It is a highly economically competitive solution with a low visual impact which provides similar levels of noise reduction to traditional solutions
EUSKALIT presented Euskal Trenbide Sarea - Red Ferroviaria Vasca (ETS) with the Quality Innovation Award in the public sector category, for an innovative noise barrier developed, manufactured and installed by TECNALIA, in conjunction with BECSA. The noise barrier, which has been installed in the urban environment of Ermua, reduces noise impact and improves the quality of life of the town's inhabitants.
Local award winners will now compete for the international Quality Innovation Award in their category, alongside more than 500 organisations. This initiative helps to increase the competitiveness of participating organisations and countries through two phases: one local and one international.
About the mini-noise barrier
The mini-noise barrier is a highly economically competitive modular solution; it does not require foundations or major works. Unlike conventional barriers, it is installed close to the railway tracks, providing similar levels of noise reduction to traditional solutions; as it is low in height, it has a low visual impact.
According to the European Environment Agency, 19 million people live in European urban areas exposed to noise levels that require protective measures. Railways are the second largest source of noise, second only to road traffic.
The impact on human health from exposure to noise can result in the loss of healthy years due to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance and high levels of discomfort, among other effects.
Further information
Countries such as Finland, Estonia, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Spain (through CEX and EUSKALIT in the Basque Country), China, Russia, Serbia, India and a number of southern African countries are taking part in the Quality Innovation Awards.
