Impact on indoor and outdoor acoustic comfort in the decarbonization process of residential areas

The decarbonization of residential buildings, driven by the new EPBD4 directive, involves replacing fossil fuel generators with heat pump solutions. While these measures significantly reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, they also lead to increased outdoor noise impact and potential issues of sound intrusion in indoor environments. This paper examines the acoustic implications of the energy transition, highlighting the challenges posed by heat pump noise and proposing mitigation strategies to ensure both indoor and outdoor comfort. Current regulations and future perspectives for integrating energy efficiency with acoustic quality are also discussed.