Noise ordinances: The key to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues surrounding datacenters

The declaration of Noise Control Act of 1972 was a historic moment, whereby the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States appropriately recognized and acted toward protecting the American population's health and welfare from the dangers of noise emission. And while this policy served as the Gold Standard for the creation of noise policies around the world, the decision to transfer the responsibility of regulating noise to state and local levels of government is one that has had a negative impact on the acoustical industry in the United States. This paper outlines instances where defined noise ordinances would have had protected vulnerable populations (in contiguous areas), as well as the parties affiliated with datacenters. The document also outlines methodological policies, guidance for adoption or updating of noise ordinances for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), examples of mission-critical systems contributing to noise emission and the most effective solutions available to achieve compliance.