Noise and vibration problems in buildings are commonly caused by installed machinery and service plant. Sources include ventilation and air-conditioning plant, industrial machi­nery, heating installations, water systems, lifts and conveyors, and office machinery. 

In order to specify, design and implement appropriate control measures, it is necessary to understand both the physical principles of noise and vibration generation and transmission, and the functional effectiveness and shortcomings of various forms of control systems.