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Report NO0256 by Sustainable Acoustics was published by Defra on thier website on the 31st July 2020. The report considers the views of 63 stakeholder organisations across a range of Local Authorities, NGO's, Universities and the Devolved Administrations. It then makes seven recommendations for the round 4 noise mapping contract to consider and beyond. These were : 1. Communication to stakeholders regarding the statutory requirements and methodology driving basic noise mapping (as set out in the Environmental Noise Directive and transposed into domestic law for England in the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006, with various equivalents in place for the Devolved Administrations).; 2. Explore how this legally compliant mapping can be adapted to provide additional useful services fit for the digital age, including interactive, holistic, and dynamic maps capable of updating using existing datasets 3. Design the architecture of the system in such a way that it provides the possibility of adding expanded functionality in the future – for example, to deliver information on sound quality as well as level; and the ability to provide a two layer sound map (national strategic & local policy;) with the ability to recalculate dynamically to explore planned interventions and link to existing and uploaded datasets; Recommendations to follow the Round 4 mapping project 4. Review evidence for a methodology for mapping soundscapes to ISO standards and sound quality mapping, encouraging research where necessary, but also to explore crowd sourced data. Include the idea of “Sound Future” Planning – add on an option to add in a Sound Quality layer. 5. Engage the public on using an IT platform that can connect to smart wearable technology. 6. Consider how to deal with future noise sources, like drones. 7. Complete a workshop post round 4 delivery to evaluate how well it delivers against points 2 and 3 above. For more details see the full report on the Defra website here : NO0256. Main author and Managing Director for Sustainable Acoustics Ltd. Peter Rogers said :"It was an honor to be approached by Government to complete this review, and facilitated us to take the final step to becoming net zero carbon as part of the journey. What we discovered we hope will shape and influence noise mapping to become a tool for a Sound Future, using sound as part of creating a sustainable future we can all enjoy not endure, along side nature." Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics with over 25 years experience and owner of Sustainable Acoustics Ltd. He can be reached at sa@sustainableacoustics.co.uk

Using acoustics to reconnect artists, venues and entertainment with people still in lockdown, but also to provide a new model for augmented live experience is the aim for an alliance of companies. Sustainable Acoustics are working with Vanguardia, Clarke Saunders Associates, Burland Aura Planning and JJ Rosa have been awarded Innovate UK Covid funding to develop the idea. Test of concept trail of Live 2WAY: Set by JJ Rosa from The Ministry Cinema, London Find more information on www.eventsrevivalalliance.co.uk . Innovative new approach to retain the unique atmosphere of live entertainment when all or part of the audience is remote. The project which has received R&D funding from Innovate UK explores how the very special relationship between audience, artist and venue can be equally immersive with a remote audience. For more information contact : Join@eventsrevivalalliance.co.uk More about the project : Virtual Audience Acoustic Reality (VAAR) is an innovative project that aims to help the entertainment industry quickly restart live events in the event of catastrophic events similar to Covid-19 and provides resilience for the future. It will connect remote audiences with the live atmosphere being generated by the artist's/sports person's performance and the venue and ultimately the audience itself, bringing a new era in audience participation and immersive experience.

On 28th April 2020, during Covid-19 lockdown, we finalised our plans to become carbon neutral, showing that a business even when under unprecedented financial pressure can take responsible steps. How did we do it ? We took the following steps : 1. Quantified our baseline, which we did in 2014 2. We set to reduce operational carbon - including insulating, switching to green energy, new efficient gas boiler 3. Tackle the sticking points - Transport Strategy (going electric) 4. Offsetting residual impacts through profits through GOLD standard carbon credits 5. Planning for future office design to become a net positive contribute to repay debt over life of legacy carbon impacts (solar pv) - by 2025 we aim to become net carbon negative for the lifetime of the Company, with year of year providing the ability for others to off-set through our clean energy generation. As members of the UK Green Building Council were linked up with Climate Care who made the off set affordable and easy, with global projects that are making a direct and traceable difference. www.climatecare.org Owner and Managing Director Peter Rogers says "I am absolutely delighted that we have reached this goal so quickly, to respond to Sir Ian Boyd 's challenge. We have shown the way we've done this, and driven down residual operating impacts below 1 tonne per head of staff. The costs of setting that in the short term are affordable, and if we can do it during lockdown then so can any business. We can now offer all our clients a net zero carbon service, and all reports will now display our Zero Carbon Logo, with details given for how it was off set. Whilst we can now claim to be truly on track as a sustainable business there is much work to do to deliver sustainability , which is much more than zero carbon. We continue to focus on the UN 17 goals. Use the #Act4ZeroNow, See more of what Sir Ian Boyd says here : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49499521

A COVID SAFE workplace Joint Guidance on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Practicality and Reliability of Baseline Sound Level Surveying and the Provision of Sound & Noise Impact Assessments By the Association of Noise Consultants [ANC] and the Institute of Acoustics [IOA] has been issued, but it is for business to work out how to keep their staff safe under the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974. Introduction The level of concern across the United Kingdom in relation to the spread of the COVID-19 and the recent announcement from the Prime Minister means that there can now be working from the office, where it is not possible to do ones job from home. With regard to the provision of Sound and Noise Impact Assessments, many Members of the ANC and IOA, are have continued to do assessments, following isolated working practices, but it certainly is not ‘business as usual’. There will be a continuing requirement to maintain as far as possible physical distancing in the workplace, whilst maintaining the standards of our working practices and restoring the flow of acoustic reporting which has an important role in the fabric and functioning of society. Acoustic reports are utilized for many purposes including to assist planning applications, the discharge of planning conditions and the implementation of Building Regulations. Continuing to provide high quality acoustic reporting in a timely manner for scrutiny by regulators and decision makers will allow the important aspects of planning to continue to move forward to support our society in the longer term beyond this national emergency. As the responsible bodies, the ANC and IOA are keen to ensure that it is ‘business as usual’, as far as is practicably possible and responsible; not only to support continued on-going financial stability for our members, but also for the myriad strands of society that rely on our reports and input to projects. With the very tight limitations on travel for all, we recognize that there will have to be changes to the manner in which acoustic assessment and reporting is carried out. We have, therefore, recommended below some changes in working practices in the production of such reports. In so doing, it is still important to minimize uncertainties when determining baseline conditions, in a clear and transparent way. Furthermore, by good communication between those preparing the reports and those that will be reviewing them, the planning process (and other relevant processes) will be able to continue as smoothly as possible, without what could be a delay of many months. We consider that by implementing these measures the provision of Sound and Noise Impact Assessments will be able to continue in a timely manner. Competence Site surveys should only take place if they can be carried out in complete accordance with current Government requirements. Instead, as set out below, alternative methods of characterising baseline conditions may be used. Acoustics professionals are skilled in understanding how best to use those techniques so that the outcome is representative and the conclusions drawn are technically robust, so that clients and decision-makers can come to well-informed judgements. Baseline Sound Level Measurements Before the most recent restrictions, the COVID-19 outbreak presented new challenges in obtaining representative baseline sound levels because typical road, air and rail transport usage have been reduced by travel restrictions and social distancing measures. Other sound sources may also have been affected – for example, due to changes in operating patterns at industrial and commercial premises. However, now that site visits cannot routinely occur, other approaches may have to be taken to establish an appropriate robust estimate of baseline conditions, such as using existing data (for example, from previous local surveys and noise maps) or undertaking baseline sound predictions. These approaches can be supplemented by additional limited on-site sound level measurements, where permitted. The most appropriate option to use must be determined on a case-by-case basis, assessing the level of uncertainty and including this information in the reporting. Most importantly at this time, before progressing with any methodology, there should be discussion of the intended approach with the relevant regulating authority. Methodology For some projects there will be similar challenges when determining the sound levels associated with the development. Where permitted, site visits to understand the sound environment will assist the professional in understanding the sources contributing to the sound environment, and where these may not be typical due to current circumstances. Any such site visits would need to comply with any restrictions on movement and ensure that social distancing is embedded within the site visit methodology. For transport schemes, there will have to be a reliance on predicted sound levels to describe the baseline conditions, with a corresponding need to source flow/activity data. There are now many sources of transport data available and these should be used, where possible, along with previously made direct site measurements to describe baseline conditions. Where sound from existing facilities is needed to inform future noise levels, or where it is the existing sound that is being assessed, enquiries with other operators may be needed to understand whether nearby facilities are operating normally, and whether any changes might affect sound emissions. Examples may include where the BS4142 methodology is being used to assess the impact from an industrial / commercial facility following complaints, or where existing machinery needs to be measured to use as a reference for predicted future levels. The acoustics professional will need to consider whether alternative sources of information in respect of sound levels can reasonably be used. Where appropriate, a case should be made regarding why the proposed alternative methods are suitable for a robust assessment, and should clearly set out the estimated uncertainties in the assessment. In cases relating to the investigation of complaints it may not be possible to carry out any form of site measurement at the moment, regardless of whether the conditions are representative of normal activities. Therefore, this type of assessment is likely to have to be postponed. As with the determination of baseline conditions, discussions with the relevant regulators, who may be able to provide vital local knowledge, will be key. Liaison with Regulators and Decision Makers Liaison between acoustics professionals and relevant regulators is especially important during this period where characterising environmental sound climates cannot be undertaken in the conventional way. It is recognised that projects should be assessed on a case by case basis. A pragmatic approach may be needed with regard to the information required for planning applications and/or the discharge of planning conditions. Having said that, it will continue to be important that such assessments remain robust, and follow current good practice. One outcome may be that supplementary information will be required at a later date or controlled by condition to allow planning authorities to maintain momentum in the planning system during this period. Summary In summary, we are experiencing extremely unusual conditions but yet, it is essential that we continue to exercise our professional skills diligently and cope with these changed circumstances. The advice contained in this guidance is not new, and all professionals have probably had to cope previously with unusual circumstances from time to time in their day to day life. It is just that, at the moment, every day presents an unusual situation. It is important that decision making and associated development continue, including the planning process and the discharge of planning conditions. But it is also important to avoid poor decisions being made because the highest standard of acoustic assessment was not maintained during these challenging times. The Association of Noise Consultants The Institute of Acoustics 23rd March 2020 Peter Rogers (MD and owner of Sustainable Acoustics) says "we have good guidance from our professional body and trade body, and the Government, and we are implementing that. We are working from home and continuing to service our clients through this crisis,, and will sustain it ready for a strong revival".

In the International Year of Sound the Institute of Acoustics, including our own Peter Rogers of Sustainable Acoustics, are taking the importance of acoustics to Parliament on 24th February 2020 to the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, the oldest running All Party Parliamentary Group (since 1936). Peter represents the Institute as a member of the committee. There will be three speakers from the Institute giving 15 minute presentations each to members, which will include members of both houses. Biographies of speakers and the program can be seen below. Guest Speakers include: Stephen Turner, MA, MSc HonFIOA; President-Elect, Institute of Acoustics Stephen will provide an overview of the profession of acoustics and discuss some of the current policy challenges relating to effective management of noise. Stephen has worked in the field of acoustics, noise and vibration for over 42 years in both the public and private sector. For 15 years he was a technical adviser to the noise policy officials at Defra and its predecessors, including four years as a Civil Servant until 2015. In that time, he was closely involved in developing noise management policy, working across Whitehall and the Devolved Administrations. He is a member of the European Commission’s Noise Expert Group and chairs the British Standards Institute’s committee on transportation noise. Dr Benjamin Fenech, PhD, MSc, BEng, MIOA Group Leader, Noise and Public Health, Public Health England Benjamin will discuss the adverse effects that arise from exposure to noise covering both what we know and what we don’t know. He will also present the latest data regarding the current extent of the noise impact in this country, including its effects and its social cost to society. Benjamin has over 16 years’ experience in the field of acoustics, split between academia, private sector and most recently in the public sector. As a civil servant he provides advice on the health effects of noise to a broad range of stakeholders, including various Government departments, NHS England, NICE and the World Health Organization. He sits on two British Standards technical committees; and is a UK Expert on an International Standards Committee. Benjamin is an elected member of the Institute of Acoustics Council. Dr Christopher Barlow, PhD MSc BMus SFHEA MIOA MAES Professor of Acoustics, Solent University Chris will discuss the current issues regarding attracting young people into the acoustics profession so that the needs of both the industry and society can be met in the future. Chris was responsible for setting up Acoustics as a new discipline at Solent University. He is an active researcher, focusing on the human response to noise, including the effects of leisure activities on hearing loss, and the acoustic design for restorative spaces (in both the real and virtual worlds). He is also a Director of Positive Acoustics Ltd., an independent consultancy offering design and advisory services on acoustics and noise control. Professor Barlow is a member of the Institute of Acoustics’ Council and chair of its Education and Learning Working group. Chris is also a member of the UK executive committee of the Audio Engineering Society. A live twitter feed will be running through the event, which may also be streamed. If you we will attach the link to this blog, or let you know where you can see the content retrospectively. It is a big moment for acoustics, and we get shout about why sound is so important. #Sound2020 #Acoustics@Parliament, @POST_UK

Sustainable Acoustics are delighted to be appointed to work on a Defra contract to explore the things users want from the 4th round of Noise Mapping, which includes quizzing Local Authorities Planners, Environmental Health and Transport, and the Devolved Area Governments of Wales, Scotland and N Ireland. Our report will be due at the end of March 2020, which will make recommendations for consideration by those bidding for the 4th round contract. If you have something to say on the matter please contact sa@sustainableacoustics.co.uk

The UK is now committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This welcome first step must be matched by urgent and coordinated action across all levels and departments of the next Government. We need a proper national plan and credible, funded policies to make sure we meet the 2050 target with time to spare. Thank you to the UK Green Building Council for supplying these recommendations: The next Government must therefore ensure that: 1. By 2030 all new buildings are net zero carbon for regulated and unregulated energy, based on their in-use performance. A trajectory to 2030 must include an uplift to Building Regulations in 2020 that drives very high fabric standards and significantly improves enforcement and compliance. It should also set out a 2025 standard that delivers low carbon heating and ultra-high levels of energy efficiency, as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change. Targets for significant reductions in whole life carbon should also be introduced by 2030 at the latest. 2. A national infrastructure programme is put in place to improve all existing homes to EPC Band C and all non-domestic buildings to EPC Band B by 2035. The programme must be underpinned by adequate levels of public investment, including an extra £1bn a year to retrofit low income households. A range of incentives, regulations and financing options is also required for all housing sectors and commercial building owners.  A clear trajectory must be set out for tightening Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for rented homes to EPC Band C and non-domestic buildings to EPC Band B, both by 2030. Operational energy ratings should be introduced as soon as possible for non-domestic buildings. 3. By 2030 all buildings and infrastructure are required, throughout their lifetime, to be climate resilient and maximise environmental net gains through the prioritisation of nature-based solutions. Requirements for biodiversity net gain should be mandated for all new developments as soon as possible and proposals set out for the introduction of wider environmental net gains. Alongside this, company reporting on climate-related risks and opportunities must be mandated; and the National Planning Policy Framework and associated planning guidance should be strengthened. 4. It maximises its role as a procurer of goods, works and services to drive positive social and environmental outcomes. Government should commit to only occupy net zero carbon buildings by 2030 and, no later than 2022, introduce minimum energy performance standards for central and local government buildings, based on operational ratings. Central government should also start accounting for economic, social and environmental wellbeing in all its procurement processes, including those relating to building projects. And it should show leadership by driving resource efficiency, waste prevention and other circular economy principles across the Government estate. 5.  After we leave the European Union, environmental protections and climate policies are as strong as – or stronger than – they are today. This must include legally binding environmental targets; an independent environmental watchdog with teeth; and a commitment to demonstrable improvements in air and water quality, biodiversity and resource efficiency and waste reduction.

Available in the Jan 2020 Edition from any good newsagents in hard copy, or get a sneak peak of the article below: If you'd like assistance from Peter and his team in designing a suitable soundscape for you contact us on : sa@sustainableacoustics.co.uk ; Offices in Winchester and London

Sustainable Acoustics is leading the exhibition design team for the UK's Interactive 'Year of Sound' exhibition, opening Summer 2020 at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. Plans are now well underway for a ground-breaking immersive participatory experience focusing on sound. Embedding acoustics into exhibition design is crucial right at the outset of any design project. Anyone who's been hit by a cacophony of noise in a museum (think energetic children plus cafe noise) can testify to what it's like when the design pays minimal attention to acoustics. Good acoustic design is crucial. It gives your audience a superior visitor experience and more chances to learn, which ultimately results in more return visits. The exhibition will be the UK’s largest hands-on interactive exhibition about sound, vibration and hearing. The exhibition, designed to wow and delight, will excite and inspire children and their grownups in science, technology, engineering and maths, enabling everyone to discover the science of sound through art, biology, physics, chemistry, nature, engineering, and interactive exhibits and live science. "Getting the acoustics right is a crucial part of the visitor experience, and in the year of sound we are delighted to be embedding sound into the new exhibits (including a huge ear) to show the magic of how our hearing works, and how to deal with it if it doesn’t. We are also improving the space, and so reducing noise build-up, therefore it is a doubly special project to be involved with as acoustic curators " said Peter Rogers, Managing Director. Need to get the acoustic right on your project? Contact our acoustic design team on 01962 858800 or sa@sustainableacoustics.co.uk

Sound testing and recording equipment will be charged with solar energy at our office and at our client testing sites, cutting our emissions of CO2 greenhouse gas. Managing Director, Peter Rogers said' "We have committed to Net Zero by 2030 and now I'm pleased we can offer our clients the reassurance that when they use our services for acoustic surveys, all equipment will run from clean energy generated at our offices."

Sustainability Manager, Katherine Howlett-Davies, joined the school strikers on Friday 20th September and used the power of speech and song to communicate our urgent need to address the climate crisis and act now to keep fossil fuels in the ground. "The school strikers helped me teach a climate protest song to hundreds of people, and then we all sang together from the steps of the Guildhall" said Katherine Howlett-Davies. "The energy and determination of the school strikers was awe-inspiring. These young people, compelled to miss school because they fear the future left to them by us 'grown ups', should be hugely proud of themselves for raising the profile of the climate and ecological crisis which we must all now act to address". Katherine Howlett-Davies gave a speech on behalf of Extinction Rebellion, in which she thanked the young people for their clarity and commitment, saying to the gathered crowd, "I promise you, there is more climate leadership here today, that at the Palace of Westminster" Over 800 people came together to demand an end to the age of fossil fuels, creating a globally significant event in our small and beautiful city. The school strikers marched around the city for more than an hour, gathering crowds and chanting in to megaphones as they went. The crowds swelled and responded to the call to join in.

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from Sustainable Acoustics will reach Net Zero by 2030, under the terms of our commitment to drastically reduce the environmental impact of our business. Managing Director, Peter Rogers said “Taking this step is essential if we are to lead to way, and show others in businesses how it can be done. In doing so we are embracing our vision to make things better using acoustics, and those who use our services can do so in the knowledge that we are giving the climate emergency the urgent attention it deserves, 20 years ahead of the UK target." Katherine Howlett-Davies, Sustainability Manager, said "the government's failure to act to address the global climate and ecological crisis is the greatest moral failure of our time. The government’s Net Zero by 2050 target is insufficient, as it does not take account of feedback loops and will not limit global temperatures to 1.5 degree of warming. While the government dithers on policy, we have chosen to take concerted action now to dramatically reduce our carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and we urge all businesses to do the same." Publication of the IPCC 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees' in October 2018 and the IPBES 'Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystems ' compelled Sustainable Acoustics to make a full assessment of their GHG emissions, scope 1,2 and 3, and this assessment has been an important first step in identifying how we can make science-based reductions. Excellent records of energy use, utilities and travel have been kept by our team over the past five years, and these enabled the business to visualize our energy use since 2015. Sustainable Acoustics have included GHG emissions from a wide range of Scope 3 sources, including employee commuting, business travel, electrical transmission, water use and treatment, waste, composting and landfill, to give a full picture of our impact. Our Sustainability Report, due for publication imminently, details our carbon emissions and our Action Plan to Net Zero 2030 is due for publication in April 2020 and we will share every step of the way on our blog. We love helping businesses on their own sustainability journey. If you want to know how to measure your environmental impact or make a commitment to Net Zero 2030, please get in contact via khowlettdavies@sustainableacoustic.co.uk 01962 858 800 Notes 1. The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (SR15) was published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on 8 October 2018. The report, approved in Incheon, South Korea, includes over 6,000 scientific references, and was prepared by 91 authors from 40 countries. 2. The Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services was published on 6 May 2019 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), an independent intergovernmental body, established by member States in 2012. The objective of IPBES is to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development.