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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
  • Conferences and summits

Solutions for low noise road surfaces – online networking and awareness meeting

On 6 February, representatives from DG Environment and CINEA hosted this networking and awareness event.

Competent authorities completed new strategic noise maps for European agglomerations and the major road network in 2022. They are now developing action plans for noise reduction in early 2024. Therefore, it is crucial to disseminate information about new pavements/road surfaces and potential noise reduction strategies.  

This meeting provided a networking opportunity for policymakers, local and regional authorities, NGOs, active and completed LIFE projects, Horizon 2020 projects, and other stakeholders to exchange best practices and insights. 

Speakers and project representatives focused on topics, including discussions on new low-noise asphalt mixtures, tools for evaluating the acoustic impact of evolving mobility patterns, and the creation of documentation that could pave the way for normative standards regulating noise-reducing pavements. 

Among the projects, two LIFE projects were present: 

  • LIFE SILENT aims to develop sustainable and eco-friendly solutions that effectively reduce noise emissions from both road and rail traffic in complex urban settings. 

  • LIFE COOL & LOW NOISE ASPHALT focuses on combating traffic noise and the urban heat island effect by developing new types of asphalt road surfaces. 

The recording of event can be found here.

  • noise pollution
  • Tuesday 6 February 2024, 09:00 - 15:30 (CET)
  • Live streaming available

Programme

  1. 6 Feb 2024, 09:00 - 09:15 (CET)
    Opening & introductions
  2. 09:15 - 11:15 (CET)
    Solutions/success stories from EU-funded projects
  3. 11:15 - 11:30 (CET)
    Coffee break
  4. 11:30 - 12:30 (CET)
    Panel 1 discussion: Technical challenges of low noise asphalt mixture production and use
  5. 12:30 - 13:30 (CET)
    Lunch break
  6. 13:30 - 14:30 (CET)
    Panel 2 discussion: Integrating new solutions in action plans for noise reduction
    • Moderator: prof. Gaetano Licitra (Head of Pisa Department at the Environmental Protection Agency of Tuscany Region and professor of acoustics at the University of Pisa, LIFE SILENT project)
  7. 14:30 - 15:15 (CET)
    Panel 3 discussion: Standardisation challenges
  8. 15:15 - 15:30 (CET)
    Conclusions and meeting closing
    • Marco Paviotti, European Commission, DG Environment

Practical information

When
Tuesday 6 February 2024, 09:00 - 15:30 (CET)
Languages
English