On Thursday 17 July, members of the IOA/Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Heat Pump Working Group participated in the Air Source Heat Pump Noise Policy Workshop, hosted by the Acoustics Research Centre at the University of Salford. The event brought together key industry figures and stakeholders to hear presentations on noise-related policy, regulation and best practice, and the barriers and risks associated with heat pump deployment.
Organised by IOA members Dr Simone Graetzer and Prof. Antonio J. Torija Martinez, attendees included representatives of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Heat Pump Association (HPA), the Heat Pump Federation, BSRIA, Nesta, CIEH, the Energy Innovation Agency, Apex Acoustics Ltd and Mason UK Ltd.
The presentations were followed by a summary of the research being carried out at Salford, predominantly within the Innovate UK funded Future Homes project, investigating the noise levels and sound characteristics of heat pumps and their impact on human perception. Researchers of Salford University also presented a study on human response to heat pump noise they led, in collaboration with 10 organisations across Europe as part of the International Energy Agency HPT Annex 63.
A panel discussion explored gaps in existing policy, regulation and procedures, and considered what would be needed to bridge these gaps. Participants then took part in a road map exercise to identify solutions to the most important noise-related challenges.
Dr Graetzer said: "In this activity, we sought to maximise the real-world impact of our research on Air Source Heat Pump noise by engaging directly with policymakers to address current regulatory limitations and facilitate evidence-based policy change. The feedback we’ve received to this point has been very positive."
Prof. Torija Martinez said: “The Air Source Heat Pump Noise Policy Workshop was a great success, with insightful contributions from key stakeholders across the UK. The level of engagement highlights both the urgency and the opportunity to address noise-related challenges in heat pump deployment. Salford’s leadership and research excellence are helping to shape a national roadmap toward practical, evidence-based solutions.”
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