LdenWerte

LdenWerte are a metric used to assess the potential annoyance caused by environmental noise. The term "Lden" stands for Day-Evening-Night level. It is a single-number descriptor that characterizes the long-term noise immission at a specific location. The Lden value is calculated by averaging noise levels over a 24-hour period, with specific weightings applied to the evening and night periods to account for increased sensitivity to noise during these times.

The evening period, typically from 7 PM to 11 PM, is given an additional 5 dB weighting, and the night period, usually from 11 PM to 7 AM, receives a 10 dB weighting. This means that noise occurring in the evening and night contributes more significantly to the overall Lden value than the same level of noise occurring during the day. This weighting reflects the common understanding that noise can be more disturbing when people are trying to rest or relax.

Lden Werte are widely used in environmental noise mapping and in the implementation of noise reduction policies, particularly within the European Union. They are employed to identify areas with high noise exposure and to guide strategic planning for noise mitigation measures. Regulatory bodies use these values to set noise limits and to assess compliance with environmental standards. The Lden concept aims to provide a simplified yet comprehensive measure of noise pollution that considers both the intensity and the temporal distribution of sound.