top of page

Building Acoustics

  • Planning
    The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provides planning guidelines and planning exemptions for wind farms and wind turbines - the Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDG06). ​ These set a general lower fixed limit at nearby noise sensitive locations of: 45dB(A) or; a maximum increase of 5dB(A) above background noise In low noise environments it recommends a daytime LA90, 10min level between 35-40dB(A). The UK's ETSU-R-97 “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms” and the Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guides are currently the preferred method of assessing wind farm noise for planning purposes and are used to supplement the guidance contained within the WEDG06. ​ The WEDG-06 guidelines are currently under review and the draft guidelines include proposed new standards aimed at reducing noise nuisance.
  • Compliance
    A planning condition for post-installation noise monitoring is often required. This is usually a long-term programme perhaps up to 12months. ​ The draft WEDG guideline require that planning authorities should impose planning conditions in relation to noise limits and deveopers conduct noise monitoring in accordance with the IoA GPG Supplementary Guidance Note 5: Post Completion Measurements.
  • Structural Health Monitoring
    By performing long-term continuous Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) it is possible to monitor and track a structure’s state and carry out condition-based maintenance to ensure structural integrity. On a wind turbine blade, we can detect damage, locate it, and follow its progression. To find out more, check out these couple of videos on solutions from HBK: Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine blades. Predictive Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine blades.
  • References
    IWEA 2022 annual report. Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDG06) Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guides ​DCCAE: Department of Communication, Climate Change, and Environment's website has information on the future role for wind energy in Ireland and the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Structural Health Monitoring
Wave-3.jpg

Building acoustics is the science of controlling noise in buildings. This includes the minimisation of noise transmission from one space to another and the control of the characteristics of sound within spaces themselves.

Building acoustics is an important consideration in the design, operation and construction of most buildings, and can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing, communication and productivity. 

bottom of page