Sustainability update: IOA takes a leap forward

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), we are pleased to report significant progress in our commitment to sustainability, suggesting it is the end of the beginning of our journey as a mature organisation.

By Peter Rogers, Sustainability Lead for IOA, Sustainable Acoustics, and Richard Grove, Sustainable Design Task Force Chair

Publications by the Building Acoustics Group ¹ and their White Paper ² show the emergence of guidance for members. Recent developments at the IOA 50th Anniversary Conference in Manchester and the latest IOA Council meeting have set the stage for a promising transformative journey towards a more sustainable future in our industry, with acoustics playing a major part.

Above: © National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the University of Reading 2018 SDTF Annual global temperatures from 1850-2017

The Imperative for Change (the big picture)
With less than six years to 2030 (one of the key milestones for climate change) there is no time to waste and the need for action is now.

This might include:
• our human-centric approach to acoustic design requires a rethink to be more inclusive of all species and to create regenerative outcomes; and
• humans are part of nature, and our global systems’ health is reliant on independency and is showing distress and breakdown. Engineers (meaning ‘ingenious’ from the Latin ‘ingeniarius’) need to turn away from the mechanised past and face the challenge to live up to inspirational integrated solutions which will deliver regeneration to this ultimate system. Acoustic engineering is perfectly placed to do this, provided the interdependence of life and other disciplines is recognised.

As acoustics professionals, we have a unique role to play in building a sustainable future and the IOA has a crucial role in leading the way. Action by all is needed, with an initial focus on net zero and a rapid shift to a model for sustainable business and shaping future environments in a restorative way.

Historic decision at Council meeting (item 24.46.10)
In a landmark decision, the IOA Council Trustees have committed to embarking on the journey to net zero, exploring the implications of aligning with Government targets. This decision, made in the IOA’s 50th Anniversary year, marks a pivotal moment in our Institute’s history, turning towards a positive future in which generations of acousticians are yet to come. To support this commitment, an advisory group, to be called the Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG), will be formed to develop a detailed route map for achieving our sustainability goals and determine what it would take to deliver that in practice.

From SDTF to SAG: A new chapter
The Sustainable Design Task Force (SDTF), established in 2015 and rebooted in 2023 has played a crucial role in bringing sustainability to the forefront of IOA’s agenda again. Led by Richard Grove as Chair, the SDTF formed supported by Barry Jobling, Momo Hoshijima, James Bligh, Ben Fenech and Angela Lamacraft. It again had a planned 18-24 month remit to reinvigorate sustainability efforts within the IOA in the following areas:
• how the IOA is doing against the five areas identified by the SDTF in 2015;
• legacy reporting on sustainability post Inter-noise 2022;
• engagement with Edinburgh Science, Net Carbon Toolkit and leading IOA through it; and
• engagement with the ANC working group on sustainability.

20 months on, the key achievements of the SDTF include:
• production of a strategy document (2023-2025) – published May 2023;
• assessment of IOA’s progress – to be published in the final report;
• reporting to IOA Council and preparation of recommendations for Council on a road map for the way forward; and
• engagement with external sustainability professionals to help establish the beginnings of a roadmap.

Above: SDTF stand at Acoustics 2024 in Manchester

As the SDTF concludes its work, once again the SAG will take up the mantle to drive sustainability initiatives forward with urgency.

Sustainability at the 50th Conference
The SDTF organised a stand at the recent IOA conference in Manchester, providing a focal point for members to discuss their sustainability journeys and challenges. Additionally, a survey (see the QR code on this page) was conducted to gather insights on members’ needs and expectations regarding sustainability. The results of this survey will inform the inaugural meeting of the SAG as well as papers from the conference by Ben Burgess and Barry Jobling in the UKAN+ conference session. The opportunity to collaborate with UKAN+ on sustainability was also stated as a goal by incoming IOA President, David Waddington.

Looking ahead
The formation of the SAG and the IOA’s commitment to net zero represent a significant leap forward for our industry. We encourage all members to follow these developments closely and align their practices with the IOA’s sustainability goals. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for further updates as the SAG begins its work and outlines the path towards net zero for the IOA and communicates how members can keep pace.

References
1. Building Acoustics Sustainably: Practical Considerations | Institute of Acoustics ( ioa.org.uk )
2. White Paper, BAG