Institute for Acoustic Ecology
SILENCE IS A RIGHT, NOISE IS VIOLENCE
Noise is the world's second biggest pollutant. It negatively affects the physical and mental health of children, seniors, people with special needs, adults and animals.
We are NGO from Poland dedicated to noise pollution and acoustic enviroment in general.
1.3 million years
That is how many years of healthy life are lost each year by residents of the European Union and Western Europe due to environmental noise, mainly from transport (data from the WHO and the European Environment Agency).
20% of the population
At least 20% of the urban population in the European Union is exposed to noise levels considered harmful to health. In many cities, this percentage can reach 50% of the urban population.
66,000 deaths
It is estimated that long-term exposure to noise in the European Union causes as many as 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 new cases of cardiovascular disease, and 22,000 cases of type 2 diabetes.
€95.6 billion per year
Noise pollution from transport sources results equivalent to an annual economic cost of at least EUR 95.6 billion, representing around 0.6% of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year.
Non-profit foundation / Founded in 2014 / Public Benefit Organization (OPP) since 2019
INSTITUTE FOR ACOUSTIC ECOLOGY
What We're Building & Achieved
Our Main Projects & Activities
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & MONITORING
"Noise in the City: Warsaw 2024-2025" Report
-
Comprehensive analysis of noise pollution in Poland's capital
-
Precision acoustic measurements at critical city points
-
Public noise database creation for urban acoustic policies
-
Legal analysis of noise combat based on court case data
"Noise: Under or Out of Control?" Monitoring Report
-
First watchdog initiative showing real implementation of EU noise law
-
Comprehensive review of all administration levels
-
Citizen control tool and advocacy platform for the right to silence
-
Systematic negligence identification and best practices showcase
"Decibels of the Future" Occupational Study
-
Research on professional groups particularly exposed to harmful noise
-
Emergency services, school staff, shopping mall personnel analysis
-
Development of dedicated protective solutions for each group
-
Workplace acoustic safety standards creation
CITIZEN INTERVENTIONS & LEGAL ADVOCACY
Citizen Interventions
-
Supporting local communities in fighting noise pollution problems
-
Free legal assistance for individuals affected by noise
-
Monitoring and analyzing administrative decisions and other official documents
-
Creating recommendations for solving specific noise problems
Open Letter to the Prime Minister
-
Open letter demanding restoration of noise standards that were raised in 2012
-
Letter signed in cooperation with 50+ NGOs from Poland
-
Direct appeal to government leadership on noise health crisis
-
Key fact: Poland's heart disease mortality 2x EU average
"Sports Fields Yes, Noise No" Campaign
-
Formal submission to Ministry of Climate and Environment to prevent sports fields exemption from noise regulations
-
Response to legislative changes affecting community acoustic rights
-
Advocating for balanced solutions between recreation and residents' health
EDUCATION, AWARENESS BUILDING & OTHER PROJECTS
"A Lot of Noise About Noise" Campaign
-
Comprehensive awareness and knowledge raising initiative
-
Health and social aspects of noise harmfulness
-
International best practices presentation
-
Legal framework for fighting for the right to silence
"Sound Contexts" Seminars
-
Organized in cooperation with Institute of Musicology, University of Wrocław
-
Interdisciplinary approach to sound and noise issues
-
Topics covering: social aspects, cultural/historical significance, space design, ecosystems, policy & law
-
Expert knowledge sharing and community building
ASMR Poland - Sound Tourism Revolution
-
Binaural audio tours using professional 3DIO microphones
-
Sound travel experiences for mobility-impaired individuals
-
36+ episodes covering Poland's unique soundscapes
-
Sustainable tourism promotion through acoustic heritage
Leadership & Expertise
Alan and Klaudia form the core leadership of the Institute, bringing together expertise in environmental advocacy, acoustic research, journalism, and social education. Alan, as CEO and Founder, leads strategic initiatives in noise pollution combat and human rights advocacy, while Klaudia specializes in making complex scientific research accessible through educational content and awareness campaigns. Together, we coordinate a network of volunteers and local coordinators across Poland, combining grassroots activism with professional expertise to advance acoustic ecology and environmental justice.
Alan Grinde
CEO
& Founder
& Founder
Klaudia Dąbrowska
Education Specialist
& Research Coordinator
& Research Coordinator
Let's Keep in Touch
We are eager to collaborate with like-minded organizations and partners who are passionate about making a significant impact. By joining forces, we can leverage our foundation’s experience and capabilities to drive transformative change. Let’s unite our efforts and expertise to create a better world together – reach out today and explore how we can initiate impactful projects.
If you have difficulty in reaching out via phone, please send message via WhatsApp or Telegram.
ORION Community Organization is registered in KRS (National Court Register) under number 0000499971. Institute for Acoustic Ecology is internal departament dedicated to education and activity related to noise and sound in general.