Due to increased activity in the society, especially in the transportation field, the outdoor noise level in communities and cities may increase gradually. The greatest noise contributer is road traffic. A reduction in noise (or rather in noise nuisance) requires several means and systematic work over time.

SINTEF ICT contribute to this by ideas, investigations, and carrying out programs. This includes, e.g.:

• Development of basis for experienced noise nuisance, and nuisance exposure. This is a reality description and exposure estimation which is necessary to evaluate status and the effect of various measures. The work is related to the governmental action plan against noise, "Nasjonale støymål”.
• The Ministry of the Environment and the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority have prepared a guideline for treatment of noise in relation to area planning (T-1442). This is a help to the municipals to prevent conflicts related to noise by good area planning. SINTEF ICT has been a discussion partner for the NPCA, and has processed important problems in the process of preparing the guideline.
• A reduction of tyre/road surface noise for cars is an important point of attack to reduce road traffic noise. This area is focused on in the Directorate of Public Roads program "environmentally friendly road surfaces". SINTEF ICT has participated in the process of establishing the program, and will work on projects related to the program withing fields such as noise measurements, relation between noise and road surface texture, evaluation and examination of measures.

Contact:

Svein Ådne Storeheier, phone: +47 92252953, e-mail: Beskyttet adresse