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\begin{frame}{Optimizing the physical workplace for Urban Socio-Environmental performance (Opt-USE)}

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\item We have entered a new era of building use and work patterns. A plurality of workers in recent surveys have reported working in a hybrid format compared to office only or home only. This has resulted in low office occupancy rates. These evolving patterns of behavior have called into question the value of physical office space and added an additional layer of complexity to optimal performance of building, energy, and transportation systems. At the same time, these office buildings serve a fundamentally human purpose, facilitating interactions and collaboration among members of organizations. Such organizational processes are at risk with reduced use of office space. In this project, we aim to collaborate with Fribourg companies and organizations to collect data on workplace behavior and interactions, building space use, and commuting practices. We will develop models to aid in the optimization of flexible working policies that balance effectiveness of workplace interactions, building energy and spatial efficiency, and commuting costs. Leveraging multi-objective optimization, we propose to develop a decision-support framework for companies to tailor their remote working policies, ensuring a harmonious balance between employee well-being, environmental considerations, and operational efficiency. This research aims to address the intersection of socio-organizational and environmental goals in the operation and utilization of the built environment in Fribourg and Switzerland.

\item Sponsor: School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École polytechnique f\'ed\'erale de Lausanne

\item November 01, 2024-October 31, 2026

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