Context

Environmental noise is one of the most widespread yet often overlooked forms of urban pollution. In European cities, road traffic noise alone affects millions of residents and is more and more recognized as a significant public health concern (EEA, 2025). According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to environmental noise is associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including sleep disturbance, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, and reduced well-being (WHO, 2018). Noise also acts as a chronic environmental stressor that can shape both physical and mental health over time.

At the same time, exposure to environmental noise is not evenly distributed across the population. Research shows that noise exposure often intersects with socioeconomic and demographic factors such as income, education, migration background, and age (Diekmann et al., 2022). However, these relationships are complex and context-dependent: some studies identify higher exposure among disadvantaged groups, while others highlight patterns where more affluent populations may also be highly exposed due to central urban locations (Havard et al., 2011). This highlights the importance of analysing noise exposure within specific urban contexts.

In Zurich, a rapidly growing and densifying city, transportation infrastructure and urban development patterns play a key role in shaping environmental conditions. Traffic noise remains a dominant source of exposure, and recent studies from Zurich show links between residential noise environments, perceived annoyance, and stress-related processes (Dopico et al., 2026). At the same time, access to mitigating factors such as green spaces can influence how noise is experienced, pointing to the importance of spatial context in understanding urban environmental quality.

This project investigates how road traffic noise exposure is distributed across Zurich and how it relates to different demographic groups, including age, gender, income, and migration background. By combining spatial noise data with demographic indicators, the project aims to identify patterns of environmental inequality and make them visible through an interactive web map.

Decibels (dB(A)) show how loud sound feels to the human ear. In our maps, we use 55 dB(A) by day and 45 dB(A) at night as planning limits, 60/50 dB(A) as immision limits, and 70/65 dB(A) as alarm limits. The scale is logarithmic, so a small numerical jump can mean a noticeable increase in perceived loudness. A normal conversation sits around 50–60 dB, while heavy traffic on a busy street often reaches 70–80 dB or more. Clearly overshooting the alarm limits. As mentioned above, different studies suggest that being exposed to such high levels of noise, may have a negative impact on our health and general wellbeing.

The relevance of this work is closely linked to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reducing harmful noise exposure contributes directly to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing environmental risk factors that impact physical and mental health. It also relates to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which calls for inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments, including improved environmental quality. By examining how noise exposure varies across social groups, the project addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), highlighting potential environmental injustices within the city. Finally, the analysis of traffic-related noise connects to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), emphasizing the need for sustainable and health-conscious urban infrastructure planning.

By making these patterns visible, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of how environmental conditions and social factors intersect in Zurich and how a more equitable and sustainable urban environment can be designed.