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  1. Comfort
  2. Exterior noise intrusion

Exterior noise intrusion

Features>Comfort>74. Exterior noise intrusion

74. Exterior noise intrusion

Loud or repetitive exterior noises can be a source of stress, particularly in urban areas where they can be unrelenting. Preventing excessive exterior noise from reaching building interiors can help improve occupant comfort and well-being.

This feature sets indoor sound level limits for noises originating outside of the building. These limits help to ensure that exterior noise does not distract building occupants.

Part 1: Reverberation Time

The following spaces have maximum reverberation time (RT60) as described:

a.90 Conference rooms: 0.6 seconds.
b. Open offices: 0.5 seconds.
Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences

Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:

a.131 The sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 40 dBA based on the peak hour Leq.
Part 3: Acoustical Narrative

The project team provides a narrative describing:

a. The sources of external and internal noise considered in design.
b. The strategies undertaken to manage these sources.
Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools

Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:

a.133 Spaces equal to or less than 6,000 m_ [20,000 ft²]: average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 35 dBA.
b.133 Spaces greater than 6,000 m_ [20,000 ft²]: average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 40 dBA.
Cardiovascular
Endocrine
Nervous

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell Tenant Improvement New Construction
Part 1: Reverberation Time - O O
Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences - - -
Part 3: Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] - - -
Part 3: Acoustical Narrative - - -
Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools - - -
Commercial Kitchen Schools Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Reverberation Time - - - - -
Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences - - O - -
Part 3: Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] - - P - -
Part 3: Acoustical Narrative O P O O -
Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools - P - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Performance)
Reverberation Time 		Performance Test
PART 2 (Performance)
Sound Pressure Level in Residences 		Performance Test
PART 3 (Performance)
Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] 		Performance Test
PART 3 (Protocol)
Acoustical Narrative 		Owner Policy Document
PART 4 (Design)
Sound Pressure Level in Schools 		Architect

131

U.S. Green Building Council. Pilot Credit: Acoustic Comfort. http://www.usgbc.org/node/4631859?return=/credits. Published 2013. Accessed December 10, 2014.
74.2.a

The LEED v4 credit for Acoustic Comfort for homes sets 2 options for the LEED point, one of which requires that the max. background noise level due to exterior noise sources cannot exceed 40 dBA based on peak hr Leq tested in acoustically sensitive rooms.
133

Accredited Standards Committee, S12 Noise. ANSI/ASA S12.60-2010/Part 1 American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools, Part 1: Permanent Schools. Melville, NY: Acoustical Society of America; 2010:8-10.
74.4.a

ANSI/ASA S12.60-2010 Part 1, Table 1 provides limits on sound levels, which sets the greatest one-hour average A-weighted sound level at 35 dBA in learning spaces greater than 10,000 ft³ and less than or equal to 20,000 ft³.
74.4.b

ANSI/ASA S12.60-2010 Part 1, Table 1 provides limits on sound levels, which sets the greatest one-hour average A-weighted sound level at 40 dBA in learning spaces greater than 20,000 ft³.
Features>Comfort>74. Exterior noise intrusion