Plant Noise Assessments
We provide comprehensive plant noise assessments and specialise in the design of custom acoustic enclosures tailored to a wide range of equipment—including generators, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps—to meet the specific acoustic requirements of each project.
At NOVA Acoustics, we specialise in providing expert acoustic consultancy services to architects, M&E consultants, and main contractors across the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.
We support projects of all sizes, including those considered technically complex or commercially unviable by others, with tailored noise control strategies.
Our experienced Acoustic Consultants carry out BS 4142:2014-compliant noise impact assessments for plant and mechanical equipment, both at pre-design and post-installation stages. These assessments inform the design and specification of effective acoustic enclosures, ensuring compliance with local authority requirements and planning conditions.
What if the noise assessments shows the development is likely to cause an adverse noise impact?
Following a BS 4142:2014 noise assessment for your proposed plant or mechanical installation, we can determine the likelihood of it causing an adverse impact on nearby residential or commercial premises. Each assessment is site-specific, but key factors include the equipment’s acoustic performance, hours of operation, and the distance to the nearest noise-sensitive receptor.
If the assessment indicates a potential for adverse impact, our Acoustic Consultants will provide expert guidance on practical, cost-effective mitigation measures. This may involve acoustic re-engineering of the installation layout or the design of bespoke noise control solutions e.g. acoustic enclosures.
Common solutions include modifying the plant equipment, repositioning or reorienting the installation, or designing and specifying acoustic enclosures or barriers that reduce noise emissions to acceptable levels. Our experience and close understanding of local authority noise criteria mean we can help ensure your project remains compliant with BS 4142:2014 standards while maintaining operational feasibility.
Acoustic Enclosure Applications
Air Conditioning Unit Acoustic Enclosures
Are you dealing with a noisy air conditioning condenser unit that’s causing disruption or attracting complaints? Whether you’re aiming to minimise unwanted noise, meet planning requirements, or maintain good relations with neighbours, acoustic enclosures offer an effective solution.
Acoustic enclosures are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings to reduce noise emissions from air conditioning condenser units. These enclosures are designed to absorb and deflect sound, helping to bring noise levels within acceptable limits set by local authorities.
For units installed in industrial or densely populated areas, noise can often exceed legal thresholds—posing challenges for planning approval and ongoing operation. Well-designed acoustic enclosures can significantly reduce decibel levels without compromising the unit’s airflow or efficiency, making them a practical option for noise control in sensitive environments.
Whether you’re managing a small domestic unit or a large-scale commercial installation, selecting the right acoustic solution is essential for achieving compliance and maintaining acoustic comfort.
Generator Acoustic Enclosures
Experiencing excessive noise from a diesel generator or CHP unit? Whether you’re dealing with disruption in a residential area, facing planning permission requirements, or simply aiming to create a quieter working environment, acoustic enclosures are a highly effective noise control solution.
In industrial, commercial, and construction settings, generators often produce noise levels that exceed regulatory limits, potentially impacting employee well-being and disturbing nearby residents or businesses. Acoustic enclosures are specifically designed to reduce this noise, helping sites stay compliant with environmental and planning regulations.
These enclosures work by containing and absorbing sound without restricting airflow or compromising the performance of the equipment. Suitable for both small and large generators, they can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications—from domestic properties to large-scale commercial sites.
Typically constructed with durable, weather-resistant materials, acoustic enclosures for generators are effective in both indoor and outdoor environments. They offer a practical, long-term solution for managing noise emissions and maintaining compliance with noise control standards.
Pump Acoustic Enclosures
Experiencing disruptive noise from a diesel or electric pump, or a hydraulic power pack unit? Whether you’re aiming to meet planning permission requirements or reduce environmental noise, acoustic enclosures provide an effective means of controlling sound emissions.
In both industrial and commercial settings, pumps and hydraulic units can generate significant noise, often exceeding acceptable limits and potentially affecting the health and comfort of employees and nearby residents. Acoustic enclosures are specifically designed to address these issues, helping sites remain compliant with noise regulations while maintaining operational efficiency.
These enclosures are engineered to reduce sound levels by absorbing and containing noise, all without hindering equipment performance. Suitable for a variety of environments—from residential settings to large-scale industrial sites—they are a practical solution for managing mechanical noise.
Typically constructed from robust, weather-resistant materials, acoustic enclosures for pumps and power packs are well-suited for both indoor and outdoor use. They offer a dependable and effective approach to noise control across a wide range of applications.
Air Source Heat Pump Acoustic Enclosures
Air source heat pumps play a vital role in sustainable energy systems, but the noise they produce can pose challenges—particularly in residential areas or locations with strict noise regulations.
Acoustic enclosures provide an effective solution by significantly reducing noise emissions without affecting the operational performance of the heat pump. These enclosures help mitigate environmental noise impact, making them especially valuable in urban or noise-sensitive settings.
By supporting compliance with local authority requirements and environmental standards, acoustic enclosures are an important consideration for any project involving air source heat pumps, ensuring both community well-being and regulatory approval.
Bespoke Acoustic Enclosures
If you’re dealing with a noisy machine or facing pressure to meet planning permission requirements, acoustic enclosures offer a practical and effective noise control solution.
Used in both residential and commercial applications, acoustic enclosures are designed to reduce noise levels and support compliance with environmental and planning regulations. These solutions can be tailored to suit a wide variety of noise sources, ensuring that each application meets the specific demands of its environment.
Typically constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials, acoustic enclosures—including soundproof cabinets and boxes—are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, offering reliable performance across a range of settings.
A thorough noise assessment is often carried out before selecting or designing an appropriate enclosure, helping ensure the solution meets the acoustic requirements of the site and the expectations of local authorities or regulatory bodies.
Domestic & Commercial Noise Assessments
Residential Acoustic Surveys & Noise Control
Regardless of the brand or model, plant equipment such as air conditioning units and heat pumps can generate significant noise, which may lead to disturbances in residential areas and create challenges during the planning permission process.
Noise assessments play a crucial role in evaluating the potential impact of these installations on nearby properties. By measuring existing background noise levels and predicting the noise emissions of the proposed equipment, these assessments help determine whether a development is likely to cause adverse effects.
In cases where noise levels are found to be problematic, the findings from a detailed noise assessment can inform the selection of appropriate mitigation strategies—such as the use of acoustic enclosures or barriers—to reduce sound to acceptable levels and support compliance with local planning and environmental guidelines.
Commercial Noise Control and Acoustic Surveys
Noise assessments are essential for commercial plant installations, where equipment such as HVAC systems, generators, and pumps can generate noise levels that impact nearby businesses, public spaces, or mixed-use developments.
These assessments are tailored to evaluate the specific acoustic impact of each installation, helping to ensure compliance with local authority noise regulations and planning conditions. By identifying potential noise issues early in the design process, assessments support the development of effective mitigation strategies—such as the integration of acoustic enclosures or screening solutions.
In addition to ensuring regulatory compliance, well-considered noise control measures can also enhance the overall performance and presentation of commercial plant areas, contributing to a quieter and more visually integrated environment.
Acoustic Enclosure FAQs
An acoustic enclosure is a structure designed to contain and reduce noise generated by machinery, equipment, or processes. It is typically made from sound-absorbing materials and is engineered to block, absorb, or dampen noise, helping to minimize sound pollution in the surrounding environment.
Acoustic enclosures are commonly used for noisy equipment like generators, pumps, compressors, air conditioning units, and industrial machinery. These enclosures help ensure compliance with local noise regulations, improve workplace safety by reducing noise exposure, and enhance comfort in residential or commercial areas by preventing disruptive noise levels. They can be custom-built to suit various sizes and types of equipment, and are often designed to be durable and weatherproof for both indoor and outdoor applications.
There are various types of acoustic enclosures, each designed for specific noise reduction needs and to accommodate different types of equipment.
Partial enclosures cover only part of the machine, typically leaving one side open for maintenance or ventilation. These are ideal for situations where moderate noise control is needed, such as in areas where equipment operates intermittently or where full enclosure isn’t feasible. They are cost-effective and provide easy access for maintenance while allowing improved airflow.
Full acoustic enclosures completely surround the noisy equipment, effectively containing the sound and providing significant noise reduction. These are commonly used for industrial machines, diesel generators, compressors, and hydraulic power packs in both commercial and residential settings. Full enclosures offer maximum noise control and are usually designed with weatherproof materials for outdoor use.
Modular acoustic enclosures consist of prefabricated, interlocking panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled on-site. They are well-suited for equipment requiring frequent maintenance or relocation, such as temporary installations or industrial plants that need adaptability. These enclosures offer flexibility, easy customization, and effective noise reduction.
Ventilated acoustic enclosures are fitted with specialized ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow while maintaining soundproofing. They are typically used for equipment that generates heat, such as HVAC units, compressors, and pumps. These enclosures allow for noise reduction without compromising the cooling and efficiency of the equipment.
Mobile or portable acoustic enclosures are designed for easy transport and are typically mounted on wheels or a portable frame. These enclosures are perfect for temporary sites, such as construction areas, or for mobile equipment like power generators. They offer convenient noise control solutions on demand.
Machine-specific enclosures are custom-built to fit the exact shape, size, and function of a particular piece of machinery. These enclosures are used for specialized equipment in factories, workshops, or sensitive environments like data centers, offering tailored solutions for optimal noise reduction and efficiency.
Each type of acoustic enclosure can be further customized to meet the specific needs of the equipment and environment, including options for ventilation, access points, and enhanced noise-reducing features.
The requirements for an acoustic enclosure vary depending on the type of equipment, its operating environment, and the specific noise reduction goals. However, there are several key considerations that generally apply when designing and installing an acoustic enclosure:
1. Noise Reduction Performance
Decibel (dB) Reduction: The primary requirement is that the enclosure effectively reduces noise to meet specific dB levels as mandated by local noise regulations or project needs. The enclosure should be designed to lower noise emissions to acceptable levels for both occupational safety and environmental standards.
2. Ventilation and Cooling
Airflow: Equipment like generators, pumps, and compressors often generate heat during operation, so the enclosure must have adequate ventilation to ensure airflow and prevent overheating.
Ventilation Systems: Acoustic enclosures should integrate silencers, acoustic louvers, or attenuated ventilation systems to allow air circulation without compromising noise reduction.
3. Material Selection
Soundproofing Materials: The enclosure should be constructed from high-quality sound-absorbing and insulating materials, such as acoustic foam, mass-loaded vinyl, or perforated metal sheets lined with insulation.
Durability: Materials should be durable enough to withstand the operating environment, whether indoor or outdoor. For outdoor enclosures, weatherproof and corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or aluminum are essential.
Fire Resistance: In certain industrial environments, enclosures may need to be fire-resistant or meet fire safety regulations.
4. Structural Integrity
Robust Construction: The enclosure must be structurally sound to withstand vibration, impact, and environmental conditions (such as rain, wind, or UV exposure for outdoor units).
Access for Maintenance: It should include easy access points such as doors, hatches, or removable panels for regular maintenance of the equipment inside, while still maintaining acoustic integrity when closed.
5. Compliance with Regulations
Local Noise Regulations: The enclosure must comply with local authority regulations or environmental noise control standards, particularly in sensitive areas like residential neighbourhoods or near commercial buildings.
Occupational Health and Safety Standards: For industrial settings, the enclosure should help ensure that noise exposure levels inside the workplace meet occupational health and safety requirements, such as those set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
6. Custom Fit and Design
Tailored Design: The enclosure needs to be custom-built or tailored to the specific dimensions, shape, and layout of the equipment to maximize noise reduction and maintain operational efficiency.
Modularity: In some cases, enclosures may need to be modular, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and relocation as required.
7. Durability and Environmental Resistance
Weatherproofing: For outdoor enclosures, they must be weather-resistant to protect both the equipment and the soundproofing materials from the elements (rain, snow, UV rays, etc.).
Vibration Dampening: Equipment that generates significant vibration may require additional vibration isolation mounts to prevent structural damage and maintain noise reduction effectiveness.
High-grade steel, acoustic foam, soundproof panels, and weather-resistant coatings for durability and performance.
Yes, enclosures are weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and designed for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Yes, we offer fully bespoke enclosures designed to fit your equipment and noise reduction requirements.
Noise levels, equipment size, ventilation needs, location, regulatory compliance, and aesthetic preferences.
The timeline varies based on complexity, but standard projects typically take a few weeks from design to installation.
Yes, we provide noise surveys and impact assessments to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Costs vary depending on size, materials, and customization. A single acoustic enclosure for an air source heat pump can cost between £4000 – 5000 + VAT, depending on the size and attenuation requirements. Contact us for a free quote.
Minimal maintenance is required, such as periodic inspections, cleaning, and ensuring ventilation systems are unobstructed.
Acoustic enclosures are built for long-term use and can last for decades with proper care.