Application Form for the European Green Capital Award 2019

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1 6. Quality of the Acoustic Environment 6A. Present Situation Noise exposure results from the END mapping in 2012(*): Indicator Unit Year of data Share of population exposed to total noise values of Lden above 55 db(a) 62 % 2011 Share of population exposed to total noise values of Lden above 65 db(a); 19 % 2011 Share of population exposed to total noise values of Ln (night noise indicator) above 45 db(a) 73 % 2011 Share of population exposed to total noise values of Ln (night noise indicator) above 55 db(a) 26 % 2011 The percentage of citizens living within 300m of quiet areas. 35 % 2012 *) Please refer to pages 6 and 7 which clarify the population and calculation factors for these statistics. The population of Oslo is growing at a record pace. In order to halt the corresponding growth in transport and noise, the 2015 Municipal Master Plan (2015MMP) emphasizes compact urban development in central areas and around public transportation hubs (6D1). Urban projects facilitating walking, cycling and public transport is a priority. Oslo was one of the first cities in Europe to establish Quiet Urban Areas (QUAs). Good national and local noise regulations Norway adheres to the EU Environmental Noise Directive, which has been incorporated into national regulations. The first noise mapping and municipal Noise Action Plan in Oslo were conducted in 2007/2008. National Regulations (6D7): Noise regulations in the Pollution Control Act Noise regulations in area planning, including recommendations on noise levels for noise sensitive areas (e.g. dwellings or QUAs) and for activities with noise impact Technical construction regulations define noise limits, and are used when evaluating building permit applications The City of Oslo has passed local noise regulations (1975) (6D8), which limit noise levels from construction work. Oslo has local guidelines and strict noise limits for concerts/pubs/night clubs (6D9), as well as for noise from technical installations (6D10). Oslo invests massively in sustainable travels and tunnels Road traffic is the main source of noise in Oslo. The E18 and E6 motorways are part of the national main road network and the Trans-European Road Network (TERN). Public transport includes railway, metro, trams, buses and ferries. Daily commuter traffic from the greater Oslo region is substantial. Parts of the road and rail networks go through tunnels. Oslo has established a permanent toll ring around the inner city (6D22/6D24). The inner city speed limit is 30 km/h. 1

2 In 2015, one in three daily trips were conducted on foot (29%) or by bike (7%). Public transport constitutes an increasing part of total traffic. The fleet of electric vehicles in Oslo is the largest per capita in the world (Indicator 2). Ample access to recreational and quiet areas The forests of Oslo (figure 6.1), as well as the islands in the Oslo Fjord, provide vast, continuous open quiet areas for recreational use. For years, the forests have been protected from development. An extensive network of QUAs, including eight main waterways connect the forests and the fjord. For fact sheets, select each green area (6D19). Oslo monitors noise levels in designated QUAs, as well as number of people living nearby. In 2012, 35% of the population lived within 300 metres of one of the 14 QUAs (figure 6.2/6.3, see 6D26).The QUAs finally received legal protection from noise in the 2015MMP. Limited noise from the port, industry and planes Oslo has a busy harbour. Goods are mostly handled in one designated port area, while ferries and cruise ships are handled in three other port areas. Noise affecting residential areas is insignificant. Industrial activities have gradually been relocated outside the city. There is no airport in the city. 2

3 Figure 6.1: Main road and rail structure causing noise, number of daily trips across city borders by car or public transport, distance to airports, and recreational areas in the forests and the fjord. 3

4 Figure 6.2: Fact sheet on Quiet Urban Areas (QUAs). 4

5 Figure 6.3: The 14 Quiet Urban Areas (QUAs) in Oslo 5

6 Noise exposure in Oslo Between 2006 and 2011, the population in Oslo increased by 60,000 people (10%). 62% of its inhabitants are exposed to rail and road noise exceeding L den 55 db a 5% increase since % are exposed to noise exceeding L night 45 db a 7% increase (figure 6.4). The total sum of noise affected schools, kindergartens and hospitals has also seen an increase (figure 6.5). New buildings have been constructed at public transport hubs, causing an increase in the number of noise-affected facades. On the other hand, permissible indoor noise levels (<L paeq24h 30dB, <L pafmax 45dB at night) as well as noise limits in protected outdoor environments (<L den 55dB), have become stricter. All new dwellings are required to have at least one quiet facade. By law, no dwellings should be exposed to indoor noise-levels exceeding L paeq24h 42 db db db db db >= 75 db db db db db >= 65 db Lden Ln Figure 6.4: Share of population exposed to noise Lden and Ln in Oslo from road and rail traffic, including tram and metro. Year 2006 and db db >= 65 db db db db >= 65 db Lden Share of schools, kindergartens and hospital buildings Ln Share of hospital buildings only. (Schools and kindergartens are not open by night). Figure 6.5: Share of school, kindergartens and hospital buildings exposed to noise from road and rail traffic, 2006 and Share of hospital buildings exposed to noise has decreased significantly. 6

7 Overestimation Input data and calculation methods are configured conservatively (cf. Good Practice Guide, GPG). This means that the number of people exposed to noise is overestimated. Large residential areas in Oslo consist of small houses and residential roads with little or no traffic. Due to lack of accurate data this large 500 km network is calculated with default traffic volume 500 AADT (cf.gpg ch.2.12), which leads to an overestimation in the L den db class. City center traffic volume distribution Day/Evening/Night 65/20/15 is applied to all the municipal roads, also leading to an overestimation of L den citywide. Number of people exposed is found by using the highest noise level on the facade for all the residents in the building (cf. GPG ch.2.44). As the majority of residents do not live at the highest noise level point, this is an overestimate. All buildings belonging to schools, universities and hospital complex are counted in figure

8 6B. Past Performance Oslo takes the lead in reaching national targets (6D12) In 2011, noise annoyance had been reduced by 6.5% (6D13) compared to 1999-levels. Thus Oslo is well on track to reach its goal of a 10% reduction by The Noise Action Plan In line with the first action plan of , the current plan (6D2) includes a wide range of measures in order to reduce noise. The most effective are: The national railway authorities have introduced new, quieter trains, prioritised rail adjustments and grinding, as well as upgraded infrastructure. In 2012, large investments in new low emissions trains were made ( 652m) reducing noise-levels by up to 10 db. Today, these low emission trains operates on 7 of 11 lines in Oslo. The City has upgraded tram and metro tracks with particular focus on rail grinding and curve squeal noise. All metro trains have been replaced with quieter trains since the 2007 noise mapping ( 554m). Between 1999 and 2011, noise annoyance from rail (trains, metro and trams) was reduced by 35 % in Oslo. National and municipal road authorities have prioritized the installation of new noise screens and renovation of old ones, as well as implementation of facade measures along roads. The main container port has been relocated outside the city centre, where noise levels remain stable, even as activities increase. In 2015, the municipal port authority acquired 2 STS and 8 RTG electric cranes ( 34m), documented to be the lowest noise emission cranes in the world (figure 6.6). For QUAs measures include information, analysis and surveys (6D19-20). Participation and information Oslo uses Parkcheck (6D15) as a tool to survey park activity. Results from 2012 showed partial satisfaction with noise levels among respondents. Respondents are more concerned with noise in parks than at beaches. Parkcheck 2016 was just completed and results will be available shortly. In Oslo s 2011 survey 90% of respondents named trekking and the experience of nature, silence and calm as their main reasons for visiting forests. In 2008, The Action Plan was launched after a broad range of stakeholders participated in selecting the 14 QUAs following a comprehensive consultation process. 80 areas were documented through a form and photos (figure 6.7/6.8). Information about noise is easily accessible and well organized on the municipality s website (6D21). It is easy to submit noise complaints (6D14). Complaints are handled by local health authorities engaging with source owners to solve or reduce the noise problem. Statistics on noise is also easily accessible on the website, both in graphs and tables (6D21). 8

9 Figure 6.6: In 2015 the municipal port authority acquired 2 STS cranes and 8 RTG cranes (total amount 34m). Figure 6.7: The figure shows the process of including stakeholders in the selection of 14 Quiet Urban Areas. 9

10 Figure 6.8: Examples of information material related to quiet areas. 10

11 Noise mapping in line with national regulations Oslo has developed two separate noise maps, one in line with the EU Directive, another in line with national guidelines. The first outlines the existing situation, and is the basis for the Action Plan and the second details restricted zones used for long-term area planning (figure 6.9). The latest noise area planning map (2015) includes a prognosis for future traffic volume (2025), and is used to ensure that noise is taken into consideration in future plans. Figure 6.9: Two different noise maps, according to the EU directive and national regulations. Urban development The 2015MMP ensures long term and comprehensive area and transport planning. Urban development mainly occurs in areas around public transport hubs. Development projects must adhere to stricter standards of design and construction. Urban densification will cause the number of people exposed to noise to increase. Simultaneously, the impact of noise reduction measures will be greater. Measures have been taken to reduce transportation s noise contribution: Tunnels help re-establish traditional city structures, reduce noise, improve air quality and provide new areas for development. In the last 15 years, 1.5bn has been spent on tunnels (figure 6.12). In ten years, the public transport share of motorised transport has increased from 36 to 49 %. In the winter, Oslo temporarily lowers its speed limit to 60 km/h. In addition there s a tax on studded winter tyres, mainly to improve air quality. These measures also have a positive impact on noise, approximately 2 db(a). Because of national and local incentives there are more than electric vehicles (EVs) in Oslo. These are quieter than normal cars, especially at low speed. 11

12 The Grorud Valley action project ,000 inhabitants live in this area. Their service on public transport has been doubled, and the paths for walking and cycling have been significantly improved through public investments (at least 12m annually) (fig. 6.14, see 6D28). Public grants Since 1981, the City of Oslo has offered grants to construct noise screens or insulate residential facades. In the 1970s and 80s, massive improvements were made, as all citizens in the most noise exposed areas were offered facade improvements. In the past years, annual budgets generally have amounted to 130,000. Initiatives to improve the acoustic qualities in urban spaces include: The Plan for Squares and Meeting places (6D5) uses careful placement, planning and design to ensure good acoustic conditions. A survey of all trees in Oslo (6D16) describes the positive contribution of natural sounds like rustling leaves and a bird calls. The 2015MMP states that regulation plans must include protection of trees. Oslo has completed a project on soundscapes and noise mapping in QUAs (figure 6.10, ref. 6D20). The results give Oslo valuable local contribution to the available results obtained in international projects (e.g. Quadmap). Figure 6.10: Illustrations from the Oslo project to develop a method for soundscape mapping International cooperation and learning Oslo participates in the OpenNess research project (OSLOpenNess) and its spinoffs (URBAN EEA and Urban SIS). Oslo is a full member of the Eurocities network and participates in the Working Group Noise. Oslo s QUAs were presented in The European Environment Agency annual report State and Outlook 2010 (6D17). 12

13 6C. Future Plans Noise Action Plan In the current action plan, the targets are: Enhance the population s health by preventing and reducing noise exposure Contribute to reaching national targets: a 10 % reduction in noise annoyance by 2020, compared to 1999 levels Reduce the number of people exposed to indoor noise levels exceeding L paeq24h 38 db by 30 % by 2020, compared to 2005 levels Five focus areas Noise mapping and revision of the action plan is carried out every five years. Oslo coordinates mapping and planning in the Oslo region, covering seven municipalities. The five focus areas in Action Plan will form the basis for future plans: Communication Informing our citizens Transport structures and means of transport Reducing traffic noise by focusing on the sources Area and transport planning Coordinating urban and traffic developments (e.g. the Bjørvika project - figure 6.11) Implement measures inside and outside buildings Reducing noise by implementing noise barriers and insulating facades. QUAs Maintain and improve sound conditions in QUAs All the major source owners in Oslo have actively participated making the plan. The Agency for Planning and Building Services has been involved to ensure that area and transport planning is well constituted. All major municipal plans are subject to public consultation. Noise maps and QUAs in the 2015MMP In the 2015MMP densification and hub development are key planning objectives. The thematic noise map is included in the 2015MMP, regulating noise zones and QUAs. For the city planners, the inclusion makes it easier to incorporate noise concerns at an early stage in planning and building proceedings. For QUAs the 2015MMP states this regulatory provision: New or significantly increased noise from any business (according to current governmental guidelines for noise in spatial planning) is to be localised and structured so as to keep the noise impact unchanged or lead to a reduction in noise levels. Thus Oslo can require that new projects are located and designed in a way that does not negatively affect quiet areas. 13

14 Figure 6.11: Bjørvika, part of the Oslo Fjord City - the transformation from harbour to residential areas, from open highway to tunnel. Master transport plan (Oslo Package 3) The revised Oslo Package 3 is a joint agreement between local and national authorities, allocating 8bn for traffic infrastructure investments in the greater Oslo region until The package sets an overall goal of 15 % reduction in car traffic through the toll ring by 2019, and focuses on public transport and tunnels. The 19 km Follobanen tunnel is under construction and will be the longest railway tunnel in the Nordics (figure 6.12). The measures will restrict the number of people exposed to noise resulting from population growth. 14

15 Figure 6.12: Road and rail tunnels constructed in the past 15 and 25 years, and future construction plans embedded in the Municipal Master Plan and Oslo Package 3. 15

16 New trams and infrastructure The Oslo public transport operator will spend 450m on 87 new trams and 290m on infrastructure upgrades before All tram lines will be upgraded with embedded railsystem for grooved rails which contributes to noise reduction. The large majority of the existing trams are to be replaced with new trams in which noise restriction is a requirement. Sustainable solutions for the transportation of goods in the city center Transport of goods is central in the climate budget just released by the City Council. Oslo partners in an EU Horizon2020 project on environmental public procurement. This work will not only reduce traffic and emissions but also noise. Electrical vehicles Funds have been allocated for 400 new EV charge points to be established in 2016 and In 2015, more than 30% of all new cars sold in Oslo were EVs. The increasing share of EVs will have a positive impact on noise, especially in the residential areas with 30 km/h speed limit. Figure 6.13: The car free zone in the inner city center (6D29). 16

17 Reducing noise by cycling and walking By 2019 the city centre will be a car free zone (figure 6.13). The full range of measures to achieve this, and benefits from a car-free inner city centre, are described in indicator 2. This will greatly promote walking and cycling, and reduce noise in this area (6D29). The Bicycle Strategy (6D3) states that trips by bike are to be at least tripled in this period. In the past three years the number of City Bikes has been doubled. Now, 170m have been allocated for bicycle measures in The Oslo handbook for implementing the strategy (6D4) is now being reviewed by public consultation. Oslo is now developing a Walking Strategy with an associating Action Plan (2015). The Grorud Valley action project (p.12) is extended for another ten years (figure 6.14). Figure 6.14 Photos of the Grorud Valley action project Photos: Doga, Olav Engen, Miljøindex, Husbanken. 17

18 QUAs and soundscapes Results from local as well as international projects provide a sufficient basis for the city s management of QUAs and mapping of soundscapes when public parks or spaces are established or upgraded. Recently sensory mapping by the Urban SIS project, in collaboration with goodcitylife.org, is contributing to development of new and exciting planning tools (6D18). Oslo is looking forward to collaborating with these projects and tools (figure 6.15). Figure 6.15: Oslo Soundscape Work in progress. R. Schifanella, D. Quercia, L.M. Aiello (goodcitylife.org), D. N. Barton and M. Nowell, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) (Urban SIS Project). 18

19 6D. References PLANS AND PROGRAMMES 1. The 2015 Municipal Master Plan: Oslo towards 2030 (Norwegian) Smart, Resilient and Green 2. The Noise Action Plan (Norwegian) 3. Cycling strategy (Norwegian) 4. The Oslo standard (Norwegian) (how to imply the Bicycle Strategy), Municipal Plan for Squares and Public Meeting Places 2007 (Norwegian) 6. The Fjord City Plan 2008 (Norwegian) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 7. National noise regulations (Norwegian) (including the Pollution Control Act, the Area Planning Guidelines and the Building Construction regulations.) 8. Local noise regulations for Oslo (Norwegian) The regulations define permissible noise levels for construction work, 12, (Homes/ Hospitals/Schools/ Offices) 9. Guidelines for managing noise from speakers (Norwegian) Covering event venues and residential areas, Oslo NS 8175:2012 Acoustic conditions in buildings (English) National standard used by Oslo s local health authorities to restrict noise from technical installations (noise limits inside and outside older dwellings). 11. The Marka Act (Norwegian) 12. National targets - noise annoyance (English) 13. The development of noise exposure in Norway/Oslo (Norwegian) Statistics Norway 14. Noise complaint form; Category Environment, Topic Noise (English) 15. Report: Parkcheck Oslo 2012 (Norwegian) 16. Report: Trees in the City (Norwegian) 17. International mention: The European Environment, State and Outlook 2010 (English) Presentation of QUAs in Oslo, Box New research: UrbanSIS sensor mapping: documentation and information and applications (English) 19. Digital maps, traffic noise and QUAs (Norwegian) Noise maps for public use according to the END. 20. Report: Soundmapping in the Sofienberg Park,SWECO/RIAKU02 (2014) Report: Soundscape in QUAs, user surveys, TØI 1294/2014 (Norwegian) 19

20 WEBSITES RELEVANT FOR THE ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT 21. The City of Oslo (Norwegian) Information on Oslo s work on Quality of the Acoustic Environment, including Requirements, file Complaints, Exemptions, Outdoor music events, Noise Map, Traffic data for routes, and Noise statistics 22. The Oslo toll ring (English) 23. Good Practice 2 in the Application: Oslo - The electrical vehicles capital of the World (English) 24. GoodPractice 3 in the Application: The toll ring - developing public transport and reducing traffic (English) 25. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: Fossil Free public transport by 2020 (English) 26. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: Quiet Urban Areas (English) 27. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: The protection of Marka (English) 28. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: The Grorud Valley Project (English) 29. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: Carfree citylife in Oslo (English) 20