Rehau highlights the critical role of high-performance windows in tackling noise pollution, following the European Environment Agency’s latest report, Environmental noise in Europe 2025. The study shows that over 20% of Europeans are exposed to harmful levels of transport noise, primarily from road traffic, with long-term exposure linked to sleep disruption, cardiovascular issues, and reduced cognitive performance in children.
Martin Hitchin, CEO of Rehau UK, emphasized that windows often determine the difference between a quiet, comfortable home and one affected by persistent noise. “The type of glazing, the quality of the frame, and installation precision all play a key role in acoustic performance,” he explained. This is particularly relevant for social housing projects in urban areas, where residents may be more vulnerable to noise-related health impacts.
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, with £1.29bn earmarked for property upgrades, demonstrates how energy efficiency and acoustic improvements can go hand in hand. Recent UK projects illustrate this approach: in County Durham, acoustic glazing and sound-attenuated trickle vents reduced internal noise by up to 40dB, while a residential conversion near Heathrow Airport achieved a 41dB acoustic rating.
Hitchin concluded that well-specified windows can enhance both energy efficiency and noise reduction, and that collaboration with experienced suppliers is essential for delivering healthier, more comfortable homes in both new-build and retrofit projects. 
Source: eea.europa.eu with additional information added by Glass Balkan
