In today’s world, managing noise pollution is now a key consideration in planning, design, and long-term operation. Whether for commercial developments, residential schemes, or industrial sites, acoustic mitigation often becomes necessary when external plant such as air conditioning units, refrigeration packs, or extract fans risk exceeding local planning noise limits.

Early engagement with an acoustic consultant can ensure BS4142 compliance, reduce the risk of complaints, and prevent costly project delays.
Typical building services plant that requires noise control solutions include:
• Refrigeration gas coolers
• Chillers & condensers
• Air handling units
• Refrigeration packs
• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
• Air conditioning units

These systems are essential to modern developments, but without proper design they can contribute significantly to environmental noise. A range of noise mitigation options are available, from acoustic wall lining to fully bespoke acoustic enclosures.

Wall lining (also called acoustic wall lining) is typically installed against a building façade to reduce surface reflections. In practice, this can achieve around 3 dB noise reduction, often sufficient where planning requirements are modest.
Shrouds are common for refrigeration plant such as gas coolers, acting as small barriers that surround individual fans. While effective for direct noise reduction, they are less suitable where receptors overlook the fans from above.
Turrets are ducts fitted to fans that redirect airflow and discharge noise away from sensitive locations.

Careful design is essential. Simply installing products without a clear noise control strategy may result in little or no improvement. This is where Noise Solutions provide value combining consultancy and hardware expertise to ensure performance.

Acoustic barriers are among the most widely used noise reduction solutions. When designed and installed correctly, they can provide up to 15 dB attenuation.
• Solid barriers: Offer maximum performance but require additional consideration for ventilation.
• Louvred barriers: Combine noise control with airflow, making them ideal for HVAC plant and condenser units. Available in different depths to match mitigation requirements.
Placement is critical: even small gaps or misalignment can compromise effectiveness.
At Noise Solutions, our consultants work closely with our hardware team to design barriers that not only meet acoustic performance targets but also account for structural integrity, wind loading, and maintenance requirements.

For sites requiring the highest level of control, acoustic enclosures are often the only viable solution. Depending on design, these can achieve over 20 dB noise reduction.

Options include:
• Off-the-shelf enclosures – suitable for standard plant.
• Bespoke enclosures– tailored to site restrictions, airflow demands, and planning conditions.

While enclosures represent a greater investment, they are essential for noise-sensitive environments such as residential schemes or healthcare facilities. Design collaboration with project managers, architects, and engineers ensures enclosures balance acoustics, airflow, aesthetics, and maintenance access.

There are a few key elements that are taken into consideration as early as the design process:
• Acoustics (obviously!)
• Airflow requirements
• Dedicated space for access and maintenance

What we’ve also seen from experience is the need to design around strict planning restrictions. Height and aesthetics are just two examples where they play a huge role in the design process.

From simple acoustic wall lining to fully bespoke enclosures , a wide spectrum of noise mitigation strategies exists to control building services noise. The right solution depends on plant type, site layout, airflow needs, and planning requirements.
Engaging early with acoustic specialists ensures the best balance between cost, practicality, and acoustic performance helping developments stay compliant and future-proof.

📧 For advice on noise mitigation, contact:      hello@noisesolutions.co.uk | www.noisesolutions.co.uk