---
title: "ISO 1996 (environmental noise)"
description: "The ISO 1996 series specifies methods for describing, measuring and assessing environmental noise. It is widely used for community-noise impact assessments of industrial facilities, planning consents and post-installation noise verification."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/iso-1996-environmental-noise"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:39.392Z"
---

The **ISO 1996 series** specifies methods for describing, measuring and assessing environmental noise. It is widely used for community-noise impact assessments of industrial facilities, planning consents and post-installation noise verification.

## Why it matters for industrial sonic-horn installations

A [sonic horn](/glossary/sonic-horn) installation at a cement plant, [WtE](/glossary/waste-to-energy) facility or refinery can have audible impact at the site boundary, particularly during initial commissioning or with poor [enclosure](/glossary/sound-attenuation-enclosure-sonic-horn) design. Planning consents and site environmental permits typically reference ISO 1996 methods for community-noise compliance assessment.

## Related terms

- [Sound pressure level](/glossary/sound-pressure-level)
- [Decibel](/glossary/decibel)
- [Sound-attenuation enclosure (sonic horn)](/glossary/sound-attenuation-enclosure-sonic-horn)