Heathrow improves local schools’ noise insulation

LONDON, England – Twenty four local schools will be offered improved ventilation, as part of a new program launched by Heathrow yesterday. This offer will complement the airport’s £4.8 million Community Building Noise Insulation Scheme (CBNIS), completed last year, and the adobe building program to support outdoor learning spaces, both of which were celebrated at the launch of the ventilation program at Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery school yesterday.

The ventilation program will be phased in over the next three years and will be open to schools that received noise insulation including double-glazing and replacement windows through CBNIS. This insulation has reduced noise by on average 6 decibels in each classroom when the windows are closed. Additional ventilation in these classrooms will allow schools to maintain the benefits of the insulation by keeping the windows shut, while being able to provide a more comfortable teaching environment.

This offer follows a pilot program run at two local schools – Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School and Springwell Junior School, which both completed in 2014 and have received positive feedback. In total 17 schools in Hounslow will now be eligible for the ventilation offer, 1 in Ealing and in later stages 6 in Slough, Spelthorne, Windsor and Richmond.

While insulation can significantly reduce noise levels inside buildings, the benefits do not extend outside. To resolve this issue, Heathrow’s provided funding for schools under the flight paths to install adobe buildings, eco-friendly domes which provide noise respite from overhead aircraft, whilst still retaining a feeling of being outside. Five adobe buildings will be funded this year, and ultimately, Heathrow has committed to invest almost £1.8 million in 21 adobe buildings.

Matt Gorman, Heathrow Director of Environment said:

“The multi-million pound investments Heathrow has and is still making in classroom insulation and outdoor learning are an essential part of our efforts to become a better, quieter neighbor. We know many of these local students will be part of our airport team in the future, and we want to be able to provide them and their colleagues with a first-class learning environment. We look forward to working with our local schools in continuing to tackle noise and in maximizing the opportunities the airport can provide.”

Kathryn Harper-Quinn, Headteacher at Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School said:

“Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School has benefited from all aspects of the CBNIS Scheme, designed to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on children’s learning and well-being.

The window replacement scheme has made a significant difference to the noise levels experienced in the classrooms and being part of the pilot scheme for ventilation means that rooms are much more comfortable throughout the year. We are also delighted that Heathrow have included the Adobe Programme as developed at HHI, to reduce the impact of noise in the outdoor learning environments and playgrounds! These innovative buildings allow the schools who have Adobes to provide exciting outdoor learning experiences in quiet spaces!

We hope as many schools as are eligible, will take up Heathrow’s CBNIS offer of significant funding for ventilation and adobes, to further enhance their school buildings and outdoor learning spaces.”