Work Packages

The SWICE project is divided into 8 research Work Packages, each focusing on a specific research area. We are proud of the unique inter- and trans-disciplinary nature of SWICE, and have been working together since the project’s inception to foster understanding and collaboration among disciplines. Such research synergies help us tackle the energy transition’s objectives with a holistic approach.

Many of our WPs are linked with one or several Living Labs, where research can be tested through targeted interventions in a real-world setting.

In addition, two WPs ensure the efficient management and administration of the project, as well as the effective communication and dissemination of SWICE activities and results.

WP1

THE HUMAN DIMENSION OF CHANGE

WP1 provides a theoretical framework for understanding how human behavior changes in the context of the energy transition. This framework focuses on the dynamics of living and working, at both the individual and societal levels. The innovative approach of WP1 consists in exploring the continuum from the psychological to the societal, as well as assessing negative and positive spillover effects. The researchers identify and evaluate realistic, accessible and effective interventions that function as drivers of change towards an effective energy transition. Crucially, they create methods and tools that translate this research into actionable resources.

WP1 is lead by Julien Nembrini (UNI-FR) and Bernadette Suetterlin (ZHAW)

WP1 is responsible for managing Living Lab Lokstadt

WP2

WELLBEING, STANDARDS AND TRANSITION

WP2 researchers work on a future for habitat that enables greater well-being for individuals and collectivities, with a smaller environmental footprint and a focus on sufficiency approaches. They quantify Decent Living Energy for Switzerland, model interconnected sufficiency scenarios for housing and mobility, and develop typologies to inform urban environmental mitigation strategies. They test this framework on the specific issue of indoor environmental quality. Additionnally, WP2 provides recommendations for new comfort standards in the built environment, and explores how to handle a lower demand for the construction sector.

WP2 is lead by Philippe Thalmann (EPFL) and Julia Steinberger (UNIL)

WP3

RESILIENT TRANSITION OF NEIGHBORHOODS

The main objective of WP3 is to develop transformation strategies to make existing neighbourhoods more sustainable. These strategies are rooted in participative governance and will lead to the development of a climate/energy plan for a Swiss neighbourhood.

WP3 is lead by Florinel Radu (HEIA FR) and Corentin Fivet (EPFL)

WP3 is responsible for managing Living Lab Eglantine

WP4

TOWARDS CLIMATE-NEUTRAL BUILDINGS

WP4 focuses on the building scale. It aims to support the transformation of the current building stock to reach climate neutrality, by integrating sufficiency measures in the design and operation of buildings, while balancing occupant well-being. It also explores how the circular economy can be implemented at neighborhood scale, through a participatory approach. Technological approaches developed in WP4 comprise personalized sensing and building control algorithms, digital twins and a simulation game.

WP4 is lead by Kristina Orehounig (Empa) and Colin Jones (EPFL)

WP5

OPEN SPACES IN ENERGY TRANSITIONS AND WELLBEING

WP5 focuses on the role open spaces play for human well-being, especially during summer heatwaves. Its research explores the social importance of open spaces, their interplay with micro-climates, and their effect on energy demand. WP5 co-designs interventions through multi-stakeholder workshops and living lab experiments.

WP5 is lead by Séréna Vanbutsele (HEIA FR) and Marlyne Sahakian (UNIGE)

WP5 is responsible for managing Living Lab Schoenberg and Living Lab La Jonction

WP6

NEW WORK, MOBILITY AND ENERGY

WP6 explores the links between well-being, mobility and energy, while taking into account rebound and spillover effects. It deploys a three-wave trend study design to assess the energy reduction potential of existing and new interventions in SWICE Living Labs. Based on empirical evidence, examples of interventions are identified and prepared so that they can be scaled up to other regions. Moreover, WP6 issues recommendations for energy-efficiency labelling institutions.

WP6 is lead by Timo Ohnmacht (HSLU)

WP6 is responsible for managing Living Lab Suurstoffi

WP7

ENERGY SYSTEMS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

WP7 aims to bridge the gap between energy needs and resources, with a particular focus on investment in energy conversion equipment, and on infrastructure. The objective is to develop an energy system adaptation modeling framework to outline sustainable pathways for the Swiss energy transition. This WP leverages research outcomes from other SWICE WPs through the design of ad-hoc quantitative KPIs, and uses Living Labs to validate and calibrate the digital tools it produces.

WP7 is lead by François Maréchal (EPFL)

WP8

INTERFACE WITH AND INTEGRATION ACROSS LIVING LABS

WP8 focuses on exploring, assessing, managing and supporting Living Labs as experimental arenas for sustainable innovation and behavioural change. It supports the expansion of existing knowledge of Living Labs and the co-development of practice-oriented tools with external and internal stakeholders.

WP8 is lead by Anton Sentic (ZHAW)

WP9

MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

WP9 focuses on the overall planning, coordination, and management of SWICE activities to ensure the achievement of objectives and scientific quality of deliverables. It manages day-to-day project monitoring, budget and schedule oversight, and the implementation of corrective measures when needed. Key responsibilities involve facilitating internal communication, coordinating scientific and financial reporting to the funder, and consolidating research outputs for the Consortium Council. This WP also manages interactions with the Organizational Management Team, SWEET Office, and other consortia, oversees the distribution of financial support, maintains key project documentation, ensures ethical compliance, and implements a data management infrastructure.

WP9 is lead by Philippe Thalmann (EPFL) and Luisa Pastore (EPFL)

WP10

KTT AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

WP10 ensures a transparent internal and external communication and the dissemination of results through relevant and effective channels. This allows to capitalize on the visibility of the project for a maximal and long-lasting impact on the behaviour and actions of the end-users. WP10 is also in charge of managing IP and maximizing the exploitation routes as well as optimizing the innovation impact of all the project outcomes.

WP10 is lead by Luisa Pastore (EPFL) and Joan Suris (EPFL)

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