Better sound environment and more verdure with green walls
The green noise barriers delighted city dwellers in downtown Helsinki during the summer of 2023. The goal of the multidisciplinary experiment was, among other things, to improve comfort and reduce noise pollution. The results highlight the many benefits of green walls as part of urban space.
A dense urban environment with quieter and more pleasant green pockets – Business Helsinki and the Urban Environment Division joined forces to realize this vision. We organized an innovation challenge, and the winners got to showcase their skills in the green wall experiment.
The goals of the experiment included, among other things:
- improving the comfort of urban spaces
- creating a better sound environment
- increasing biodiversity
- attracting pollinators
- regulating the microclimate
- conducting various measurements, and
- collecting residents’ experiences with green walls.
The design and implementation of the barrier at Erottajanaukio were carried out jointly by InnoGreen, Parkly and WSP, each bringing their own expertise in areas such as green solutions design, modular furniture, and built environment planning. The barrier at Korkeavuorenkatu was designed and implemented by Wau Efekti.
— Participating in the pilot provided our company with valuable insights into how the solution works in a real urban environment. Feedback collected from users helps us to further develop the solution. The multidisciplinary collaboration was interesting and smooth, and everyone’s commitment to the experiment was encouraging. The experiment garnered wide interest and serves as a great reference for us. The active participation in experiments and urban development was also highlighted in the Startup of the Year award granted to Parkly Oy by the Regional Council of Uusimaa, says Päivi Raivio from Parkly.
Successful results through collaboration
According to surveys, Helsinki residents greatly appreciate the city’s efforts to enhance the comfort of public areas, create new places for relaxation and social interaction, and increase greenery in densely built environments. Measurements showed that the green noise barrier reduced noise from passing cars and trams by an average of about 7 dB at sitting height behind the barrier and about 5 dB at ground level behind the barrier. Pollinators thrived on the barriers, and several different species, such as solitary bees, were observed during monitoring.
— This experiment was an excellent example of the power of collaboration. From Testbed Helsinki, we received assistance in designing, procuring, and implementing the idea that emerged in the Urban Environment Division. And, of course, it was also important that we got enthusiastic and innovative companies on board to help us develop and build these new multifunctional green solutions, rejoices the City of Helsinki’s leading environmental expert Jenni Kuja-Aro.
Green noise barriers clearly have potential, and they are well-suited to creating more pleasant sound environments in urban spaces. Based on the experiment, the City of Helsinki will continue to develop the use of green noise barriers in urban areas.
Photos: Vesa Laitinen and Ella Niemi
