Remote work: Aircraft noise implications, prediction, and management in the built environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Acoustics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread work-from-home policies, increasing residential occupancy during typical work hours.
• This shift has amplified the impact of aircraft noise pollution on housing estates, particularly those under flight paths.
• Pre-pandemic, reduced daytime occupancy lessened the perceived impact of aircraft noise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the increased significance of aircraft noise in urban environments due to pandemic-induced work-from-home trends.
• To review aircraft noise metrics, prediction models, and management strategies relevant to urban planning.
• To emphasize the need for integrating aircraft noise considerations into the early stages of urban development.

Main Methods:

• Review of common aircraft noise metrics for environmental impact assessment.
• Analysis of the effects of aircraft noise on the built environment.
• Examination of aircraft noise prediction models used in urban planning.
• Review of strategies for managing aircraft noise to improve residential acoustic comfort.

Main Results:

• Aircraft noise metrics are crucial for assessing environmental impact.
• Existing prediction models can be applied in urban planning to estimate noise levels.
• Various strategies exist for managing aircraft noise and enhancing acoustic comfort.

Conclusions:

• The rise of hybrid work arrangements necessitates proactive urban planning for aircraft noise.
• Predicting and mitigating aircraft noise from the outset is essential for sustainable urban development and resident well-being.
• Effective management of aircraft noise is key to improving acoustic comfort in residential areas.