The main scope of this proposal is the development of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to mitigate noise in complex
urban environments, where multiple and diverse noise sources, mainly roads and railways, coexist across densely
populated areas. Low noise pavements and low-height noise barriers are the main targeted solutions, to be upgraded and
revisited in order to abate their costs (LCC) and improve their sustainability. To that end, recycled materials (e.g., textiles,
papers, cardboard) will be used. The need to reduce noise levels in outdoor urban areas is imperative since according to
the World Health Organization, 20% of the European population is exposed to noise levels exceeding 65 dB(A) during the
day, whereas the maximum recommended level is 55 dB(A). Mitigating noise in such environments generally excludes
the use of solutions that might interfere with the urban context, such as noise barriers, for many reasons. First of all
the proximity of receivers to the noise source, typically roads. Secondly, the visual impact: noise barriers reduce the
visibility of the surroundings and air circulation, causing local temperature rise (especially in summer) and social denial.
This is why noise mitigation measures acting directly on the source are recommended, such as low noise pavements
and traffic calming for roads, dampers, rail grinding and silent brakes for railways. However, these solutions have been
proven to be poorly effective over time and consequently quite expensive. In this proposal, innovative and sustainable
low noise pavements and low height noise barriers will be developed and demonstrated in real test sites, to provide
transport owners and managers solid information to support their widespread use. To that end, the proposal includes also
the preparation of special procedures to manage their implementation in complex urban scenarios, as well as tools to
standardize their characterization and plans to prepare their launch to the market.