Integrating Noise Pollution into Life Cycle Assessment: A Comparative Framework for Concrete and Timber Floor Construction

Rabaka Sultana, Taslima Khanam () and Ahmad Rashedi
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Rabaka Sultana: Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia
Taslima Khanam: Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia
Ahmad Rashedi: Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-31

Abstract: Despite the well-documented health risks of noise pollution, its impact remains overlooked mainly in life cycle assessment (LCA). This study introduces a methodological innovation by integrating both traffic and construction noise into the LCA framework for concrete construction, providing a more holistic and realistic evaluation of environmental and health impacts. By combining building information modeling (BIM) with LCA, the method automates material quantification and assesses both environmental and noise-related health burdens. A key advancement is the inclusion of health-based indicators, such as annoyance and sleep disturbance, quantified through disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Two scenarios are examined: (1) a comparative analysis of concrete versus timber flooring and (2) end-of-life options (reuse vs. landfill). The results reveal that concrete has up to 7.4 times greater environmental impact than timber, except in land use. When noise is included, its contribution ranges from 7–33% in low-density regions (Darwin) and 62–92% in high-density areas (NSW), underscoring the critical role of local context. Traffic noise emerged as the dominant source, while equipment-related noise was minimal (0.3–1.5% of total DALYs). Timber slightly reduced annoyance but showed similar sleep disturbance levels. Material reuse reduced midpoint environmental impacts by 67–99.78%. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that mitigation measures like double glazing can cut noise-related impacts by 2–10% in low-density settings and 31–45% in high-density settings, validating the robustness of this framework. Overall, this study establishes a foundation for integrating noise into LCA, supporting sustainable material choices, environmentally responsible construction, and health-centered policymaking, particularly in noise-sensitive urban development.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; concrete; timber; noise impact; exposure–response relationship; BIM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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