Cheng Liang, Professor-level Senior Engineer, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Ministry of Ecology and Environment. He is the Director of Center for Innovation of "Zero-Waste Society" (CIZWS) and Director of Institute of Environmental Investment and Industry.

Cheng specializes in environmental management research on solid waste. He has undertaken thematic research on solid waste management, major projects, environmental regulation, and investment/financing for China’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Five-Year Plans for Environmental Protection. Cheng directed ecological and environmental protection planning for the Beijing-Tianjin- Hebei region and the solid waste management strategy for Xiong’an New Area. He conducted policy evaluations on foreign waste import regulations and the implementation of China’s Solid Waste Law, with findings affirmed by central government authorities. He has presided over 20 central government-funded projects, 5 major research initiatives, and 20+ strategic consulting programs. He has contributed to 3 national-level plans and 10 provincial/ministerial-level plans, led the development of 3 industry standards, authored 6 academic books, and published 50+ research articles. Cheng has held 1 utility model patent and 8 software copyrights, and has been awarded two Second Prizes for China Outstanding Engineering Consulting Achievements and received one State Council Commendation.