Environmental acoustics relate to noise emissions from developments that impact on the surroundings.  There are statutory requirements for environmental noise emissions from developments to be controlled to within appropriate levels.

The sources of environmental noise are diverse, ranging from the neighbours’ air-conditioning units and swimming pool pumps to large scale residential, commercial and industrial developments, major transport infrastructures, construction sites, places of worship, sporting and entertainment venues, etc.,

The control of environmental acoustics could include proper site planning; building construction methods and materials; equipment specifications and selection; appropriate siting of noise sources; provision of engineering controls and purpose-built plant rooms.

A number of common sources of envionmental noise emissions include: