This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
  1. Comfort
  2. Exterior noise intrusion

Exterior noise intrusion

Features>Comfort>74. Exterior noise intrusion

74. Exterior noise intrusion

Intent: 

To reduce acoustic disruptions by limiting external 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.

Part 1: Sound Pressure Level

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:

a. Average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion does not exceed 50 dBA.
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 m² [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 m³ [20,000 ft³]: average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 40 dBA.
Cardiovascular
Endocrine
Nervous

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Sound Pressure Level P P O
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 Professional Narrative
Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools Performance Test

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.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 ft².
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.
Features>Comfort>74. Exterior noise intrusion