Environmental Protection; Light Pollution and Noise

Light pollution

Light sources that are improperly installed or poorly oriented may be perceived as a nuisance by the general public. According to the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), light emissions are classified as harmful environmental impacts if, by their nature, extent, or duration, they are likely to cause hazards or significant nuisances to the neighborhood.

Light emissions can affect neighbors in two ways. On the one hand, living areas (e.g., living rooms and bedrooms, patios, and balconies) may be illuminated. Second, a bright light source can cause disruptive glare for the affected person, even if it is located at a greater distance, such that it does not produce any significant brightening in the living area. The nuisance arises from the constant and unwanted diversion of the line of sight toward the light source.

Light-emitting systems include artificial light sources of all kinds:

• spotlights for illuminating sports facilities
• Streetlights
• Illuminated signs
• Illuminated building facades
• Headlights on motor vehicles
• Technical facilities such as welding equipment or high-intensity flares

Strategies for reducing light pollution include:

• Use of lower-intensity lamps
• Installing a shield
• Directing the light source specifically at the areas to be illuminated
• Changing the location of the light source

For the assessment of light emissions, please refer to the guidelines of the State Working Group on Emission Control (LAI).

Vibrations/Structure-borne noise

Vibrations are low-frequency oscillations that propagate as structure-borne sound waves through the ground and in buildings (in solid structures). They are caused, for example, by heavy-duty traffic on roads, rail traffic, technical equipment (engines, HVAC systems, pumps, and compressors), and on construction sites by the use of heavy construction machinery. However, music with a strong bass component played through powerful amplifier systems, such as in a nightclub, can also cause vibrations.

Vibration-induced emissions are perceived by humans as vibrations. They can impair well-being, cause significant nuisance, and have adverse effects on health.

In rooms intended for the prolonged presence of people, no perceptible vibrations should occur if possible. The determination and assessment of vibrations are regulated by the standard DIN 4150-2 “Vibrations in Building Construction – Part 2: Effects on People in Buildings.” This standard also specifies guideline values for limiting structure-borne noise emissions.

Vibrations can cause damage to structures (e.g., cracks in walls). When planning or constructing new vibration-relevant facilities or transportation routes, the effects of vibrations must be considered and investigated. The determination and assessment of vibrations on building structures is carried out in accordance with DIN 4150-3 “Vibrations in Building Construction – Part 3: Effects on Building Structures.”

Structure-borne noise generated by a source can cause walls, floors, ceilings, windows, or other building components to vibrate at the point of impact—that is, in a room where people are present. These building components, in turn, cause the air in the room to vibrate, which is audible as a low-frequency noise and is referred to as secondary airborne sound. Secondary airborne sound is assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Technical Guidelines for Noise Protection (TA Lärm).

Structure-borne noise can also cause secondary effects, such as the oscillation of lamps, pictures, or similar objects, as well as the audible rattling of furnishings and the vibration of glasses and dishes in cabinets.

Measures to prevent structure-borne noise and secondary airborne noise

• Use of low-emission work procedures
• Use of low-emission machines
• Emission-reducing measures at the transmission paths: e.g., structure and installation with structure-borne sound and vibration isolation; avoidance of rigid connections between machines or machine components, machine foundations and building foundations, as well as building elements and piping. Suitable options include, for example, elastic insulation layers or insulation panels, steel spring elements, and others.
• Appropriate maintenance intervals
• Sufficient distance from the emission source