Easier building in noisy areas
As part of the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, the National Council's Committee for the Environment, Energy and Spatial Planning is advocating pragmatic solutions for building permits in noisy areas. Controlled residential ventilation and private outdoor spaces are being introduced as new criteria to facilitate residential construction despite noise pollution.
As part of the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, the UREK-N would like to simplify building in noise-polluted areas. In principle, at least half of the noise-sensitive rooms in new homes should have a window that complies with the noise limits. Relaxations are possible if controlled ventilation systems are installed or a quiet, private outdoor space is available. These regulations are intended to create a balance between densification and noise protection.
Positions of the National Council and the Council of States
The Council of States proposes that the limit values no longer have to be complied with at any open window in flats with controlled ventilation. However, the UREK-N considers the National Council’s version to be more balanced, as it offers a pragmatic solution to the housing shortage. The committee emphasises that building permits will only be granted if the buildings meet stricter noise protection requirements and measures to limit noise emissions are still prescribed.
No reduction in noise protection regulations in aircraft noise areas
The UREK-N dispenses with specific aircraft noise limits and agrees with the Council of States. This means that no further legal amendments should be necessary to allow construction near airports. The Commission does not envisage any additional restrictions for municipalities with regard to lowering the speed limit.
Remediation of contaminated sites and VOC steering levy
In the area of remediation of contaminated sites, the UREK-N maintains that owners must pay for the costs of investigating and remediating private playgrounds and gardens. The committee also requests that alternatives to the VOC incentive tax be examined and calls for an in-depth analysis by the Federal Council.
Geoinformation Act and energy research
The UREK-N has decided to refer the draft amendment to the Geoinformation Act back to the Federal Council for a thorough review. In the area of energy research, the aim is to harmonise the credit period of the SWEETER programme with the four-year period of validity of the ERI Dispatch.
Approval of the electricity reserve
The Commission supports the amendment to the Electricity Supply Act without a dissenting vote and emphasises the importance of a secure electricity supply even in extreme situations. It will examine the concept of the electricity reserve in depth and analyse various options in order to guarantee security of supply while minimising the environmental impact and costs.
The UREK-N also recommends that the Federal Council provide stronger incentives for the formation of local electricity communities and relieve them of grid utilisation fees. The meeting took place under the chairmanship of National Councillor Christian Imark and partly in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti.