The Xuhui District government in Shanghai plans to install double-glazed sound-proof windows in schools along noisy streets, according to district officials.

 

The district recently installed the new windows in Nandan Road Primary School, and several more schools will be upgraded in the near future.

 

The district also installed metal blinds that can change positions to allow ventilation while blocking noise. According to tests by the Xuhui Environment Protection Research Institute, when the new windows and metal blinds are used together they can reduce noise by up to 20 decibels.

 

Officials wouldn't say how much the windows cost to install.

 

Noise-related complaints accounted for almost 50 percent of the grievances registered with the city government last year.

 

(Shanghai Daily March 27, 2007)