Green Streets for Noise Reduction

Abstract Green streets as a means to reduce urban noise are discussed in this chapter. Standard solutions used in highways or industrial environments, namely high noise barriers or wide space of dense vegetation, are frequently not feasible in urban spaces, and other solutions have to be considered. Hedges and medium-height greenery barriers can be interesting elements, due to their possibility to be placed near the noise source and the receiver. The presence of trees along the streets, and the integration of vegetation in walls, building facades and roofs increase the sound absorption, reducing the level of noise and the consequent annoyance. Furthermore, greenery elements present the advantage of landscape visual quality that physiologically affect acoustic perception, increasing the pleasantness and decreasing the annoyance impression. Findings from latest research referring to the efficacy of these kinds of barriers in main arteries of big cities are presented.