hong Kong. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(46), 20424-20433.
- Mingolla, S., Gabrielli, P., Manzotti, A., Robson, M. J., Rouwenhorst, K., Ciucci, F., ... & Lu, Z. (2024). Effects of emissions caps on the costs and feasibility of low-carbon hydrogen in the European ammonia industry. Nature communications, 15(1), 3753.
- Zhuang, Q., Li, M., & Lu, Z. (2023). Assessing runoff control of low impact development in Hong Kong's dense community with reliable SWMM setup and calibration. Journal of environmental management, 345, 118599.
News & Highlights
- 2026.07 - Our group has one PhD position available for Winter or Fall 2027. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with experimental experience in wastewater treatment, gained through their undergraduate or master’s research projects. Interested applicants should send their CV, research statement, and academic transcripts by email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview if their research statement shows a strong alignment with our research program.
Contact Us
📍 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
✉️zhongming.lu@uwaterloo.ca