Heat pump policy workshop focused on noise

Some big names and stakeholders from industry came to see presentations on noise-related policy, regulations, practices and procedures and barriers and risks in heat pump deployment.

Organised by Dr Simone Graetzer and Prof. Antonio J. Torija Martinez, attendees included representatives of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Heat Pump Association (HPA), the Heat Pump Federation, BSRIA, Nesta, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the Energy Innovation Agency, Apex Acoustics Ltd and Mason UK Ltd.

The presentations were followed by a brief summary of the research being carried out at Salford, predominantly within the Innovate UK funded Future Homes project looking at the noise levels and sound characteristics of heat pumps and their impact on human perception. Researchers of Salford University also presented a study on human response to heat pump noise they led, in collaboration with 10 organisations across Europe as part of the International Energy Agency HPT Annex 63.

Then there was a panel discussion on gaps in policy, regulations and procedures and what is needed to bridge those gaps, and a road map exercise to identify solutions to the most important noise-related challenges.

Dr Graetzer said: "In this activity, we sought to maximise the real-world impact of our research on Air Source Heat Pump noise by engaging directly with policymakers to address current regulatory limitations and facilitate evidence-based policy change. The feedback we’ve received to this point has been very positive."

Prof. Torija Martinez said: “The Air Source Heat Pump Noise Policy Workshop was a great success, with insightful contributions from key stakeholders across the UK. The level of engagement highlights both the urgency and the opportunity to address noise-related challenges in heat pump deployment. Salford’s leadership and research excellence are helping to shape a national roadmap toward practical, evidence-based solutions.”