"We develop engineering solutions to physical problems tempered by our experience of the practical difficulties of implementation. Complicated measures have their place, but simple, elegant solutions are often the most effective."

Acoustics is an integral part of commercial development.

Commercial spaces will need the internal ambient noise levels to be suitable for purpose and where varying internal ambient noise levels are required within the same building, it is important to appropriately assess how these spaces will interact with each other.

It is vital when undergoing demolition and construction works to undertake appropriate assessments of the noise generated to ensure noise sensitive receptors nearby are not to be adversely impacted.

Noise, vibration and dust management plans set the outlines for limits to keep impact to those nearby low and monitoring is often required to ensure that those limits are being followed.

Depending on setting, acoustics can change the efficiency of a room.

Appropriate room acoustics will improve speech intelligibility which will ensure communication is clear and concise.

Benefits of this include improved learning, customer interactions and critical listening.

Where industrial operations are conducted, noise generation can be expected. We can conduct various assessments, including but not limited to;

• noise at work, ensuring workers are protected commensurate with current guidelines;
• noise impact assessments on external receptors from industrial activity.

The ranges of industrial activity that would require noise assessments is broad, from wind farms to manufacturing, and vehicle serving to waste/recycling facilities.

Leisure & Entertainment can have a wide range of acoustic requirements.

This can include assessing patron noise to other noise sensitive receptors, assessing outdoor activity such as play on MUGA or padel/tennis courts, ensuring that a theatre is not disturbed by external noise sources, or that the acoustics of the multiplex or cinema room at home match the requirements of the client and future customers.

Noise can cause significant adverse impact to individuals.

In scenarios where there is a disagreement between multiple parties regarding the noise, CSA’s independent acoustic consultancy can offer guidance following industry standards where appropriate or have the expertise to identify nuisances that require action.

Instances of nuisances include neighbourhood noise, licenced premises noise and commercial noise.

As times have progressed, planning requirements for noise are more often considered.

This can include any projects that could affect the environmental noise.

Assessments include but are not limited to external plant, patron noise, industrial noise and predicted transportation noise.

Residential development should consider acoustic implications of the works.

For new builds, ensuring the environs of the new build is suitable and what existing noise sources need to be considered and potentially mitigated against.

For renovation works, ensuring the works that are proposed will improve the quality of the building overall.

These assessments ensure that the residential buildings will achieve building requirements suitable for living.

Due to the specialist nature of acoustics, it can often be required in unexpected fields. The varied skillsets offered at CSA can be utilised in projects further in specialist territory.

This can include; vibration, forensic audio/acoustic analysis and underwater noise. Where required, CSA also can offer Expert Witness services.

All forms of transportation will generate noise and vibration. This can include aviation, rail and roads. Impact from these can be quantified and where appropriate mitigation measures can be suggested.