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LEED v2009
Schools
Indoor Environmental Quality
Minimum Acoustical Performance

LEED CREDIT

Schools-2009 IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance Required

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Daniel Hicks, E.I., INCE

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Requirements

Background noise
Achieve a maximum background noise level1 from heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in classrooms and other core learning spaces of 45 dBA.

AND

Reverberation time
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to include sound-absorptive finishes to sufficiently limit reverberation in classrooms and other core learning spaces.
Case 1. Classrooms and core learning spaces For classrooms and core learning spaces less than 20,000 cubic feet, options for compliance include:
Option 1. Minimum NRC
For each room, confirm that the total surface area finished with a material with a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 or higher equals or exceeds the total ceiling area (excluding lights, diffusers and grilles).

OR

Option 2. Compliance with ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 or non-U.S. equivalent
Confirm through calculations described in ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 that rooms are designed to meet reverberation time requirements as specified in that standard. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ANSI Standard S12.60-2002.
Case 2. Classrooms and core learning spaces ≥ 20,000 Cubic Feet (560 cubic meters)
For classrooms and core learning spaces 20,000 cubic feet or greater, confirm through calculations described in ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 that rooms are designed to have a reverberation time of 1.5 seconds or less. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ANSI Standard S12.60-2002. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Credit achievement rate

XX%

Upgrade to LEEDuser Premium to see how many projects achieved this credit. Try it free »

LEEDuser expert

Daniel Hicks

Geiler & Associates
Daniel Hicks, E.I., INCE

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USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Background noise
Achieve a maximum background noise level1 from heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in classrooms and other core learning spaces of 45 dBA.

AND

Reverberation time
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to include sound-absorptive finishes to sufficiently limit reverberation in classrooms and other core learning spaces.
Case 1. Classrooms and core learning spaces For classrooms and core learning spaces less than 20,000 cubic feet, options for compliance include:
Option 1. Minimum NRC
For each room, confirm that the total surface area finished with a material with a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 or higher equals or exceeds the total ceiling area (excluding lights, diffusers and grilles).

OR

Option 2. Compliance with ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 or non-U.S. equivalent
Confirm through calculations described in ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 that rooms are designed to meet reverberation time requirements as specified in that standard. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ANSI Standard S12.60-2002.
Case 2. Classrooms and core learning spaces ≥ 20,000 Cubic Feet (560 cubic meters)
For classrooms and core learning spaces 20,000 cubic feet or greater, confirm through calculations described in ANSI Standard S12.60-2002 that rooms are designed to have a reverberation time of 1.5 seconds or less. Projects outside the U.S. may use a local equivalent to ANSI Standard S12.60-2002.

XX%

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  • Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.

LEEDuser expert

Daniel Hicks

Geiler & Associates
Daniel Hicks, E.I., INCE

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