meluhallintaan

Meluhallinta, or noise management, refers to the planning, control, and reduction of environmental noise to limit its negative effects on people and communities. It combines preventive measures with mitigation and, where necessary, remediation of existing noise problems. The aim is to protect health, comfort, and the quality of life of residents and workers.

Scope and sources: It covers noise generated by road and rail traffic, aviation, industry, construction, and urban activity. It is typically addressed in the context of urban planning, housing design, transportation policy, and environmental regulation, often with strategies such as zoning, building standards, and traffic measures to reduce exposure.

Measures and tools: Common tools include noise mapping and impact assessments to identify exposure levels; setting local or national limits for noise; improving building insulation (e.g., soundproofing), designing quiet road surfaces and barriers; operational measures such as scheduled maintenance, speed reductions, and routing changes; and public information campaigns to raise awareness.

Regulatory framework: In the European Union, the Environmental Noise Directive requires member states to map noise levels, assess health implications, and prepare action plans for areas where exposure exceeds thresholds. National and local authorities typically implement these requirements through environmental, housing, and planning legislation, licensing, and procurement rules.

Challenges and outlook: Growing urbanization, traffic growth, and aging infrastructure continually test meluhallinta efforts. Effective noise management requires cross-sector collaboration, investment in quiet technologies, and active community involvement to balance development with the need for quieter living environments.