1,720,973 research outputs found
Monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Practice and perspective
No full textThe Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), promoted by the Covenant of Mayor, is a key tool for policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions, in accordance with the Kyoto protocol and its updates. To achieve an actual implementation of the SEAP and to obtain its expected targets, monitoring is a crucial component. SEAP monitoring has to look at both the progress of each single action and its global environmental effect, which requires more than one level of development. In the present paper, an integrated strategy for surveying, controlling and managing the SEAP through a “Monitoring and Evaluation” (M&E) process is introduced. The implementation in the city of Genoa, Italy, was used to test the efficacy of this approach and to assess its strengths and weaknesses. In particular, cost benefit analysis, bankability, peer review and participatory level were identified as key elements for obtaining an operative SEAP monitoring and for then fostering an effective environmental energy policy. Some recommendations were proposed to better outline the “Monitoring and Evaluation” methodology and to help other cities to define a strategy for SEAP monitoring and fulfilment
Analysis and control of recreational noise in the historical centre of Genoa, Italy
No full textOver the last few years, in the historical centre of Genova, many restaurants, bars and pubs have been established, carrying young people to crowd the alleys and squares of the Old Town, in particular during the night. This situation has brought several annoying problems to the residential population, whose quiet and sleep are disturbed by the recreational noise caused by the venues' customers. An acoustical measurement campaign was carried out in different positions within the historical centre area and results showed very high values of sound pressure levels, particularly during the night-time periods of the week from Thursday to Saturday. Acoustic indicators have been used to characterize the acoustical climate of the area; in particular, L night and Statistical Noise Levels have been calculated to assess sleep disturbance on the residential population caused by noise. Values of the indicators have shown critical situations and, then, permitted to define a limited area as the most exposed to nighttime noise. In this area the annoyance subjectively perceived by the resident population has been evaluated through a questionnaire to fill out by the citizens. Further, the effectiveness of different noise abatement actions (sound absorber plaster/removable covers/soundproofing windows) have been valuated as well as planning actions. Afterwards, these actions have been comparatively analyzed in tenms of feasibility, efficacy and benefit-cost ratio
Innovative aspects in noise mapping and dissemination activities within LIFE+ "NADIA" project
No full textUse of innovative composite materials and foams for noise control on board ships
No full textIn this paper an analysis on the use of innovative materials for the noise control on board ships is considered. Within ships design and building industry, materials are asked to feature characteristics as weight reduction, strength, resistance, maintenance, safety for human health and non-reaction to brackish environment in order to allow faster speeds, lower fuel consumption and higher payloads. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in its Chapter II-2, 2002 (Part F Regulation 17. Alternative design and arrangements) allows in shipbuilding the use of materials alternative to steel and equivalent provided that the safety objectives and the functional requirements are respected. Since then, the scientific research has been focused towards the investigation and analysis of groundbreaking materials that can be able to provide the same physical and mechanical features of traditional ones increasing, at the same time, benefits which are essential for market competitiveness. Usually used in superstructures, decks and bulkheads, innovative materials have been demonstrated to provide numerous of the benefits required in naval development and improvement applications. This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the benefits of the use of advanced materials focusing on the noise control and reduction interventions, e.g. as for the buildup of air ducts or interiors
Le prestazioni acustiche del verde pensile: assorbimento sonoro di coperture di diversa configurazione
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