The Department of Building Science & Technology at Tongji University was officially established in 2026, integrating the former disciplines of HVAC Engineering and Building Physics. 

The HVAC Engineering discipline originated from the Teaching and Research Section of Building Equipment established in 1952. In 1979, it was authorized to confer master's degrees in Building Thermal Engineering, which was later reorganized into the master's program in Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineering. Doctoral student enrollment began in 1991. To date, the program has cultivated over 5,000 undergraduates and more than 1,000 master's and doctoral graduates specializing in HVAC. Concurrently, the Building Physics direction has cultivated distinctive disciplinary characteristics and prominent research advantages through years of deep engagement in areas such as building thermal environment, acoustic environment, luminous environment, and indoor environmental quality. This strong foundation has paved the way for international development and industry-education integration following the disciplinary integration.

The Department of Building Science & Technology strategically focuses on key research areas including Building Physics and Environmental Health, Building Energy and Low-Carbon Technologies, Circular Materials and Intelligent Construction, and Intelligent Operation & Maintenance and Life-Cycle Management. The department strives to establish itself as a nationally leading and globally influential innovation hub for building environment technology and a premier base for talent cultivation.