Integration of smart city planning in noise assessment and its benefits

Smart cities are increasingly incorporating various technologies and data sources as a key aspect of their sustainability initiatives. Environmental impact assessment is currently the major method to ensure the sustainability of new developments. In particular, environmental noise has been shown to have negative impacts on both human health and wildlife. Therefore, noise monitoring and reduction are the important aspects of smart city planning. This paper discusses the various ways in which smart cities can integrate noise monitoring and assessment into their sustainability initiatives, including the use of sensors, data analytics, and citizen engagement. By leveraging these tools, smart cities can create a more comprehensive understanding of noise pollution levels and patterns, allowing them to make informed decisions and improve the overall quality of life for their residents. Additionally, by engaging and easing the industry in the process of monitoring and assessment, smart cities can help create healthier, more livable, and more sustainable communities for all. A case study of Web-based Traffic Noise Assessment Tool (Web-NAT) commissioned by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of HKSAR providing a cloud-based platform that streamlines the noise modeling and impact assessment is also investigated.