ANEWR

SoundPLANnoise 9.0: Empowering Professionals to Control Noise Pollution

In today’s world, noise pollution has become a major environmental issue. It can cause a range of health problems such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance. It also has a negative impact on the environment, including animals and their habitats. As such, it is crucial to manage and control noise pollution. This is where SoundPLANnoise 9.0 comes in.

SoundPLANnoise is a software program used to predict and assess environmental noise. Its latest version, SoundPLANnoise 9.0, is a game-changer in the world of noise control. It sets new standards for modern, dynamic, and intuitive software. The latest developments include the update of the Geo-Database, where geospatial data is entered and prepared for the subsequent calculation.

The fully updated user interface of the Geo-Database provides a state-of-the-art user experience. The program’s functions have also been enhanced to make it easier for users to create professional reports and improve the efficiency of their daily work. SoundPLANnoise 9.0 includes multiple new standards, such as BEK nr 135:2019 (wind turbine), TNM 3.0 (traffic noise), and national adaptations of Common noise assessment methods in Europe (CNOSSOS-EU:2021) for strategic noise mapping.

SoundPLANnoise 9.0 also features meshed map calculations for time-efficient indoor noise predictions. This enables professionals to analyze and evaluate acoustic properties within rooms using SoundPLAN’s Sound Particle Model (SPD). Additionally, it includes auralization with multiple simultaneous sources and additional background noise.

Another key feature of SoundPLANnoise 9.0 is the assessment of the harmful effects of environmental noise according to EU2020/367. This includes high annoyance, high sleep disturbance, and ischaemic heart disease. This feature allows professionals to identify and address the negative impacts of noise pollution on public health.

As a local partner of SoundPLAN in Hong Kong, ANEWR Consulting is here to support you in solving problems using SoundPLAN. Whether you need technical assistance, training, or consulting services, our team of experts is ready to help you achieve your noise control goals and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Elevate Your HR Career with ESG: Become a Certified Sustainability Leader

Are you looking to take your HR career to the next level? Do you want to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving business landscape? Look no further than ESG!

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is becoming an increasingly important aspect of business, and HR professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate ESG considerations into their work. By understanding the principles of sustainability and the applications of ESG, HR professionals can help their organizations achieve their sustainability goals, attract top talent, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

And now, with the CESGF certification provided by Matters Academy and led by Dr. Glenn Frommer, you can elevate your HR career to new heights. This short, online course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of ESG and the latest developments in the field. You’ll learn how to integrate ESG into your HR policies and practices, measure and track your progress, and engage your employees in your sustainability initiatives.

So why wait? Elevate your HR career with ESG and become a certified sustainability leader today.

ESG Made Easy: How a Short Online Course Can Supercharge Your Sustainability Knowledge

Taking a shorter course that is online, self-paced, and low-cost can offer a range of benefits for individuals looking to expand their knowledge of ESG principles and practices. Here are some of the key advantages of such a course:

Time savings: A shorter course that can be completed within four hours can be a great option for busy professionals who don’t have a lot of time to devote to training. This can be especially true for those who need to fit learning around other work and family commitments.
Self-paced learning: Online courses that allow learners to progress at their own pace can be a great way to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the training. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may need more time to absorb complex ESG concepts or want to revisit specific sections of the course multiple times.
Cost-effectiveness: Low-cost courses that are priced below HK$2500 can be a great option for individuals and businesses that need to keep their training budgets under control. With a wide range of affordable ESG courses available online, learners can access high-quality training without breaking the bank.
Immediate application: With shorter ESG courses, learners can start applying their new skills and knowledge immediately. This can help businesses to implement ESG principles and practices more quickly and effectively, leading to positive outcomes for the environment, society, and the bottom line.
Flexibility: Online courses that are self-paced and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection provide learners with the ultimate flexibility in terms of when and where they study. This can be particularly helpful for those who need to fit training around a busy work schedule or family commitments.

As an example of an introductory-level course on sustainability and ESG, the CESGF Certificate ESG Foundation Course is a great option for those who are looking to gain a fundamental understanding of the principles and applications of ESG, covering topics such as climate change, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

Don’t wait any longer to take action and enroll in a short ESG course. The knowledge and skills you gain can help you make a real difference in the world and create a more sustainable future for all.

Become a Climate Change Leader: Why Learning ISO14064-1 is Vital for Your Business’s Success

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and businesses have a crucial role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. ISO 14064-1 is a standard that provides guidance on how to quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions and removals, which is essential for any business looking to become a climate change leader.

Here are some reasons why learning ISO 14064-1 is vital for your business’s success:

It helps you measure your carbon footprint

ISO 14064-1 provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to measuring greenhouse gas emissions, which is essential for understanding your business’s carbon footprint. By quantifying your emissions, you can identify areas where you can reduce your emissions and prioritize actions that will have the greatest impact on reducing your carbon footprint.

It provides a framework for reporting on your emissions

ISO 14064-1 provides a standardized framework for reporting on your greenhouse gas emissions and removals. This makes it easier for stakeholders to compare your business’s performance with that of other businesses and track progress over time. It also helps you communicate your emissions performance to stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators.

It enhances your credibility and reputation

Adopting ISO 14064-1 demonstrates your commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change. This can enhance your credibility and reputation among customers, investors, and other stakeholders who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of businesses. It can also give you a competitive advantage by demonstrating that you are taking proactive steps to address climate change.

It helps you comply with regulations

Many countries and regions have regulations that require businesses to report on their greenhouse gas emissions. ISO 14064-1 provides a standardized framework that can help you comply with these regulations more efficiently and effectively. This can help you avoid penalties and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

It supports sustainable development

Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, businesses can contribute to sustainable development by mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving natural resources. Adopting ISO 14064-1 can help you align your business with sustainable development goals and demonstrate your commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

For those who are interested in learning about ISO 14064-1 Corporate Greenhouse Gas, Matters Academy can be a suitable option. Their online training courses provide high-quality education on sustainability, technology, and other future topics, and offer a balanced and wide curriculum that caters to learners ranging from youth to professionals.

Matters Academy’s training courses on ISO 14064-1 Corporate Greenhouse Gas can be a good option since they are online, short, and low-cost. This can be a great advantage for those who may have limited time or resources to attend traditional classroom-based courses. The course is led by experienced tutors from TÜV Rheinland, a world-renowned testing service provider with over 150 years of experience in safety and quality assurance. With their highly qualified experts, TÜV Rheinland provides training for people in numerous professions and certifies management systems according to international standards.

Ms. Zhou and Mr. Xu, the course instructors, have more than a decade of experience in environmental consulting, carbon strategies development, and carbon verification projects. Their expertise makes them ideal mentors for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

By taking this course, you will learn how to measure your organization’s greenhouse gas emissions, develop strategies for reducing them, and report on your progress. The course provides practical training, case studies, and group exercises to ensure that you leave with a clear understanding of the ISO 14064-1 standard and its application to your business. You will also receive a certificate of completion that can demonstrate your proficiency in greenhouse gas accounting and reporting to your stakeholders.

In addition to Matters Academy, there are other online training providers that offer ISO 14064-1 courses. For example, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) offers online courses on GHG accounting and reporting, including ISO 14064-1. These courses provide comprehensive training on GHG accounting and reporting, and are designed for professionals who want to develop a solid understanding of the technical and practical aspects of GHG accounting and reporting.

Another option is the GHG Management Institute, which offers a range of online courses on GHG accounting and management. These courses are designed for professionals who want to build their knowledge and skills in GHG accounting and management, and provide a deep dive into the technical aspects of GHG accounting and reporting.

Ultimately, the choice of online training provider will depend on your learning goals, budget, and schedule. Regardless of the provider you choose, learning ISO 14064-1 can be a valuable investment in your business’s success and contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.

Five Superpowers of Environmental Consultants that ChatGPT Can’t Match

As technology advances, it’s easy to assume that machines and AI can do everything that humans can do. However, when it comes to environmental consulting, there are certain skills and abilities that only human consultants possess. Here are the five superpowers of environmental consultants that AI language models like ChatGPT cannot match:

Field Experience: Environmental consultants spend a significant amount of time in the field, observing the environment, gathering data, and conducting tests. This allows them to gain a firsthand understanding of the environmental issues and challenges that different regions face. While ChatGPT can provide information based on data and research, it lacks the ability to collect firsthand data and observations.
Technical Expertise: Environmental consultants have a wide range of technical skills and knowledge, including experience with various scientific instruments, data analysis tools, and computer software. They can interpret complex data and information to develop effective strategies to address environmental problems. While ChatGPT can provide technical information, it cannot analyze data or interpret it in the same way that an experienced environmental consultant can.
Regulatory Compliance: Environmental consultants are knowledgeable about environmental regulations and compliance requirements at the local, state, and federal levels. They can help businesses and organizations navigate complex environmental regulations and develop strategies to comply with them. While ChatGPT can provide information about regulations, it cannot provide advice or guidance on compliance strategies.
Communication Skills: Environmental consultants must communicate complex technical information and data to a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and community members. They must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to ensure that everyone understands the environmental issues and the proposed solutions. While ChatGPT can provide information, it lacks the ability to communicate and interact with stakeholders in the same way that a human consultant can.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Environmental consultants are skilled problem solvers who can identify and address complex environmental challenges. They use their technical knowledge, analytical skills, and creative thinking to develop innovative solutions that protect the environment while meeting the needs of businesses and communities. While ChatGPT can provide information and suggest solutions, it cannot match the problem-solving abilities of an experienced environmental consultant.

In addition to these skills, professional judgement and decision-making are also critical skills for environmental consultants. They must be able to assess and weigh various options and make informed decisions based on the available information and data. Environmental consultants must consider many factors, including scientific data, regulatory requirements, community concerns, and the needs of their clients, when making decisions. The ability to make such professional judgements and decisions requires a depth of knowledge, experience, and intuition that only human consultants can offer.

While technology has made significant strides in recent years, it’s clear that AI language models like ChatGPT cannot replace the skills and abilities of human environmental consultants. These superpowers are essential for developing effective solutions to complex environmental challenges while taking into account a variety of factors. So, next time you need environmental consulting services, remember that there’s no substitute for the experience and expertise of a human consultant.

Improving Acoustics with the SonoCat: How In-Situ Measurements Are Changing the Game

Unwanted sound is all around us, from the sounds of traffic to the hum of machinery. This sound can not only be a nuisance but can also have detrimental effects on our hearing and overall well-being. Reducing unwanted sound can be challenging since it varies depending on the listening conditions and diffusion. However, the SonoCat is changing the game when it comes to sound measurement and control.

The SonoCat is a multi-functional spherical microphone array that collects all the necessary acoustic data for the calculation of the sound pressure level, the 3D sound intensity vector, and the sound absorption coefficient. Its eight digital MEMS microphones located in a rigid sphere can perform both point and scan measurements. The SonoCat is calibrated to a high standard and is connected to a PC or tablet with the SonoCat software, making it easy to monitor, acquire, and analyze the recorded sound field.

One of the key unique features of the SonoCat is its ability to perform measurements on site, in-situ. This allows for an accurate assessment of the sound field and helps identify the root cause of an emanating source. Traditional sound testing is primarily carried out in laboratory conditions, which are unrealistic and restrictive, as well as costly and time-consuming. In-situ measurements provide a more realistic assessment of the sound field, and the SonoCat makes it easy to do so.

The SonoCat‘s ability to measure sound pressure level, sound intensity level, sound intensity direction, and sound absorption coefficient makes it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers. A point measurement can locate where a sound source is emitting, and a scan measurement can provide the sound power of a machine or the average sound absorption of a surface. All of these measurements can help improve the acoustic environment and reduce unwanted sound.

The SonoCat‘s local plane-wave method is particularly useful for measuring sound absorption, which is essential for creating a comfortable and productive environment. Traditional methods of measuring sound absorption in a laboratory setting may not reflect real-world conditions since the sound field can be difficult to control and unpredictable. The local plane-wave method takes the local sound field into consideration and assumes that the normal component of the sound field in each point can be described by an incident and a reflected plane wave. This allows for an effective in-situ absorption coefficient to be derived from sound field measurements, making it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers.

Additionally, the founder of SonoCat, Ysbrand Wijnant, recently gave a talk for the Acoustical Society of America that can be viewed on YouTube. Check out the link below to learn more about the technology and its applications.

In summary, the SonoCat is changing the game for sound measurement and control with its ability to perform measurements on site, in-situ. Its local plane-wave method for measuring sound absorption makes it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers looking to create comfortable and productive environments. With the SonoCat, improving acoustics has never been easier or more accurate, and there is no need to do noise testing in a laboratory with its unrealistic conditions, restrictions, costs, and time-consuming processes.

Contact ANEWR today for a demo or quote and see how the SonoCat can help you improve your acoustic environment.

Quantitative Soundscape Analysis: Decoding Perception for Better Acoustical Environments

We are excited to share the latest acoustics news with you!

In a new episode of ACROSS ACOUSTICS, we delve into how researchers analyze and display data to reflect the perception of many people in a soundscape. Andrew Mitchell of The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, discusses his article on “How to analyse and represent quantitative soundscape data.”

As professionals in the acoustic field, it is essential to understand how different individuals experience soundscapes and how to analyze data to reflect these varying perceptions. Through this episode, we gain insight into the techniques and tools used by researchers to represent quantitative soundscape data.

Join us in exploring this fascinating topic and learn more about the role of acoustics in shaping our environment. Follow the link to listen to the latest episode of ACROSS ACOUSTICS. https://lnkd.in/gPCJXZe7

From Spam Emails to AI Development: The Carbon Footprint of Technology

Hey, did you know that every little thing counts when it comes to the impact of digitalisation on the environment? The metaverse age has arrived, and it’s going to magnify the effects even more.

For example, did you know that sending an email produces carbon emissions? According to Mike Berners-Lee, a carbon footprint research fellow at Lancaster University, a spam email produces 0.3g of CO2e, a regular email produces 4g CO2e, and an email with a photo produces 50g CO2e. That’s comparable to driving 200 miles in a family car if you’re a typical business user who sends a lot of emails. However, the metaverse can help us save a lot of travel and reduce carbon emissions.

Another cool thing about the metaverse is its realistic environment. It’s like a simulation that allows for immersive training and education. There’s a project in Hong Kong that uses 4D virtual reality to help stakeholders visualise the effectiveness of an innovative noise mitigation measure.

But there’s a downside too. The global metaverse movement is streaming greenhouse gases into our planet, and we can’t forget about the carbon emissions from the AI development life cycle. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that training several typical big AI models produces nearly 626,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent, which is over five times the amount of greenhouse gases a car emits during its lifetime. That’s why companies that use metaverse technology need to hold accountability for the environmental impact they’re causing.

We need to “look before we leap.” Greenwashing can harm your company’s reputation, and neglecting to disclose critical information can be just as damaging.

How do SMEs fit into the ESG world?

In this era, climate change is the burning topic for sustainability. Temperature increases, Sea Level rises, and GHG emissions increase constitute global efforts to address climate change’s impact, e.g. 2015 Paris Agreement and 2021 UN Climate Change Conference COP26. While in Hong Kong, The 2020 Policy Address proclaimed that Hong Kong would aspire to commit to carbon neutrality before 2050. This lies down the real market opportunity for businesses.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a broad topic applying to different industries. Each industry has its ESG issues, regardless of listed companies or small-to-medium enterprises. Companies’ ESG practices reflect the high level of the company values. Therefore, each company in Hong Kong is expected to have at least an understanding of ESG when running the business. People would say, presently, it is more of the listed companies’ responsibility as it is required to be reported by HKEX. But when you learn more, the supply chain is one of the ESG elements needed for reporting. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be aware of it as SMEs could be part of the supply chain of the listed companies.

As a matter of fact, SMEs contribute significantly to the world’s economies. They account for about 99 per cent of firms and 70 per cent of all jobs in OECD countries. Over 50 per cent of GDP is contributed by SMEs in high-income countries worldwide.

Where should SMEs start to incorporate ESG into their business operations?

Understand the needs of your customers on ESG disclosure, including for the sake of improving SMEs supply chain visibility;
Take stock of what data SMEs have in hand, and carry out a gap analysis on the information SMEs have with that as required by SMEs’ customers;
Set up a mechanism or adopt a digital platform to collect the customer’s required data. A digital data platform, such as ESG Dashboard, can be used with IoT sensors. For example, it can connect with air quality sensors to ensure workspace with clean air and staff’s well-being;
Know your competitors! To stay competitive, SMEs need better ESG performance than their competitors. Try to research your competitors’ performance and see how to improve. There are platforms out there in the market that can do benchmarking;
Dedicated to a cross-functional team. Provide the staff with a training. There are many courses out there. Introductory course is good for a start. There are also technical lectures on the online academy platform (www.matters.academy).

Photo above: A digital data platform, such as ESG Dashboard, can be used with IoT sensors.

Photo above: Introductory course is good for a start. There are also technical lectures on the online academy platform.

Integrating ESG factors in the business flows give the owners and management an excellent framework to rethink where the markets are heading and how their product and services can be changed to meet the needs. ESG segment is extensive, from the education, technical skills, analytical capability, materiality mapping and execution. In these inflation and unstable times, it is advantageous to use an ESG lens to improve operational efficiency, provide clear resolution to ESG risks and use that perspective to develop environmental and social initiatives to fulfil future scenarios successfully.

By: ANewR Consulting Limited, a digital environmental consultant headquartered in Hong Kong since 2008. Our expertise has grown into the context of air and water qualities, noise, green building, waste management, and remediation. With extensive know-how in environmental planning and assessment, feasibility study and policy review, ecological design, monitoring, and audit (EM&A), ANewR has matured to be a leading management consultancy. Standing in the digital transformation reign, ANewR has participated in various environmental digital projects – interactive 3D visualisation, immersive automation virtual environment, Virtual reality, automation system, and monitoring platforms.
(Website: https://anewr.com, LinkedIn: ANewR Consulting Group, Twitter: ANewR – Everyday Newer,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnpvmxnR9hbNxytSfBdfV8Q/videos)

聲學小知識—道路噪聲主動噪聲控制系統是什麼

道路噪聲主動噪聲控制，這是通過抵消汽車行駛中的胎噪和路噪從而降低車內噪聲的系統，就是常聽說的主動降噪。汽車主動降噪系統已經聽說了不少，近日，搭載這種系統的汽車已經進入量產的階段，相信這是未來人們的主要選擇。

與常規的被動式降噪方式相比，可以減少被動降噪帶來的汽車重量加大，經濟性，污染氣體排放等等的影響，是一個輕便的噪聲處理系統。現在這個系統還在進一步的研發中，他可以用來更好的改善汽車NHV問題，即是行車舒適度。汽車的研發需要用到不同的噪聲檢測儀器，測試數值也需要去到很精準的程度，特別在消聲室的測試尤其重要。精密的噪聲測試儀器，如聲學照相機等等都搭載了適用於汽車噪聲檢測的軟件設備，也是許多汽車製造廠家的首選。

Norsonic 848A 為聲學照相機確立了新的標準。和傳統的聲學照相機相比，由於它使用了大量的麥克風，所以它消除了鬼影的問題。對於傳統的聲學照相機而言，由於它採用的麥克風相對比較少，所以了它增加了照相機的旁瓣效應，從而導致照相機產生了鬼影:也就是你可能會”測量到”一個並不存在的聲源。

Norsonic 848A的軟件是非常直觀的而且便於操作。在接受培訓幾分鐘以後，使用者就可以操作系統並進行實際的測量。我們可以提供三種碟面的聲學照相機，它們分別有不同數量的麥克風傳感器和不同的碟面尺寸。直徑0.4m的陣列有128個麥克風組成;直徑1.0m的陣列有256個麥克風組成;直徑1.6m的陣列有384個麥克風組成。

所有數碼麥克風單元被置於蝶形炭纖維基座內，並受到防塵和防濕保護網的保護。基座強大而堅固的結構確保所有的麥克風處於正確的位置-這對於聲場測量是非常重要的。內圈陣列中麥克風的細小間距對於高頻測量時降低空間混疊是很重要的。由大量麥克風組成的陣列也有助於提高測量的動態範圍和降低自噪聲。通過所有麥克風對選定方向的信號進行加權平均而得到的信號可以遠遠低於採用單一麥克風測量時候的自噪聲。也就是它可以測量普通聲級計測量不到的聲音。

這個系統可以讓使用者在進行噪聲分析時對現場實時的多個噪聲源有一個清晰的認識。該系統進入測量現場後數分鐘之後就可以進行測量。通過在畫面上移動鼠標，你就可以在實際測量時對選定方向的聲源進行分析和監聽。同傳統的方法相比，這個系統就有助於使用者在短時間內對噪聲問題進行診斷，這究竟是一種干擾聲源，一類聲學洩漏，還是一個難以處理的噪聲問題。

作者：深明顧問有限公司自2008年以來一直涉足環境領域。由經驗豐富的環境專家、聲學專家和數碼技術專家組成的團隊，我們精通為公共和私營部門提供一站式的環境、數碼通信及數碼視覺科技服務。通過為客戶提供獨特的智能解決方案，我們充分利用了長達十年的經驗，為跨國公司和政府提供專業服務。專業知識已發展到空氣和水的質量、噪聲、綠色建築和廢物管理。憑藉在環境規劃和評估、可行性研究和政策審查、生態設計、監測和審核中廣泛的專業知識，加上追隨世界數碼潮流，深明顧問有限公司已經成熟為領先數碼環境及可持續發展管理的專業顧問。
（網站：https://anewr.com，领英：ANewR Consulting Group，Twitter：ANewR – Everyday Newer，YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnpvmxnR9hbNxytSfBdfV8Q/videos）