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:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+), Low-Rise Residential with no shared interior spaces (LR)

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 all buildings within the project:
   • orienting all dwellings 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 dwelling units.

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

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+), Low-Rise Residential with no shared interior spaces (LR)

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

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that all buildings within the project 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:
    • each unique acoustic control measure that will be implemented.
    • the locations where each measure will be used (e.g., indicating that all external walls, windows or doors will include the specified acoustic treatments).

Option 2:

• Text box to input the planned STC rating of all exterior walls.
• Upload an annotated design drawing or specification sheet for each group of typical buildings, identifying the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of all of the construction materials of all exterior walls of the building(s).      
• Upload an annotated map or site plan identifying the exterior walls that will have an STC of at least 60.        

Built Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that all buildings within the project 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 plans, design drawings, photographs or specifications detailing:
    • each unique acoustic control measure that is implemented.
    • the locations where each measure are used (e.g., indicating that all external walls, windows or doors will include the specified acoustic treatments).

Option 2:

• Text box to input the STC rating of all exterior walls.
• Upload an annotated plan, design drawing or specification sheet for each group of typical buildings, identifying the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of all of the construction materials of all exterior walls of the building(s).      
• Upload an annotated map or site plan identifying the exterior walls that have an STC of at least 60.