Implement acoustic control measures to minimize exterior-sourced noises

Rationale: Acoustic control measures like using soundproofing materials or leveraging dense foliage and greenery to minimize exterior-sourced noises, such as road traffic noise, supports improved sleep and cognitive functioning — contributing to reduced rates of stress, depression, and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Acoustic Control Measures (Full Credit):

To achieve full credit, demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

Multi-Tenant Base Building (no on-site management), Multi-Tenant Base Building (with on-site management)

1. Limit exterior-sourced noises caused by highways, heavy traffic, busy streets, busy gathering spaces, or other external factors by implementing a minimum of two of the following qualifying acoustic control measures throughout the building(s):

• orienting all workspaces away from the noise sources
• sealing all exterior windows and doors
• using soundproofing materials on all external walls
• placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and work areas.

Single-Tenant

1. Limit exterior-sourced noises caused by highways, heavy traffic, busy streets, busy gathering spaces, or other external factors by implementing a minimum of two of the following qualifying acoustic control measures throughout the building(s):

• orienting all workspaces away from the noise sources
• sealing all exterior windows and doors
• using soundproofing materials on all external walls
• placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and work areas.

Commercial Interior

1. Limit exterior-sourced noises caused by highways, heavy traffic, busy streets, busy gathering spaces, or other external factors by implementing a minimum of two of the following qualifying acoustic control measures throughout regularly occupied spaces accessible to tenant occupants within the building(s):

• orienting all workspaces away from the noise sources
• sealing all exterior windows and doors
• using soundproofing materials on all external walls
• placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and work areas.

Option 2 - STC Rating (Full Credit):

To achieve full credit, demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

Multi-Tenant Base Building (no on-site management), Multi-Tenant Base Building (with on-site management)

1. Provide exterior walls for the building(s) with a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of at least 60.

Single-Tenant, Commercial Interior

1. Provide exterior walls for the building(s) with a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of at least 60.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Annotated maps
• Certified statements
• Calculation
• Annotated photographs
• Uploaded copy of materials