Noise Reduction by NBS in Valladolid city

Noise pollution by traffic, construction works, etc. is a common city problem. Nuisance from noise is detrimental to neighbourhood liveability, living comfort and work environments, and can increase risk of serious health problems such as hearing loss and cardiovascular disease.

Urban ecosystems provide noise reduction services by serving as a natural sound buffer. Vegetation provides both a direct and an indirect barrier to environmental noise. Starting with its direct functions, green belts attenuate noise by absorption, dispersal, and destructive interference of sound waves, though sound levels can intensify locally if measured right below tree crowns. Indirect noise reduction effects are generated by lessened wind speeds and the absorptive capacity of pervious soils. UGS also proved to offer noise reducing services via psychological effects: just observing the presence of a green wall can lead people to perceive less noise nuisance or alter the perception of noise as sounds such as flowing water, bird singing, and leaves rustling in the wind mask disturbing background noise.

On the other hand, the methodology proposed for this KPI is based and uses the methodology and tools proposed by the European Commission Working Group Assessment of Exposure to Noise (WG-AEN).

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) requires two main indicators to be applied in the assessment and management of environmental noise. The first indicator (Lden) is the noise level for the day, evening and night periods and is designed to measure ‘annoyance’. The END defines an Lden threshold of 55 dB. The second indicator (Lnight) is the noise level for night-time periods and is designed to assess sleep disturbance. The END defines an Lnight threshold of 50 dB. Member States must report the numbers of people who are exposed to noise levels above both thresholds for each noise source (e.g. roads, railways, airports, industry).