"At three of these locations our investigations concluded that the noise should be mitigated through the installation of low noise surfacing materials when the existing surface is worn out, in accordance with our maintenance policy, " said an agency spokesperson.

BBC: Gloucester estate residents complain about M5 noise

Again, you have to deal with signal issues in high-RF noise environments, deal with materials issues acting as RF shields (like in many computer rooms or anything with lots of metal in it), and you have to balance the convenience with the somewhat-increased security risk.

FORBES: Got Wires?

The organizations claimed that the project introduced potential risks of hazardous materials and emissions, wildfires and noise which would degrade air quality, prime farmland, cultural resources and endangered species (the blunt-nosed lizard, San Joakin kit fox and giant kangaroo rat).

FORBES: Environmental Groups Strongly Endorse "None Of The Above" Energy Plans

The essential ingredients of good open-plan office acoustics are evenly distributed sound-absorptive materials and a minimum level of background noise throughout.

BBC: The pleasures and perils of the open-plan office

Designers claim that plants not only provide a beautiful alternative to other materials used in construction, they also offer additional benefits, including noise reduction, natural cooling, air conditioning and a psychological boost to those who use the buildings.

CNN: Green walls: the growing success of 'vegitecture'