According to the jury members the noise simulator is truly an innovative service able to raise the level of discussions on sound and noise pollution. The jury members have high expectations and see great potential in this smart noise simulator that is ready to hit the market.

Jury member Rolf Bossert (regional innovation manager at Syntens): “Based on this simulation citizens, companies and governments will be able to discuss the actual noise pollution and the best option possible.”

Sylvia Koolmees (consultant at Noise & Soil at the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Geluid & Bodem Rijkswaterstaat)) is excited about computer programme Sensibel, “Rijkswaterstaat already had a noise simulator, but it was only reflecting the sound produced on the highway. However, citizens are exposed to several sound sources at the same time (railway, traffic on municipal roads, shopping centre, church bells) which together make one background sound. With Sensibel you will be better able to explain the impact of infrastructure intervention such as the construction of an additional roadway.” 

Sensibel
Sound has a major role across our living environment. Through legislation the government has determined the rules for sound. To the professionals in this field these rules are crystal-clear and comprehensible. To the people living in the area the rules are usually merely insignificant numbers. To change matters, Royal Haskoning has developed noise simulator Sensibel. This simulator is able to translate the outcomes of sound studies into accessible lifelike sound fragments. These sound fragments – in addition to the sound source that causes the launching of a study – contain all environment-related sources.  To the people living in the neighbourhood Sensibel means a thorough interpretation of the sound situation in a certain environment. Also, results are presented as such allowing the people concerned to easily understand them.  
Sensibel shows that Royal Haskoning is actively in search of innovative answers to specific questions. This active search dovetails with the company’s strategy to also consider how to approach sound nuisance – in addition to observing regulations – from the citizen’s perspective, to provide a truly sustainable solution.