PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Trane has committed to improving acoustical conditions and speech privacy in health care environments through its sponsorship of the Noise, Sound & Privacy Action Committee (NSPAC).

“An abundance of research shows that noise has serious health effects in hospitals and the rest of the world. In particular, noise has been shown to have direct links to diabetes and heart disease,” said David M. Sykes, co-chairman of the Noise, Sound & Privacy Action Committee.

“Public and governmental support for research in this area has been negligible for 30 years as a result of the de-funding of the ‘Noise Control Act’ in 1980, but attention to acoustics is now increasing worldwide,” said Sykes. “The contribution of Trane and other supporters makes it possible for a large and broad constituency to develop and advocate on behalf of effective policy. We’re very pleased to have Trane on board, because their position in the industry makes the point that the private sector is engaged in this policy-making enterprise.”

In recent years, Trane has provided strong support for the classroom acoustics standard (ASA 12.60) in schools and will expand its commitment to the subject of acoustics by sponsoring the health care work.

“Through our sponsorship of the NSPAC we hope to help drive the need for stronger acoustical engineering in future health care building projects to help address the noise epidemic occurring in the health care industry,” said Gary Luepke, senior systems engineer, Trane. “The availability of high-quality, tested sound data from Trane and other equipment manufacturers will become a key ingredient for acousticians to do their jobs in the future.”

Trane generates sound data on all its products, which is crucial to properly designed, acoustically-sensitive spaces, and is the exclusive HVAC systems and controls provider supporting the NSPAC efforts. In addition, Trane also sells and supports acoustical prediction software through its C.D.S.™ (Customer Direct Service) group, called the Trane Acoustics Program.

The NSPAC is recognized as ANSI S12 Workgroup 44 and the joint technical subcommittee of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE), and the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC). The committee is focused on research, policy development, education and publishing, and advocacy for high quality acoustics and speech privacy in health care facilities.

Publication date: 02/18/2008