Peace and Quiet: Facts and Figures

From www.noiseoff.org

• In 2002 a Building Society survey revealed that 20% of house buyers rated peace and quiet as the most important consideration when buying a home (Alliance & Leicester 2002 movingimproving index).

• It is estimated that a quiet room measures between 28-33 dbA.

• Quiet areas around England have been reduced by 20% between the 1960’s and 1990’s. (CPRE).

• Studies have concluded that making classrooms quieter provides a better environment for children to learn in.

• A study carried out in the 1990’s with 2,000 high academic achievers revealed that, during their childhoods, all came from quiet homes. As children they had quiet times to read, ask questions & do their homework. (Top of the Class 1996 Bronzaft Arline L.)

• In 1976 the town of Darlington took part in the first UK Quiet Town experiment. In 1997 in the US Allentown, Pennsylvania was selected for a pilot project “Quiet Community”. Both experiments lasted for two years.

• 15 December 1976 the RAC erected road signs in Darlington with the slogan “Darlington is a Quiet Town. Please drive quietly.”

• Research carried out by Electrolux revealed that the vacuum cleaner is considered to be the most irritating sounding appliance, with 31% of men mentioning it compared to 26% of women. The majority of people questioned said they would appreciate totally silent appliances. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that being able to hear your appliance does reassure you that it’s working!

• Researchers carrying out a study for Halifax found that one of the most popular definitions of a happy home was a place where you can relax. Also, close proximity to countryside and parks help to cheer us up.

• In 2006 Hoseasons Holidays sold 62,941 week long holidays at peace and quiet parks.