A leading culprit of the noise which makes New York one of the world’s loudest cities is the amount of industrial equipment stored on rooftops of both commercial and residential buildings. 

Large generators, HVAC units, chillers and fans atop most large city buildings, supporting the energy needs of the users, but they produce noise levels that are unbearable for surrounding residents, workers and passers by.
New York authorities have long sought after a solution to the problem and when they heard about the noise reduction success achieved by Echo Barrier on the World Trade Centre development site, they were keen to speak to the team to see if they could offer a solution to the specific problem of rooftop noise.
“In the past, New Yorkers have had an inherent tendency to accept loud noise as part of their daily surroundings, but we have seen a dramatic increase in frustration and growing need for a reduction in noise pollution,” noted one government employee.
“While there are many specialty consultants that focus on sound reduction strategies, there are not many systems out there that can be easily implemented on a project by project basis,” he added.

Echo Barrier worked with them to implement the HVAC RapidB which can be installed around rooftop equipment in three easy steps. The system comprises of Echo Barriers which are secured to an aluminium frame which is hard wearing and durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to weather. It is lightweight, easy to store and transport and offers a greater level of sound reduction than traditional sound blankets.

Peter Wilson, Technical Director of Echo Barrier added: “New York has long been know as ‘the City that never sleeps’ and a lot of that is down to the excessive noise that residents and workers put up with on a daily basis.
We were delighted to work with the New York authorities to help them find a practical and effective solution.
Noise reduction is a problem all over the world and we’re committed to being at the forefront of keeping the peace.”