Environmental noise pollution is known to have a significant impact on public health. A research project by Jacksons Fencing aims to evaluate the use of acoustic barriers by architects and specifiers
A new research report from Jacksons Fencing will analyse environmental noise pollution in the UK in order to understand the challenges faced by professionals when specifying acoustic barriers and the impact that noise has on fence design.
Environmental noise pollution is known to have significant health implications when experienced over a long period of time. As well as being the second largest contributor to public health issues, excessive noise pollution has been linked to chronic stress, hearing damage, hypertension, diabetes and even heart problems. With cities and urban areas becoming more densely populated and more housing developments being built near major transport infrastructure, it’s important to assess how we can limit the impact of constant noise on public health.
Jacksons Fencing surveyed architects and other professionals around the UK and found that many were uninformed about acoustic barriers and their benefits. One-fifth admitted to being unaware of the properties and advantages of acoustic barriers. Seventy-nine per cent knew about acoustic barriers, but only 36 per cent had used them on a project.
Nearly seven in 10 respondents thought noise pollution was a ‘significant’ problem, with half of those believing the problem is getting worse. Despite this, acoustic barriers are still underutilised. Only half of those surveyed said acoustic barriers were being increasingly specified, with 49 per cent of architects who had specified acoustic barriers using them for housing developments, 30 per cent in commercial properties and 30 per cent in schools and educational facilities.
Jacksons went on to examine why acoustic barriers have long been overlooked. From cost and client preference to lack of information, the reasons behind omitting acoustic barriers were many and varied.
Where acoustic barriers are specified, however, popular choices of material include timber, earth and steel/metal, with environmental concerns swaying many architects away from less eco-friendly materials.
Noise barriers, such as acoustic fencing, absorb and reflect unwanted sounds, protecting people from the subsequent health risks. Jacksons Fencing provides acoustic solutions that reduce noise pollution by up to 32 decibels, making them essential for housing developments, schools, commercial premises and transport infrastructure.
With 91 per cent of architects acknowledging the importance of aesthetic appeal when specifying acoustic barriers, Jacksons Fencing offers a complete solution for all perimeter needs, from Jakoustic Class 3, a Loss Prevention Certification Board-approved SR3 high-security acoustic fencing system, to the 12K Acoustic Envirofence, suitable for applications where lower noise reduction is required. All come with a 25-year guarantee.
Jacksons' in-depth industry report highlighting the challenges of designing and specifying environmental noise barriers and the benefits they can have on design, health and wellbeing, will be available to download later this month. To get a copy directly to your inbox when released, visit: jacksons-security.co.uk
Contact:
0800 408 1341
security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk