Environmental acoustics and noise protection
In the field of noise protection, we distinguish between building acoustics (see our page "Building physics and acoustics") and environmental acoustics, which is covered on this page and mainly includes the following noise impacts:
- Noise from road, rail or air traffic.
- Commercial and industrial noise (factories, quarries, drilling, car parks, technical installations such as heat pumps, wind turbines, etc.).
- Noise from sports facilities and from the hospitality industry.
- Noise from construction sites.
In an increasingly dynamic world of mobility, urbanisation and densification, we are moving ever closer together. Noise pollution is therefore increasingly present and can affect our quality of life. We note an increased need for noise protection measures. The earlier these are included in spatial planning and project design, the more effectively and economically they can be implemented.
These new challenges go hand in hand with the development of technology and the legal basis, the development of measuring instruments (latest generation of noise level meters with 3G/4G connection and SMS alarms, etc.) and calculation software (3D acoustic modelling).
To assess and limit noise pollution, the Swiss Noise Abatement Ordinance (LSV) sets legally binding pollution limits (building zones, new installations, building permits, renovations, etc.). Noise protection issues can delay planning permission, increase project costs and lead to conflicts between residents, neighbours and users. Based on an expert opinion, legal compliance can be checked, appropriate solutions can be determined and planning or construction measures can be found to reduce noise pollution.
Our services in detail
- Support, advice and accompaniment of building owners in anticipatory and noise-related optimisations, communication and contacts with authorities
- Short- or long-term in-situ measurements, monitoring (sound level meters) for any type of noise (road, rail, aircraft, commercial and industrial noise, sports facilities, construction sites, etc.)
- Acoustic studies for each type of noise, determination of noise levels and limit values to be complied with
- Studies on compliance with the Noise Abatement Ordinance (LSV) and on compliance with the Environmental Protection Act (USG)
- Acoustic studies for building permit and approval procedures, for plan submission and plan approval procedures
- Complex and large-scale acoustic studies, noise remediation dossiers
- Acoustic 3D modelling and calculation of immission noise levels (at the window of noise-sensitive rooms) for any type of noise
- Proposals and dimensioning of noise protection measures (noise barriers, etc.), evaluation of their effectiveness
- Monitoring of construction noise, and installation of acoustic measuring stations with alarms and web interface
- Acoustic expertises
YOUR CONTACT PERSON(S)
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Michael Chopard
Environmental engineer
Head of the Environment Department French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino