Nowadays, the significant increase in noise has become a major problem in urban areas. Using pervious concrete pavement is recommended to reduce the noise. Unfortunately, standard materials used to produce pervious concrete are not completely environmental friendly. As a result, many researchers have devoted their attention towards identifying eco-friendlier substitutions to be used in the manufacturing of pervious concrete. In this respect, this current paper discussed the efficiency of two different sizes of oil palm kernel shell (KS) and cockle shell (CS) as partial replacement of natural coarse aggregate for sound absorption of pervious concrete. Thirteen mixtures were made, which replaced 6.30 mm limestone with 0, 25, 50 and 75% of 6.30 mm and 4.75 mm of both shells. The specimens were cured in a fog room and void content and compressive strength were tested. The replacement of both KS and CS as the natural aggregate decreased the compressive strength, although the range was still acceptable for pervious concrete at 28 days. However, the angular shape of both shells caused high void content. The maximum increase in void content compared to that of the control pervious concrete (CPC) was achieved with the use of 75% of 6.30 mm KS at 28 days. Moreover, by increasing sound absorption with the application of both shells, particularly KS, the concrete could be used as silent road pavement. It was therefore concluded that the use of both KS and CS to produce cleaner and quitter pervious concrete pavement is practical, both mechanically and environmentally. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.