Abstract
The notion of quiet areas has received increasing attention within the EU in recent years. The EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) of 2002 stipulates that member states should map existing quiet areas and formulate strategies to keep these quiet. Quiet areas could play an important role in balancing densified urban development by ensuring access to relative quietness and associated health benefits. This paper reports on a recent study investigating how the notion of quiet areas has been implemented in Sweden. The study, initiated by the Sound Environment Center in 2017, was carried out in two phases. In phase one, an overview of the current situation was obtained by scrutinizing regional and municipal mapping initiatives, aided by a short digital questionnaire sent out to all 290 municipalities in Sweden. This provided a general understanding and highlighted initiatives for further study in phase two. The results revealed that 41% (n = 118) of Sweden’s municipalities include quiet areas in their general plans, but that significantly fewer of these have sophisticated strategies for implementation (n = 16; 6%). Moreover, the interest in quiet areas in municipalities does not seem to be directly related to the END, but is instead inspired by previous regional initiatives in Sweden. The study highlights a number of considerations and examples of how quiet areas are approached in Sweden today. In general, Sweden has come a long way in terms of identifying and mapping quiet areas, but more progress is needed in developing strategies to protect, maintain, and publicize quiet areas.
Highlights
In the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive (END) of 2002 (2002/49/EC) [1], member states are asked to make an inventory of existing quiet areas and devise strategies for their protection
The findings suggest that it would be feasible to extend the division to three types of quiet areas, in order to account for areas that are in close proximity to agglomerations
Mappings of quiet areas described in general plans and other planning documents may be difficult for the end user to access, and it is noteworthy that few municipalities have focused on outward activities
Summary
In the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive (END) of 2002 (2002/49/EC) [1], member states are asked to make an inventory of existing quiet areas and devise strategies for their protection. Sweden is known as one of the countries in Europe working more actively with quiet areas, including several initiatives on regional and municipal level This could be related to Sweden’s early implementation of the soundscape perspective in research on environmental noise, not least through the Mistra project “Soundscape for better health” [4], carried out between 2000 and 2007, in which the notion of “quiet façade” was introduced. In sharp contrast to the scientific advice from the research community on health and the environment, more noise is permitted close to people’s dwellings than was the case before the updates to the legislation This proved to be politically acceptable because of an urgent need for housing, and because of building industry and business interests. The results may be useful as reference for further implementation of the concept in Sweden and other countries, as well as informing future strategies and guidelines on EU level
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
