The Covid-19 lockdown has created unprecedented environmental sound conditions around the globe as aircraft are grounded, the use of cars, buses and trains sharply decrease, workplaces remain closed, and communities stay at home. These conditions have created a new kind of sound environment never experienced before.
The Quiet Project is a vital and time-critical response to the Covid-19 lockdown. The primary aim is to record environmental sound levels and observations across the UK during the lockdown and to repeat these observations at fixed milestones as the UK recovers.
The study utilises existing networks of acoustics professionals including private companies, public organisations and academics to gather data and observations in accessible locations during and after the lockdown period. It is also gathering measurements from major infrastructure projects to create the largest possible database.
The database will map the changing sound levels across the country, illustrating the impact of lockdown on the external sound environment. It will be used to inform other crucial studies, which might include future transport solutions, environmental and ecological changes and tracking the health of the UK economy.
Members of the Cirrus Research team will be measuring noise from their homes to help gather data for this project, and we’re asking of our customers who want to get involved, to start taking their own measurements to help bolster the amount of data that is collected.
The dedicated project website will be launched very soon www.thequietproject.co.uk. But for now, you can visit the IOA website to find out more information and to download all the information you need to get started.
Get in touch on with the organisers by emailing [email protected] or connect with them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thequietproject/ (@thequietproject)
This project has been created in association with the Institute of Acoustics, Association of Noise Consultants and the UK Acoustics Network.
