Yearly Archives: 2022

Acoustic Awards 2022 Shortlist

23rd September 2022

Building Acoustics (sponsored by Getzner)

AECOM – Shakespeare North
Hoare Lea – The Manchester College, City Campus
SRL Technical Services and Ramboll – Manchester Engineering Campus Development

Environmental Noise: Non Infrastructure (sponsored by CDM Stravitec)

Apex Acoustics – Soundscape approach resolves nightclub noise problems
WSP- Eden Project North

Environmental Noise: Infrastructure (sponsored by ANV Measurement Systems)

ACCON UK Ltd – Lane Rental Phase 2
AECOM – Metrolinx Ontario
PDA Ltd – New Main Manchester Airport Multi-Storey Car Park

Vibration, Prediction and Control (sponsored by CMS Danskin)

ACCON UK Ltd – New Housing Development, Wiltshire
AECOM – Vibration Control Study at a hotel in Hong Kong

Innovation (sponsored by Acsoft)

AECOM – Metrolinx Ontario
PDA Ltd – New Main Manchester Airport Multi-Storey Car Park

Best Presentation (sponsored by Cirrus Research)

Winner to be announced on 13th October

Awards shortlisted entrants will present details of their projects during the Conference on 13th October. The results will be announced at the Conference Dinner and will be presented by Professor Trevor Cox.

Queen Elizabeth II

9th September 2022

ANC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We join the nation and the rest of the world in mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who dedicated her life to serving our country and the Commonwealth.

We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family during this sad time.

ANC launches sound testing CPD

7th September 2022

National trade body the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) has launched a CPD programme setting out the key issues around sound testing in buildings.

‘Approved Document E Sound Testing Registration Scheme,’ has been produced by a cross-industry group of acousticians, to provide insight into the key factors surrounding this specialist area of property development.

Produced for building inspectors and other construction professionals with an interest in noise in buildings, the CPD can, depending on the situation, be delivered by ANC members in their local area if requested.

To arrange a CPD presentation please contact info@theanc.co.uk or approach your local ANC member.

The ANC provides independent verification of pre-completion sound compliance testing in the housebuilding sector, through its ADE (Approved Document E) ADvANCE Registration Scheme.

Providing pre-completion sound insulation tests in accordance with Approved Document E ‘Resistance to the Passage of Sound’ of the Building Regulations and its equivalent in Scotland, the ANC service meets these requirements to test new and converted dwellings for sound insulation.

More than 500,000 tests have been recorded under the scheme.

Russell Richardson, Vice Chair of the ANC, is Senior Examiner for the ADvANCE scheme. He said: “Acousticians are regularly asked for more information on sound testing and with this in mind, we’ve drawn together experts from our membership to produce a CPD, which addresses the key issues.

“The ANC Registration Scheme for pre-completion testing was established in 2004 by members of the association, who wanted to make the process as streamlined, cost effective and straightforward as possible.

“Since then it has gone from strength-to-strength in the industry.

“There are now more than 300 ANC-registered testers, all qualified in acoustics, able to deliver programme across the UK.

“Benefits include the ability, if required, for the ANC’s registered testers to provide advice on overcoming problems which may be identified during the test.

“The mechanics of recording the test through the online ADvANCE system are also well-regarded.

“Clients are provided with a unique task number and password for every test undertaken using ADvANCE.

“This, with an ANC sound insulation test report, allows the Building Control Officer to verify the test has been undertaken by a qualified tester and confirm the results.

“The information is then included in all ANC sound insulation test reports and access can be gained of all the results for a site.”

To search for ANC members registered to carry out pre-completion testing please visit www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/members-search

Make a sound career choice with new acoustics apprenticeship

24th August 2022

A-level students looking to plot a rewarding career that takes a different approach from the traditional university degree route are being urged to consider a pioneering apprenticeship, designed to train the acousticians of the future.

The Acoustics Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship has been developed as an employer-led, industry initiative, with support from the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) and the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).

Students will be able to develop their skills in a mix of workplace training, as well as study at London South Bank University.

Richard Grove is Chairman of the working group which has developed the apprenticeship. He said: “Managing noise is an important, but often under-considered option, for the future well-being of society.

“A new generation of students are needed with the scientific and engineering expertise to help address the issue.

“The new apprenticeship will help deliver the acousticians of the future, which are needed across a range of industries.”

Potential candidates can find details of the apprenticeship at https://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/apprenticeships/

The ANC has a wealth of information online for those looking at their career options with their ‘#ExploreAcoustics’ initiative, which sets out the wide range of opportunities available to students interested in a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Video interviews, projects and in-depth case studies featuring students, graduates, professionals and academics in the industry, as well as a comprehensive brochure, are all available to give a flavour of the industry at http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/explore-acoustics/

Richard Grove added: “Acoustics is a dynamic, diverse and rewarding career, but few people are aware of it.

“We need more forward-thinking people to join the industry and make their mark.

“Roles are wide-ranging and include openings in architectural and building acoustics, environmental noise, product design, cinema sound, even sonar and ultrasound.

“It is a sector that recognises and rewards ingenuity and balances creativity with science.”

New award launched to recognise star quality in acoustics

22nd August 2022

A new award category has been launched, to recognise emerging talent in the acoustics sector.

The Rising Star accolade is being held as part of the John Connell Awards 2022, held by the Noise Abatement Society.

Sponsored by the ANC and ANV Measurement Systems, the shortlist will be announced on Tuesday 27th September 2022.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend the awards ceremony, taking place on the 19 October, at the Houses of Parliament.

This is the third time the ANC and ANV Measurement Systems have supported The John Connell Awards, with previous accolades centred around the promotion of STEM.

Graham Parry, President of the ANC, said: “The Rising Star Award is for an individual who has made impressive progress or an outstanding contribution within the first five years of their career within acoustics, either within their own team or the acoustics profession as a whole.

“We are looking for entries from self-motivated individuals who are committed to technical innovation, as well as Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity, and are broadening their knowledge through a planned programme of Continuing Professional Development.

“Successful entrants will work well with others and as part of a team, provide an exceptional level of service that goes above and beyond, and promote sustainability in acoustics.”

Entry is open to individuals nominating themselves and entrants should be employed in the acoustics profession, such as consultants, environmental health and protection officers, engineers, technicians, as well as environmental and sustainability professionals.

Entrants should hold some membership of the Institute of Acoustics and should clearly demonstrate why they have been a ‘rising star’ in the industry. Entries should also include an endorsement from a senior manager within their own organisation.

The submission deadline is 16 September 2022. To find out more please click here.