Investigation of Noise Pollution in an Educational Building – Case Study of Babylon University in Iraq

Acoustic conditions, considered an indicator of the level of comfort, are a major concern in educational facilities since they are linked to students’ well-being and learning capacity. In this study, measurements of the acoustical comfort conditions were performed using portable IEQ meter have been assessed in four selected areas of environmental engineering department building (The classroom for fourth year, student’s corridor, teacher’s corridor and reception area) in the University of Babylon in Hillah City. This was done by analyzing the data measured for 13 months from August (2020) to August (2021). Statistical analysis by using the linear regression test was performed to determine the relationship between the selected areas. Noise is the major parameter for the educational areas that can interfere with the students’ activities and eventually, this will have a detrimental effect on the students’ physical and psychological health. The acquired results were compared to the reference values specified in the handbook to international standards for noise compliance in academic educational facilities. The results show that all the studied areas in the Environmental Engineering Department had back-ground noise levels out of the recommended threshold limit values (>50 dB) revealed that the indoor environment of these areas was of poor quality, indicating the require for interventions. This study can be considered a pilot study for future comparable research on Iraqi universities.