Last week, Nicole Porter attended the Institute of Acoustics’ Acoustics 2026 conference in Peterborough, joining colleagues from across the profession for two days of research, discussion and networking.
Nicole opened the Environmental Sound Group programme with ‘Fair and equitable distribution of aircraft noise in airspace modernisation: a human-centred approach’, co-authored with Robin Monaghan and Andy Knowles of Anderson Acoustics, and Paul Hooper and Fiona Raje of Manchester Metropolitan University.
The presentation considered what the new UK Airspace Design Service, to be delivered by NATS (En Route) plc, could learn from the FED2 research published by the Civil Aviation Authority as CAP2971.
The central message was that airspace decisions should make the distribution of change transparent: who gains relief, who experiences more aircraft events, who becomes newly exposed and whether communities already experiencing substantial noise are being asked to carry a greater burden.
Average sound levels remain important, but event-based indicators, population analysis and spatial change mapping can provide a clearer picture of how noise is redistributed. These tools can support informed decision-making and more meaningful community involvement, although they cannot remove every trade-off or provide an automatic definition of fairness.
The publication of CAP1616 Version 6 immediately after the conference made the discussion particularly timely. The revised airspace change process reflects the Government’s new Air Navigation Guidance and includes important changes concerning airspace priorities and the treatment of change. Anderson Acoustics will be considering the implications for UKADS and the FED research in more detail.
Conference highlights
The aviation programme also included a presentation on the noise-management framework for Gatwick’s proposed Northern Runway. This covered the proposed noise envelope, insulation, progressive mitigation and best practicable measures, prompting discussion about how long-term commitments can remain credible to affected communities.
The latest Aviation Noise Attitudes Study, published as CAP3131, generated further debate. Reported annoyance was higher than in SONA 2014, but differences in survey design, timing and post-pandemic context mean that the findings cannot be treated as a straightforward like-for-like trend. The discussion highlighted the continuing importance of change, expectations, trust and perceived control alongside acoustic exposure.
Night-time noise was another important theme. One presentation explored a potential design target based on the cumulative probability of additional noise-induced awakenings across a night. By considering both the number and level of individual events, the approach raised useful questions about how intermittent noise and its potential effects on sleep should be assessed.
A paper on the sound insulation provided by partially open windows drew on fieldwork undertaken with Anderson Acoustics. The findings showed how window-opening geometry, façade construction, room response, frequency content and measurement configuration can influence the measured result.
Air-source heat pumps were among the conference’s most popular subjects. Presentations demonstrated why declared acoustic performance needs to be considered alongside the test standard, operating state and associated air and water temperatures. Sound output varies with operating conditions, making transparent reporting essential.
Other highlights included work towards a Positive Soundscape Indicator and an inspiring study of Kora Food Street in Chennai. The architecture students presenting the study described how a practical soundscape project had transformed their perception of acoustics and its relevance to the design of places.
Halving the cost of noise
The Noise Network Plus session explored an ambitious potential mission: to halve the cost of noise by 2040.
The “cost” of noise extends well beyond monetary valuation. It includes effects on sleep, health, learning, productivity, quality of life and biodiversity. Questions of equity are also essential, as an average improvement may conceal who continues to experience the greatest burden or has the least ability to adapt.
Education and awareness will be central to meeting this challenge. Children and young people are the future engineers, architects, planners and policymakers who will shape tomorrow’s homes, infrastructure and communities. Engaging them through accessible, practical projects can help embed a stronger understanding of sound and its consequences.
Connecting across the profession
The conference was also a valuable opportunity to catch up with longstanding colleagues, make new connections and share ideas for future research and collaboration.
The Women in Acoustics meeting was particularly positive and well attended, providing space to exchange experiences and consider how women at different career stages can support one another. The Institute’s group AGMs also offered useful insight into the work taking place across the profession and the many opportunities for members to become involved.
Nicole reflects:
The conference brought together an impressive range of technical research and practical experience. Just as valuable were the conversations between sessions—catching up with old friends, making new connections and discussing ideas that could develop into future collaborations.
Anderson Acoustics thanks conference organiser Martin Lester, IOA President Paul Shields and everyone involved in delivering such a welcoming and thought-provoking event.
