Quantification of the social cost of noise in France and application of the methodology to the Paris region

Abstract

The National Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) carried out in 2021 a study of the social cost of noise in France that was estimated at 147.1 billion € per year. This cost has been calculated at 97.8 billion € per year for noise generated by transport, at 26.3 billion per year for neighborhood noise and at 21 billion € per year for noise in the workplace. Health costs are predominant (86% of total) and correspond mainly to the economic valuation of the burden of disease of noise as a result of its adverse effects (annoyance, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, psychological disorders, learning difficulties, etc.). Secondly, it also includes non-health costs such as loss of productivity and property depreciation. Bruitparif, the noise observatory for the Paris region, has applied and adapted the methodology to the data and studies available at the regional scale. This results to 42.6 billion € per year, i.e. 29% of the national total. These studies provide reference elements for comparing the financial cost of noise prevention and mitigation measures with the social benefits that are likely to result in terms of improved well-being for the population and avoided costs for the community.