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NOVA Acoustics

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If you need a team of reliable and trusted acoustic consultants that are straight talking and provide quality advice, then you are in the right place.

Acoustic Glossary

A-Z list of terminology commonly used within acoustics.

Acoustic Symbols
A-Z list of symbols commonly used within acoustics.
Acoustic Standards

A list of British/International Standards and Guidance relevant to the Acoustics field.

Acoustics Education

Learn about the top UK Institutions offering Acoustics Education courses accredited by the IOA.

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ProPG (Professional Practice Guidance on Planning and Noise) is a 2017 document published jointly by the Association of Noise Consultants, the Institute of Acoustics, and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to guide acoustic professionals

Acoustic panels are rarely on the shortlist when sustainability teams review a fit-out's environmental credentials, but they should be. Conventional acoustic foam is petroleum derived, carries significant embodied carbon, and cannot be recycled at end of life.

Pre-completion sound testing is the on-site acoustic measurement required to demonstrate that a new residential building or conversion meets Part E of the Building Regulations before it can be occupied. Tests measure airborne sound insulation (through

The National Planning Policy Framework requires planning authorities in England to consider noise as a material planning consideration. It does not set noise limits. Instead, it establishes the policy principles that govern when noise assessments are required, how significance is determined, and

BS8233:2014 is the British Standard used to assess whether residential development near roads, railways, or other noise sources can achieve acceptable internal and external noise levels for future occupants. It sets out criteria for bedrooms, living rooms, and gardens

Open plan office acoustics comes down to three things: controlling reverberation so speech is clear, managing background noise so people can concentrate, and achieving speech privacy so conversations do not travel. The key targets for open plan offices are a reverberation time

Part E of the Building Regulations sets minimum sound insulation standards for new residential buildings and dwellings created through material change of use. Compliance is demonstrated through pre-completion sound testing, an on-site

BS 4142 is the British Standard used to assess the impact of industrial and commercial noise on nearby sensitive premises. It works by comparing the rating level of a specific noise source (adjusted for acoustic character)

A noise impact assessment (NIA) is a technical report submitted as part of a planning application to demonstrate that a proposed development will not cause unacceptable noise. You will typically need one if your development is near a

Acoustic panels reduce echo, reverberation, and noise build-up within a room by absorbing sound. They do not block sound between rooms. The right panel depends on five things: the material (polyester fibre or fabric-wrapped), the thickness, how it will be

Rw is a laboratory-measured sound reduction index that tells you how well a partition performs under ideal, controlled conditions. DnT,w is the equivalent measured on-site, accounting for real-world variables like flanking transmission, room geometry, and

Close-up of a worker using an angle grinder on metal, producing bright sparks, illustrating the importance of workplace noise risk assessments and compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 by NOVA Acoustics.

How do I comply with the Noise at Work Regulations?
To comply with the Noise at Work Regulations, employers must assess noise exposure, reduce noise at source where reasonably practicable, manage remaining risk with organisational controls and hearing

Close up of a welding professional, illustrating the importance of workplace noise risk assessments and compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 by NOVA Acoustics.

What does a workplace noise survey measure?
A workplace noise survey measures average noise exposure over time (dB(A)) and peak or impact noise (dB(C)) to determine whether workers exceed UK legal action values under the Control of Noise at Work

Do I need a noise at work risk assessment or a noise survey?
If workers may be exposed to harmful noise (around 80 dB(A) or above), UK law requires a noise at work risk assessment. If exposure cannot be confidently estimated, a noise survey with measurements is required

In the UK, construction and infrastructure projects are often located in or near densely populated urban areas, where their environmental impact can be significant. Making monitoring noise, vibration, and dust essential in UK construction and infrastructure

Effective sound management is crucial in diverse environments, from bustling offices to serene home theaters, impacting comfort, functionality, and health. Acoustic wall panels enhance these spaces by controlling noise and improving sound quality, providing both

We work with contractors to assess the suitability of any proposed on-site works and to provide guidance and support to reduce noise and vibration at the neighbouring receptors. Major construction projects and developments or any process or activity that

As urban areas continue to expand and human activities thrive, environmental noise pollution has become a significant concern. Among the many sources of noise pollution, construction activities have a notable impact on the surrounding environment and community well-being.

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