Articles
Yes, Solar Farms Can Produce Noise!
In the push towards green or renewable energy solutions, we are seeing coal-fired and gas-fired power plants being replaced with more environmentally-friendly sources of energy like…
March 11, 2025
People and the buildings in which they work and live are at the mercy of the environment.
The world is filled with “noise pollution” — any noise and vibration sources that may adversely effect your project – and vice versa. From drafting and interpreting community noise ordinances to predicting the noise and vibration impact of transportation systems, Acentech has extensive experience addressing environmental noise issues for industrial, institutional, commercial, aviation, and government agencies in the United States and globally.
Environmental noise issues may be categorized as project-inward or project-outward:
PROJECT-INWARD
The effects of the external environment on the project. Examples include:
- Vibration and noise from a rail line affecting a nearby residential development
- Noise from a wind farm affecting a nearby community
- Noise from aircraft impacting a public gathering space
- Vibration from a nearby subway line affecting sensitive instruments in a research building
- Noise from a highway being audible inside a lecture hall
PROJECT-OUTWARD
Noise and vibration generated by the project itself, with the potential to affect neighboring properties. Examples include:
- Noise from rooftop mechanical systems propagating into a residential neighborhood
- Vibration and noise from a new rail system potentially impacting a community
- Noise from a power plant that must meet regulatory guidelines
- Construction noise impacting a nearby residential area
NOISE ASSESSMENTS
Acentech has performed noise assessments for hundreds of environmental, industrial, and transportation projects, providing consulting services to research firms, utilities, architect-engineers, commercial developers, environmental consulting firms, equipment vendors, government agencies, and community groups. We work with clients during the design and permitting of new facilities; we also address noise issues from existing facilities, Environmental noise project examples include:
- Recommendations for a mixed-use development on sound isolation from surrounding area, public spaces and transportation systems (learn more)
- Forecasting and assessment of future noise and vibration impacts of proposed high-speed rail projects
- Structural dynamics analysis of a building that houses vibration sensitive laboratories (learn more)
- Aviation facility noise assessments including Residential Sound Insulation Programs (RISP); structural vibration analysis and mitigation; and environmental noise assessments and compliance.
Featured Projects
Hy-Line Cruises M/V Grey Lady IV Noise Study
Environmental, Industrial, & Transportation
Transport Canada Quiet Ship Symposium & Report
Environmental, Industrial, & Transportation
Elmira-Corning Regional Airport
Environmental, Industrial, & Transportation
VT Department of Public Services Wind Farm
Environmental, Industrial, & Transportation, Energy
SB4 Environmental Impact Report
Environmental, Industrial, & Transportation, Energy
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Acentech Experts Lead in Noise Control
Two of Acentech’s Noise and Vibration experts are true leaders in the uphill battle against unwanted noise. Noise emissions have negative effects on industrial workers, communities,…
November 14, 2024
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John Zeman, LEED AP BD+C Joins Acentech to Lead California Office
Acentech is pleased to announce that John Zeman, LEED AP, BD+C has joined the firm to lead its Los Angeles office.
January 29, 2024
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