Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels launched a new real-time noise monitoring website. Brussels Environment runs 22 stations in 19 municipalities. Alain Maron and Lynn Tobback stress health impact, transparency, and stronger policies.
As VRT News reported, Brussels has introduced a new online platform that allows residents to track noise levels across the city in real time. Noise pollution is one of the most reported problems by residents in the capital. Experts have linked it to disturbed sleep, higher stress levels and heart disease.
The authorities say that before solutions can be taken, there must be proper measurements and ongoing monitoring. The new platform, called Noisemonitoring, was designed to give the public and officials direct access to reliable data.
What does real-time noise monitoring in Brussels and Leuven with 22 stations mean for residents?
The website was developed by Brussels Environment, the regional agency in charge of the environment and energy. It replaces the old system known as Webnoise with a more advanced service.
“The new website is a real upgrade compared to the previous one,”
Said Lynn Tobback of Brussels Environment.
“Noise isn’t inevitable. Brussels residents can now understand their own sound environment.”
Alain Maron (Ecolo), outgoing Minister of Environment and Public Health
Alderman Tobback said the project is a major step forward because until now, results were only available once a month. With the new platform, people can create graphs and reports whenever they want.
They can also choose their own settings, such as the sound type, the date, the time, and the station they want to check. The website is not only meant for citizens but also for local governments, associations, and the community.
There are now 22 monitoring stations active in 19 municipalities. Tobback said the figure may look small, but each site is chosen under strict rules to ensure accurate results. Stations are not placed randomly, as every location must meet clear scientific standards.
“Noise is not inevitable,”
Says outgoing Minister of Environment and Public Health Alain Maron (Ecolo).
“With noise monitoring, we allow every Brussels resident to view and understand their noise environment. It is also an indispensable tool for taking fair and effective action to protect everyone’s health and well-being.”
In Belgium, noise monitoring projects have been introduced before in major cities. Antwerp introduced live noise meters in 2019 to follow traffic and construction along the Ring during the Oosterweel works.
Brussels has used fixed stations since 2016 to track noise from cars and aircraft, with part of the results open to the public. Leuven joined the list in 2024 with a system that allows real-time access for residents and councils.
