The Institute of Acoustics Scottish branch has responded to the Scottish Government’s draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). When adopted, the framework will set out the Scottish Government’s planning system policies and priorities to 2045 and how their approach will help to achieve a net zero, sustainable Scotland. IOA took the opportunity to highlight areas where noise and acoustics should be considered. Comments on the extensive document included:

The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) contributed to the joint National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) response to the UK Government Science and Technology Select Committee ‘Diversity in STEM’ Inquiry. The Call for Evidence for the Inquiry stated:

“There is evidence to suggest that women, certain ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented in education, training and employment related to STEM.”

Following the success of last year's secondary schools' competition, the IOA is this year launching both a Primary and Secondary schools' competition in the UK.

Primary Schools' Competition 2022

The IOA has published the new Transport Noise Supplement available free to download.  Part of the IOA’s charitable remit is to promote and advance the art, science and technology of acoustics in all their aspects. To this end, we produce magazines aside from the member’s Acoustics Bulletin’ to engage with a wider audience comprising:

The IOA will be offering the following Certificate Courses in 2022 at accredited centres:

- Certificate of Competence in Building Acoustics Measurement (CCBAM): April and September at KP Acoustics Research Labs, Southampton

- Certificate Course in the Management of Occupational Exposure to Hand Arm Vibration  (CCMOEHAV): April at the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport

Engineering shapes our world and it is crucial to ensure the public has confidence that the profession acts ethically and all those working in engineering are invited to an online event to mark the publication of this new report.

The Department for Business, Industry and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have consulted on the approach to be taken in working to reduce emissions from heating homes and businesses off the gas grid. In responding to these consultations, IOA recognise fossil fuel heating systems contribute to climate change, but caution against assuming heat pumps to be the obvious solution.

The Institute of Acoustics (IOA), The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), and the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) have issued a joint statement regarding ProPG (Professional Practice Guidance: Planning & Noise) and AVO (Acoustics, Ventilation & Overheating) Guide.  The statement seeks to clarify the relationship between the two documents.

Please see attached.