Expert discussions on the limitations and possible future extensions of the Technical Instructions on Noise Protection (TA Lärm)

Introduction and Scope of Application

The Technical Instructions on Noise Control (TA Lärm) as a general administrative regulation serves to protect the general public and the neighborhood from harmful environmental effects caused by noise. Noise emissions that are suitable by their nature, extent, or duration to cause danger, significant disadvantages, or significant disturbances for the general public or the neighborhood are considered harmful environmental effects. When determining the assessment level, the equivalent continuous sound level L_Aeq is supplemented with surcharges through the inclusion of correction terms to account for increased disturbing effects of noise. In this context, the question frequently arises as to what extent the different surcharges defined in the TA Lärm allow for a comprehensible and sufficient effect-adequate assessment of the respective noise situation. In this context, current proposed amendments to make regulations more flexible to consider the requirements of sustainable housing and urban development will likely also need to be discussed. The expert discussions to be carried out in the project systematically identify current problems in the application of the TA Lärm, especially with regard to the effect-oriented determination of the assessment level and the required level of protection to avoid harmful environmental effects.

Task Definition

Within the framework of the project, relevant stakeholder groups for discussing limitations and possible extensions of the TA Lärm for improved assessment of noise annoyance are identified, contacted, and encouraged to participate in expert discussions. The various stakeholder groups cover key actor groups in the application of the TA Lärm, but equally consider the group of those affected. Within the framework of moderated expert discussions, essential problems and challenges of the TA Lärm are identified and prioritized in terms of urgency for extensions and further research needs. Concepts, measures, and research questions are proposed that can contribute to the future improved assessment of noise exposure using TA Lärm. The results of the expert discussions on the limitations and possible extensions of the TA Lärm for effective prevention of noise annoyance will be published in a relevant scientific journal.

General Requirements

The project plan illustrates the steps for assembling the stakeholder group as well as the planning, implementation, and preparation of at least two expert discussions and the final publication.
The two expert discussions should build on each other in terms of content and, for example, first address conflict cases and limitations and then address possible changes and additions in a subsequent expert discussion.
Recommendations for improvements to the TA Lärm are developed, research needs are identified, and these findings are published

Offer from the HEAD-Genuit Foundation

Coverage of costs for planning, conducting, and evaluating expert discussions and for publishing the prepared results of the expert discussions.