Environmental noise assessment in outdoor areas: A comparative review in European countries

This paper aims to analyze methods for assessing environmentral noise in European countries, with a particular focus on comparing legally prescribed noise limit values with the recommended values of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as on the elements used for assesssing noise in outdoor areas. Strategic noise maps, developed using common noise indicators and calculation methods defined by Directive 2002/49/EC, form the basis for environmental noise assessment. In addition to the noise indicators defined by the Directive, which are also used for the development of action plans, various other indicators are employed for purposes such as noise reduction, land-use planning, and environmental noise measurement. The Interest Group on Noise Abatement (IGNA) has conducted a comprehensive review of the legislation of Individual European countries, and based on their reports, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the elements used to asssess environmental noise in 18 countries.