Minimum Acoustical Performance in Naturally Ventilated Classroom

cristina algaze beato

Architect. LEED AP BD+C.

LEEDuser Premium Member

2 thumbs up

February 15, 2013

Most of our core learning spaces are naturally ventilated. We understand that there's no need to calculate the HVAC's background noise, but we are not sure about background noise from other sources and compliance requirements related to the NRC of the surfaces.

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Daniel Hicks

Daniel Hicks, E.I., INCE

Geiler & Associates

LEEDuser Basic Member

175 thumbs up

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 21:41

For best practices regarding background noises other than HVAC, refer to the ANSI S-12.60 standard. It is not required in the current version of LEED, but the standard has recommendations that will help you address that issue. The NRC requirements in LEED aren't related to background noise, they are related to reverberation time of the room. The reverberation requirements are the same, whether you have a naturally ventilated space or a space with HVAC equipment and ducting.