Sleep-depriving cooling systems: Sülzer Bakery causes a noise scandal!

Sleep-depriving cooling systems: Sülzer Bakery causes a noise scandal!

In the quiet residential area on Sülzburgstrasse in Cologne-Lindenthal, the opening of the “Boulangerie Épi” bakery a few months ago caused considerable unrest. Residents report constant noise pollution from the bakery's cooling systems, which are located directly above a leafy courtyard. These unpleasant noises not only disrupt everyday life, but also lead to sleep disorders in the residential complex between Berrenrather and Wichterichstrasse. How ksta.de reported, residents such as Thomas Schmeckpeper and Lydia Kieven have expressed their discomfort and suspect that the noise measurements were carried out on days with lower temperatures, which influenced the noise.

The cooling systems are equipped with heat exchangers that are mounted on the outside of the walls. Despite initial attempts at improvement by “enclosing” the systems, noise pollution could not be significantly reduced. A noise report from the IHK confirmed that the noise pollution in one affected apartment even exceeded the permissible limit. However, a later test at a different location showed levels below this limit, resulting in no further action being taken.

Noise protection and legal framework conditions

The issue of neighborhood noise is not just a local problem, but affects many cities in Germany. Loud Federal Environment Agency Neighborhood noise resulting from noise from systems such as cooling systems can be perceived as disturbing, even if legal requirements for noise reduction are met. The legal framework set out in pollution control law and the Civil Code offers residents certain rights to protect themselves from excessive noise pollution.

According to the provisions of the Equipment and Machinery Noise Protection Ordinance, noise generators in noise-sensitive areas may only be operated at certain times. Nevertheless, the situation in the Cologne bakery does not seem to be easy to regulate. Michael Höpcke, managing director of the property management company, said that he fears an increase in noise as temperatures rise. Some neighbors have already changed homes or are planning to do so to escape the noise pollution.

Reactions from the bakery and residents

According to managing director Heinz-Peter Otten, the bakery itself was interested in a solution and has already invested in suggestions for improvement. One possible approach that Otten suggests would be to bury the cooling systems in a large hole and cover them, but this would be costly. This technical solution could potentially benefit not only the residents on Sülzburgstrasse, but also other affected districts in Cologne, as Schmeckpeper emphasizes.

In the meantime, residents have started writing regularly to the bakery's management, but have received no concrete answers or solutions. The Environment Agency has already launched an investigation because the operator is obliged to ensure the proper condition of its systems. In the hope of an early solution to the noise pollution, the only thing residents can do is engage in a constructive dialogue with the bakery and the responsible authorities.

Another source of information about noise protection issues bmuv.de, which offers comprehensive insights into legal regulations and ways to deal with noise. There, those affected can find helpful suggestions and information to better articulate their concerns and, if necessary, take legal action.