Renewable energy is now an essential part of our world and is often incorporated into our buildings via wind or solar energy devices or as large scale plant such as wind or solar farms. For clients involved in developing renewable energy installations, it is essential that a robust noise impact assessment is undertaken. For wind farms this will typically be in accordance with ETSU-R-97. Low energy plant such as ground or air source heat pumps and ‘microwind’ turbines (small scale wind turbines) may also require noise impact assessments to be undertaken to ensure no disturbance to neighbouring properties.
WBM can provide assessments in line with local authority requirements which may need to be in accordance with standards such as BS 4142. We will advise on initial planning issues, liaise with environmental health personnel and planning officers, advise on current standards, regulations and codes of practice and will undertake the necessary baseline noise surveys to deliver your project.
Where appropriate, computer modelling (see Noise Mapping services) is carried out to support a noise impact assessment. Renewable energy generation may be integrated with building services systems and the acoustic issues associated with such installations can be assessed alongside these systems.
