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  1. Comfort
  2. Internally generated noise

Internally generated noise

Features>Comfort>75. Internally generated noise

75. Internally generated noise

In addition to electronics, HVAC systems and other office devices, occupants themselves are major sources of indoor noise. As office and workspaces are increasingly designed to promote employee interaction, occupants can experience decreased levels of privacy and acoustic comfort, especially when different types of users share space.

The intent of this feature is to reduce distractions and enable speech privacy without impairing collaboration. These requirements can be met by limiting the amount of sound emanating from building systems and creating quiet zones for activities that require freedom from distraction.

Part 1: Acoustic Planning

An acoustic plan is developed that includes identifying the following:

a) Loud and quiet zones of work.
b) Noisy office equipment such as copy machines and paper shredders.
Part 2: Mechanical Equipment Sound Levels

The mechanical equipment system meets the following requirements once interior build-out is complete in the following spaces:

a) Open office spaces: maximum noise criteria (NC) of 40.
b) Enclosed offices: maximum noise criteria (NC) or 35.
c) Conference rooms and breakout rooms: maximum noise criteria (NC) of 25.
d) Teleconference rooms: maximum noise criteria (NC) of 20.
Nervous
Endocrine
Cardiovascular

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New Construction WELL Interiors
Part 1: Acoustic Planning - P P
Part 2: Mechanical Equipment Sound Levels O P P
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Retail
Part 1: Acoustic Planning P - - P
Part 2: Mechanical Equipment Sound Levels - P - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 2 (Performance)
Mechanical Equipment Sound Levels 		Performance Test

90

U. S. General Services Administration Center for Workplace Strategy Public Buildings Service. Sound Matters: How to Achieve Acoustic Comfort in the Contemporary Office. Washington, D.C.: General Services Administration Center for Workplace Strategy Public Buildings Service; 2012: 11, 29, 32, 33, 36.
75.1.a

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends to carefully consider the effect on neighboring workstations when locating supporting activities, i.e. copier rooms, coffee bars, entries to conference rooms.
75.2.b

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends a background noise maximum of NC 35 for private offices.
75.2.c

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends a background noise maximum of NC 25 for meeting rooms.
75.2.d

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends a background noise maximum of NC 20 for teleconference facilities.
75.2.a

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends a background noise maximum of NC 40 for open plan workspaces.
Features>Comfort>75. Internally generated noise