In 2014, the TJU School of Architecture oversaw the establishment of the interdisciplinary energy research and promotion center for building and urban/rural development, namely the “APEC Sustainable Energy Center”. Its director is Professor ZHU Li, and it includes an international team of 12 members. 

Since its establishment, APEC conducts research and various other projects related to urban and rural energy planning and utilization of renewable energy in buildings, with the support of the National Energy Administration as well as the National Development and Reform Commission. Furthermore, it has developed extensive collaboration partnerships with Europe, the United States, Australia, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.