Empa Study Finds Urban Green Spaces Crucial for Stress Relief Amid Noise Pollution

Empa Study Finds Urban Green Spaces Crucial for Stress Relief Amid Noise Pollution

(IN BRIEF) A comprehensive study by Empa and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), has revealed the significant role of urban green spaces in alleviating stress caused by noise pollution. The research, conducted using Empa’s AuraLab, demonstrated that green spaces—especially those with natural soundscapes like forests and lakes—help reduce both physical and mental stress more effectively than urban environments. The study, which included laboratory tests and a field study in Zurich, confirms the long-term benefits of green spaces in promoting relaxation and managing stress, making a valuable contribution to public health and urban planning.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 29-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking study conducted by Empa and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) has revealed the profound impact of urban green spaces on stress relief, particularly for those living in noisy environments. The research, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), explores how these green environments contribute to physical and mental well-being, offering a crucial escape from the stress of urban noise.

The study, which took place in Empa’s AuraLab, used virtual reality (VR) to immerse test subjects in different environments after they underwent a stressful task while exposed to varying levels of traffic noise. Participants experienced either a calming rural setting with natural background sounds or a typical urban environment filled with city noise. The findings showed that exposure to virtual green spaces—such as forests and lakes—led to greater relaxation, decreased physiological stress, and improved focus compared to urban environments, even after short-term exposure.

In a field study conducted in Zurich, more than 230 volunteers from neighborhoods with varying degrees of noise pollution and green space were asked about their well-being. Alongside interviews, hair samples were taken to measure cortisol, a stress hormone, and confirmed that individuals living near green spaces experienced lower stress levels. This aligns with the laboratory results, indicating that green spaces not only help with immediate relaxation but also have long-term restorative effects on mental health.

“Urbanization brings with it increased noise pollution, and our study underscores how important green spaces are for counteracting the harmful effects of this noise,” said Beat Schäffer, Empa researcher. “Not only do green spaces provide immediate relief, but they also help reduce long-term stress and improve overall well-being.”

The researchers clearly demonstrated with the various VR scenarios: Forests and lakes with a natural soundscape have the most relaxing effect. Image: Empa

The research was part of the RESTORE project (Restorative Green Spaces in Noise-Polluted Areas), which seeks to understand how urban green areas can contribute to public health by reducing stress in populations living in noise-polluted environments. This project, which combines field studies and laboratory experiments, will have a significant impact on urban planning, providing valuable insights for policymakers, spatial planners, and environmental authorities.

The findings highlight the importance of integrating more green spaces into urban planning, especially in densely populated areas, to improve quality of life and public health. The study also sets the stage for future changes in Swiss noise regulations and offers guidance for improving environmental policies across Europe.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Beat Schäffer
Acoustics/Noise Control
Phone +41 58 765 4737
beat.schaeffer@empa.ch

Dr. Claudia Kawai
Acoustics/Noise Control
Phone +41 58 765 3981
claudia.kawai@empa.ch

Manuel Martin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 4454
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA