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 compliance with the following requirement:    

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

1. Implement a minimum of two of the following interior acoustic control measures throughout all buildings within the project 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
   • installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.

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. Confirm that all buildings within the project meet 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 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):        
    • 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 floors and ceiling
    • installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.
  • Upload annotated design drawings for each group of typical buildings detailing:
    • each unique acoustic control measure that will be implemented.
    • the locations where each measure will be used (e.g., indicating that all floors, ceilings, or other areas will include the specified acoustic treatments).       

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Text boxes 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 specification sheet for each group of typical buildings, identifying the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of all of the construction materials of all required walls and floors within the building(s).        

Built Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Checkbox to certify that all buildings within the project 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 floors and ceiling
    • installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.
  • Upload annotated plans, design drawings, photographs or specifications for each group of typical buildings detailing:
    • each unique acoustic control measure that is implemented.
    • the locations where each measure are used (e.g., indicating that all floors, ceilings, or other areas will include the specified acoustic treatments).       

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Text boxes to input the 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 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 required walls and floors within the building(s).