06. Indoor Environment - Interior Acoustic Comfort

Implement acoustic control measures to minimize interior-sourced noises

Rationale: Acoustic control measures that minimize unwanted interior-sourced noise — such as installing silencers in HVAC ducts and sealing interior-facing doors — can support improved cognitive function and sleep and prevent associated health issues such as hearing loss, accidents, and cardiovascular 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 - Interior Acoustic Control Measures (Full Credit):

Demonstrate that a minimum of two interior acoustic control measures are implemented to limit interior-sourced noises caused by other occupants, appliances, renovations, busy indoor common areas, and other interior sources that meet the below.

1. Implement a minimum of two of the following interior acoustic control measures throughout the building(s) to limit interior-sourced noises caused by other occupants, appliances, renovations, busy indoor common areas, and other interior sources:
   – using sound and vibration-absorption materials such as fiberglass thermal insulation
   – using floor and ceiling construction materials that achieves minimum Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings of 50 that are tested in accordance with ASTM E492-09, ISO 717.2
   – sealing interior-facing doors
   – adding acoustic panels to all floors and ceiling
   – locate office equipment (copiers, printers, etc.) away from workstations or ensure adequate barriers to block sound
   – installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.

Option 2 - Sound Transmissing Class (STC) Rating (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

1. Confirm the building(s) meets all of the following Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings:
   – all interior wall construction materials are at least STC 60
   – floor construction materials are at least STC 60 in all residential areas of dwelling units
   – floor construction materials are at least STC 60 in all bedroom areas of dwelling units.

Compliance Documentation

Design and Built Pathways

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

Requirement 1

• Checkboxes to certify that the building(s) will include the following acoustic control measures (minimum two):
  • using sound and vibration-absorption materials such as fiberglass thermal insulation
  • using floor and ceiling construction materials that achieves minimum Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings of 50 that are tested in accordance with ASTM E492-09, ISO 717.2
  • sealing interior-facing doors
  • adding acoustic panels to all floors and ceiling
  • locate office equipment (copiers, printers, etc.) away from workstations or ensure adequate barriers to block sound
  • installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.

• 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 - Sound Transmissing Class (STC) Rating (Full Credit):

Requirement 1

• Textbox to input the planned STC rating of all of the following walls:
  • interior wall construction materials
  • floor construction materials in residential areas of dwelling units
  • floor construction materials in bedroom areas of dwelling units
• Upload an annotated design drawing or spec sheet identifying the STC rating of at least 60 for all construction materials for all required walls and floors.