06. Indoor Environment - Exterior Acoustic Comfort

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.

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Acoustic Control Measures - (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

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:

• orienting dwellings away from the noise sources
• sealing windows and doors
• using soundproofing materials on external walls
• placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and dwelling units.

Option 2 - STC Rating - (Partial Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

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

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway

Option 1:

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that the building(s) will include the following acoustic control measures (minimum two):
    
    • orienting dwellings away from the noise sources
    • sealing windows and doors
    • using soundproofing materials on external walls
    • placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and dwelling units.
  • Upload annotated design drawings detailing:
    
    • the location of each acoustic control measure within the building(s).
    • the proposed acoustic control measures within the building(s).

Option 2:

• Requirement 1:
  • Text box to input the planned STC rating of all exterior walls.
  • Upload an annotated map or site plan identifying the exterior walls that will have an STC of at least 60.
  • Upload a specification sheet showing the planned STC rating of all exterior walls.

Built Pathway

Option 1:

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that the building(s) includes the following acoustic control measures (minimum two):
    
    • orienting dwellings away from the noise sources
    • sealing windows and doors
    • using soundproofing materials on external walls
    • placing areas of dense foliage between noise sources and dwelling units.
  • Upload annotated photographs or specifications showing:
    
    • the location of each acoustic control measure within the building(s).
    • each acoustic control measure implemented within the building(s).

Option 2:

• Requirement 1:
  • Text box to input the STC rating of all exterior walls.
  • Upload an annotated map or site plan identifying the exterior walls that have an STC of at least 60.
  • Upload a specification sheet showing the STC rating of all exterior walls.