Noise and air quality

Zoetermeer wants to address the main noise and air quality bottlenecks. Tackling these will contribute to a healthier living environment and we think that is important.

Maintain good noise and air quality

Addressing bottlenecks is good, but preventing bottlenecks is even better. With the Higher Value Policy, the municipality focuses on preventing new bottlenecks. This policy provides rules that new construction must take into account. For example, that an urban design ensures screening of the area behind. Or that when building an apartment or house, the outdoor space must be on the quieter side. This policy was updated in October 2023.

The policy can be found at: overheid.nl | Afwegingskader geluid (weg, rail en industrie) tussen standaardwaarde en grenswaarde (Omgevingswet).

Monitoring air quality

Since 2010, air quality has been monitored annually with the help of the National Air Quality Cooperation Program (NSL). This tracks the development of air quality and keeps track of the implementation of the measures and projects included in the NSL.

Maps of noise situation Zoetermeer updated

In 2022, the municipality of Zoetermeer again produced noise maps, now with baseline year 2021. The maps provide insight into the noise levels caused by road traffic, trains and industry. Aircraft noise is not on the maps because Zoetermeer lies outside the noise zone of an airport. The municipality is required by law to update the noise maps every five years. The noise action plan will be updated based on the new maps and will be adopted in 2024.

You can access the maps at:

www.geluidregister.nl | Zoetermeer

On the maps you can see the noise levels for each type of noise source. You can also see the total noise level; the noise from road traffic, train and industry added together. The maps are made with data from 2021. Therefore, they cannot be used to assess the compatibility of spatial plans, building and environmental permits in the future.

The accompanying report can be accessed below.

See also: