Environment Residential construction: National Council wants to relax noise protection less

The National Council wants to continue to facilitate residential construction in noisy areas, but to a lesser extent than the Council of States. This was decided on Tuesday during the second consultation on a revision of the Environmental Protection Act.

The large chamber was in favor of ensuring that at least one noise-sensitive room in new apartments has a window that complies with the noise limits when measured.

If controlled ventilation is installed, it is sufficient if the limit values measured at the open window are complied with in one noise-sensitive room per apartment. The same applies if a quiet, private outdoor space is available.

If the Council of States has its way, the limit values for apartments with controlled ventilation should no longer have to be complied with at any open window. Due to these and other differences with the Council of States, the revision of the Environmental Protection Act will return to the small chamber.