Submissions for the John Connell Awards 2026 are now open

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Gloria Elliott OBE, CEO of Noise Abatement Society

Noise Abatement Society supports Noise Action Week

Noise is often dismissed as an inevitable by-product of modern life, something to tolerate rather than address. Yet growing evidence shows excessive and unmanaged noise has far reaching consequences for our health, wellbeing and communities. This is why the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) is proud to support Noise Action Week 2026, joining a group of professional bodies, regulators, and industry organisations in continuing to call for noise to be recognised and treated as a serious public health issue.

For over sixty-five years, the NAS has worked to improve understanding of sound and its impacts, while championing practical, sustainable solutions to noise problems, positive soundscapes, and aural diversity. From transport to neighbourhoods to workplace environments, noise affects nearly every aspect of daily life. It can disrupt sleep, increase stress levels, impair concentration, and contribute to long-term physical and mental health conditions. Beyond the individual, it can also influence productivity, learning outcomes, and social cohesion. Therefore, addressing noise is not simply an environmental concern, it’s fundamental to creating healthier and more liveable places.

Noise Action Week provides an important platform to raise awareness of these issues and to encourage collective action, with the campaign highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the solution already within reach. Whether through better urban planning, improved building design, innovative technologies, or changes in everyday behaviour, there are clear and achievable ways to reduce harmful noise exposure.

NAS’s support for Noise Action Week reflects our longstanding commitment to protecting homes, workplaces, and public spaces from excessive noise. Our work is grounded in the belief that sound should be managed in a way which enhances, rather than diminishes, our quality of life. This means not only mitigating unwanted noise but also promoting positive soundscapes which support wellbeing and productivity. As urban populations grow and environments become more complex, this balanced approach is more important than ever.

John Connell Awards

A key part of NAS’ mission is recognising and celebrating those who are making a meaningful difference. Submissions for the John Connell Awards 2026 are now open and are a cornerstone of this effort These awards, which will celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, honour individuals, organisations, and initiatives demonstrating excellence in tackling noise issues and improving sound environments.

Named after our visionary founder John Connell, the awards reflect his view of a world where noise is cut, and soundscapes are thoughtfully managed for the benefit of all. Covering a wide range of categories; from technological innovation, urban design, young engineers, local authorities and education, the awards provide an opportunity to showcase best practice, share knowledge, and inspire others to act. Past winners have included pioneering projects that reduce noise pollution in cities, creative campaigns which raise public awareness, and practical solutions that improve everyday soundscapes, aural diversity, and environments. By highlighting these achievements, the John Connell Awards help to drive progress across the noise sector.

This year, we continue to warmly invite entries from anyone working to address noise, soundscape, and aural diversity challenges, whether through research, policy, design, or community initiatives. Participation not only offers recognition but also contributes to a growing body of knowledge and innovation benefiting society as a whole. In the context of Noise Action Week, the awards serve as a powerful reminder that change is both possible and already underway.

As we look ahead, the need for coordinated action on noise has never been clearer. By supporting Noise Action Week and continuing our work through initiatives like the John Connell Awards, the Noise Abatement Society remains committed to advancing understanding, fostering collaboration, and promoting solutions to create healthier sound environments. Reducing noise is not necessarily about silence, rather, it’s about shaping sound environments to support health and wellbeing for all life.

Get involved this Noise Action Week

Noise Action Week (11–15 May) is an opportunity to highlight why noise matters for our health and wellbeing, and to push for better awareness and action.

Explore the myth-busting guide “When is noise a nuisance?” to better understand what qualifies as a statutory nuisance (available to download from the Noise Action Week homepage)
If you’re dealing with problems with barking dogs, Noise Action Week has dedicated guidance available to help you take the right steps
Register for our free upcoming webinars on our events page
Visit the Noise Action Week homepage for resources, guidance, and more ways to get involved!