Exploring New Approaches in the Study of Environmental Noise in Urban Areas

Dear Colleagues,

It is widely recognised that cities of the future face challenges in improving their environmental sustainability. One of these challenges is to reduce noise emissions, especially those that can be detrimental to the health of people who live and carry out their daily activities near urban noise sources. The study of environmental noise in cities appears to have reached a high level of maturity, but there are still many opportunities in this area. With this Special Issue, we aim to introduce research groups that provide innovative perspectives on urban noise. We also welcome case studies from cities that share their experiences applying environmental noise solutions.

The guiding thread of this Special Issue involves connecting the following three keywords: environmental noise, city, and new approaches. In this Special Issue, original research articles, reviews, case studies, and (short) technical notes are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Noise mapping and GIS, with special attention paid to the following:
   • New data acquisition solutions and technologies for noise mapping.
   • New perspectives using GIS for diagnosis and dissemination to the public.
   • Machine learning applications.
2. Latest experiences in noise management and mitigation in cities, with special attention paid to the following:
   • Case studies.
   • Green technologies.
   • Walking, cycling, and public transport promotion. Is urban infrastructure suitable for modal shift?
   • Green infrastructure (trees, parks, green walls).
   • Building design.
   • New materials.
   • Smart cities applications and big data.
   • Machine learning applications.
   • Sustainable mobility, city plans, and low emission zones.
3. Challenges in the study of environmental noise in cities from the point of view of noise, with special attention paid to the following:
   • The role of EVs in traffic noise. Is the introduction of electric vehicles into urban traffic causing a change in the prevalence of more annoying noise sources?
   • Social noise (crowds, events, nightlife, etc.). What is the acoustic balance that tourism, as an economic activity, introduces into the city?
   • Construction activities and the noise from outdoor equipment (EU directive 2000/49/EC).
   • Drones.
   • Ports.
4. Challenges in the study of environmental noise in cities from the point of view of noise receivers, with special attention paid to the following:
   • Behavioural studies. How do people who have to live in acoustically hostile environments modify their behaviour? How do some animal species coexist with the noise of cities?
   • Noise exposure and inequality.
   • Public awareness campaign experiences.
5. Evidence on the importance of soundscapes and quiet zones in improving the quality of life.
   • Experiences in tourist promotion regarding soundscapes.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Jose Luis Cueto Ancela
Prof. Dr. Gaetano Licitra
Guest Editors

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• urban environmental noise
• noise management
• noise mapping
• urban infrastructure
• smart city