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On Tuesday 7th October 2025, members of the UK acoustics community gathered at the Royal Academy of Engineering for the launch of the Sound Economics 2 ...
On Tuesday 7th October 2025, members of the UK acoustics community gathered at the Royal Academy of Engineering for the launch of the Sound Economics 2 (SE2) report. Hosted by the UK Acoustics Network, the event brought together researchers, consultants, policymakers, and industry leaders to reflect on the scale, impact, and future of acoustics in the UK.
The SE2 report builds on the original Sound Economics report (SE1) published in 2019, offering a more detailed and expansive view of the UK acoustics industry. SE1 estimated:
SE2 shows clear progress:
SE2 also offers broader sectoral coverage and stronger alignment with national strategies, including the UK’s 2025 Industrial Strategy and Strategic Defence Review.
The launch of SE2 was marked by a short but impactful speech from Professor David Waddington, President of the Institute of Acoustics. He addressed the audience with clarity and conviction, beginning by thanking the sponsors, the authors of SE2, and all those attending.
He emphasised the significance of the report:
“The Sound Economics 2 report re-affirms what many of us have long known: Acoustics is vital to the UK’s economy, health, and innovation.”
But he also acknowledged the challenges:
“Our profession remains under-recognised, and better data, visibility, and policy support are urgently needed.”
You can download the full copy of the report from this page.
UK ACOUSTICS: SOUND ECONOMICS 2
The Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets that took place last year and included a recommendation on noise impacts.
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
In December the Welsh Government(WG) published the outcome of their consultation on changes to permitted development rights (PDR), which includes air source heat pumps (ASHP).
Transport Scotland have published a new Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) for 2025 – 2028.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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