Pioneering Soundscape Legislation in Wales - Sustainable Acoustics’ Role in Shaping the Future of Soundscape Approach

A recent article by Isabella Kaminski, published in the ENDS Report, highlights a groundbreaking piece of legislation in Wales: the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024. This innovative legislation is designed to protect and preserve natural soundscapes, such as birdsong, by incorporating them into the planning and environmental regulations across Wales. The article emphasises how this legislation could reshape planning practices in Wales and across the globe.

Sustainable Acoustics’ Role in Shaping Soundscape Legislation in Wales

One of the key contributors to the development of this legislation is Peter Rogers, Managing Director of Sustainable Acoustics. In the article, Peter shares his expert insights on the complexity and significance of assessing soundscapes:

“The new law marks a significant shift in how the acoustics industry, developers, and regulators will have to think about noise.”

This statement reflects the profound impact that this legislation is expected to have on various industries, urging a reevaluation of how sound and noise are managed in both urban and rural environments.

Peter also highlights the intricate nature of soundscape assessment:

“Assessing soundscapes is more complex than measuring the decibels coming from a construction site. It requires an understanding of different layers of sound and their context within a particular location that includes visual aspects [and] wider environmental health factors such as air quality.”

This new Welsh law presents both challenges and opportunities for those involved in planning and development. As Peter Rogers notes:

“But that isn’t to say that we as a profession can’t actually do this and that local authorities can’t do it as well. We are currently working out exactly what that might sound like.”

With an optimistic and proactive approach to navigating the complexities of this new legislation, we are ready to guide clients through this evolving regulatory landscape.

Read the Full Article and Learn More

We encourage you to read the full article by Isabella Kaminski on the ENDS Report website. It provides an in-depth look at the implications of the new law and features further insights from Peter Rogers and other experts.

Partner with Sustainable Acoustics

Here at Sustainable Acoustics, we are proud to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative. Our role in the creation of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and our position as thought leaders in the emerging field of soundscape approach.

If you’re looking to ensure your projects comply with the latest regulations while also contributing to the preservation of natural soundscapes, we are here to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next project with our industry-leading expertise and innovative solutions.