Yanzhi Jin | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yanzhi Jin | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Yanzhi Jin | Xi ‘an University of Technology | China

Dr. Jin Yanzhi is a dedicated scholar and researcher specializing in business administration and sustainable development studies. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing with a double major in Medical Information Engineering from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She later completed her master’s degree in Business Administration at Fuyang Normal University, excelling in courses such as Research Methods in Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. Her academic performance has been marked by a strong commitment to excellence and analytical rigor. Jin Yanzhi’s research focuses on regional economic development, carbon emissions, ecological efficiency, and the coordinated growth of energy–economy–environment systems. She has published multiple research papers as first or co-author, contributing valuable insights into sustainable development and environmental economics. Her works include analyses of farmers’ income dynamics, the coupling and coordination of ecological and economic systems, and evaluations of green and low-carbon development across Chinese provinces. Several of her studies have been indexed in international SCI journals, reflecting a growing academic impact with 81 citations by 79 documents, 4 publications, and an h-index of 3. Beyond her research, Jin Yanzhi has actively participated in numerous academic projects, including studies on green development strategies, carbon emission reduction, and low-carbon pathways under national sustainability goals. Her leadership qualities are evident from her roles as Class Monitor, Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee, and Executive Chairperson of the Graduate Student Union at Fuyang Normal University, where she organized major academic and cultural events, wrote news releases, and engaged in student governance.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate 

Featured Publications :

Jin, Y. (n.d.). The carbon emission characteristics and reduction potential in developing areas: A case study from Anhui Province, China.

 Jin, Y. (2025). Analysis of the spatial-temporal evolution and driving factors of carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

 Jin, Y. (2025). Study on the spatial and temporal variation of the coupling coordination degree between economic development and ecological environment in the Yangtze River Delta and the influencing factors.

Jin, Y. (2025). Research on green technology innovation efficiency of industrial enterprises in the Yangtze River Economic Belt under carbon constraints.

Jin, Y. (n.d.). Spatial evolution and influencing factors of farmers’ income in Anhui Province.

Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review