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LEED v4.1

Schools – New Construction

Indoor Environmental Quality
Acoustic Performance

LEED CREDIT

Schools-NC-v4.1 EQc9: Acoustic performance 1 point

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View the LEED v4 version of this credit »

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Ken Shook

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Longman Lindsey
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Credit language

USGBC logo

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

Intent

To provide workspaces and classrooms that promote occupants’ well-being, productivity, and communications through effective acoustic design.

Requirements

SCHOOLS
HVAC Background noise
Achieve a background noise level of 35 dBA or less from heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in classrooms and other core learning spaces.
Sound Transmission
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to meet the sound transmission class (STC) requirements of ANSI S12.60–2010 Part 1, or a local equivalent. Exterior windows must have an STC rating of at least 35, unless outdoor and indoor noise levels can be verified to justify a lower rating. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Addenda

11/9/2020Updated: 3/1/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Under HVAC background noise, delete the last part of the sentence: "; the 2015 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications, Chapter 48, Sound and Vibration Control, with errata; AHRI Standard 885–2008; or a local equivalent."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/1/2021Updated: 2/5/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
SCHOOLS
Under HVAC Background noise, delete the second sentence: Follow the recommended methodologies and best practices for mechanical system noise control in ANSI Standard S12.60–2010, Part 1, Annex A.1.

HEALTHCARE
Under Option 1, speech privacy and sound isolation, first bullet, replace Section 1.2-5.1.6 with Section 1.2-6.1.5 and 1.2-5.1.6.2 with Section 1.2-6.1.6

Under Background noise, first bullet, replace Section 1.2-5.1.4 with Section 1.2-6.1.4
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/12/2019Updated: 11/14/2019
Form Update
Description of change:
LEED v4.1 Acoustic Performance calculator published
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
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LEED AP BD+C

Longman Lindsey
Partner

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USGBC logo

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

Intent

To provide workspaces and classrooms that promote occupants’ well-being, productivity, and communications through effective acoustic design.

Requirements

SCHOOLS
HVAC Background noise
Achieve a background noise level of 35 dBA or less from heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in classrooms and other core learning spaces.
Sound Transmission
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to meet the sound transmission class (STC) requirements of ANSI S12.60–2010 Part 1, or a local equivalent. Exterior windows must have an STC rating of at least 35, unless outdoor and indoor noise levels can be verified to justify a lower rating.

LEEDuser expert

Ken Shook

LEED AP BD+C

Longman Lindsey
Partner

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