HMMH Awarded ACRP Projects on Aircraft Noise and Renewable Energy

07.29.2014 |

HMMH is delighted to announce its award for the following two projects under the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program: ACRP 02-47, “Assessing Aircraft Noise Conditions Affecting Student Achievement-Case Studies” and ACRP 02-56, “Developing an Airport Business Case for Renewable Energy.”

Mary Ellen Eagan, President of HMMH, will serve as Principal Investigator and Lead Author for ACRP 02-47, “Assessing Aircraft Noise Conditions Affecting Student Achievement-Case Studies.” This research study will require observation and measurement of responses at the classroom level to determine at what level aircraft noise events cause interruptions within the classroom environment and how student and teacher communication and behavior are affected. The objectives of this research are to (1) develop and implement a rigorous case study methodology to identify and measure those factors at the individual classroom, student, and teacher level that influence the impact of aircraft noise on student achievement, especially as it relates to reading comprehension; (2) identify appropriate metrics that define the level and characteristics of aircraft noise that impact student achievement; and (3) develop practical guidance for use by decision makers on how to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on student achievement.

Stephen Barrett, LEED AP, Director of Clean Energy at HMMH, will serve as Principal Investigator and Lead Author for ACRP 02-56, “Developing an Airport Business Case for Renewable Energy.” The objective of this research is to produce a guidebook to help airports develop a business case to take advantage of renewable energy opportunities. Components of the guidebook will include criteria to evaluate the sustainable objectives in the business cases and a methodology/template for ranking all capital projects and initiatives, including renewable energy projects, to incorporate environmental, social, and economic metrics. The guidebook will also provide: best practices to compare and select, including trade-off analysis, between multiple renewable energy alternatives (e.g., solar PV vs. solar thermal); potential funding sources, mechanisms, and solicitation opportunities for renewable energy projects; and examples of renewable energy business cases to highlight lessons learned.

“HMMH has provided its expertise as Lead Investigator, Research Team Member, or Panelist on more than 15 ACRP projects and is thrilled to continue assisting the National Academy of Sciences with these current research efforts,” said Mary Ellen Eagan, HMMH President and CEO.