Exterior noise intrusion
- 72 ADA accessible design standards
- 73 Ergonomics: visual and physical
- 74 Exterior noise intrusion
- 75 Internally generated noise
- 76 Thermal comfort
- 77 Olfactory comfort
- 78 Reverberation time
- 79 Sound masking
- 80 Sound reducing surfaces
- 81 Sound barriers
- 82 Individual thermal control
- 83 Radiant thermal comfort
- P4 Impact reducing flooring
74. Exterior noise intrusion
Particularly in urban areas, loud or repetitive exterior noises can be a source of stress and a risk factor for certain health outcomes. Studies show that individuals exposed to traffic noise have a higher risk for diabetes, stroke and heart attack, and those exposed to road traffic and aircraft noises have a higher risk for hypertension. In addition, exposure to noise can lead to reduced reaction time and increased levels of annoyance. 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.
Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level as measured when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied, but within 1 hour of normal business hours:
Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:
The project team provides a narrative describing:
Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:
Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New & Existing Buildings | New & Existing Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Sound Pressure Level | P | P | O |
| Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences | - | - | - |
| Part 3: Acoustical Narrative | - | - | - |
| Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools | - | - | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Restaurant | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Sound Pressure Level | O | - | - | O | O |
| Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences | - | - | O | - | - |
| 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: Sound Pressure Level | Performance Test | ||
| Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences | Performance Test | ||
| Part 3: Acoustical Narrative | Owner | Policy Document | |
| Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools | Architect | Performance Test |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |