Preliminary calculations calculated by the acoustics consultant or mechanical engineer, as defined by the 2007 HVAC Applications ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47, Sounds and Vibration Control determine any design changes needed for compliance. Follow recommendations based on these preliminary calculations, including acoustical changes integrated by the mechanical engineer into mechanical plans and project specifications.

Integrate efficient water fixture specifications into construction and design development documentation.

Meeting the RT requirements will involve detailed calculations that can add a minimal soft cost.

Many commercial toilets can be retrofitted with dual-flush flushometers, costing less than installing new dual-flush toilets. Check with manufacturers for retrofitting compatibility.

Ceiling heights over 10 feet in classrooms will make the RT requirements harder to meet.

Project teams generally prefer to have an acoustics engineer or consultant to verify that all of the requirements are met. These calculations are relatively easy to run as long as the architect is comfortable doing so.

Aerators are very cost-effective, costing only a few dollars per fixture. Installing an aerator allows you to chose the sink fixtures that are desired and not have to worry if they are low–flow—simply purchase compatible aerators in addition to the fixtures. You can also easily retrofit existing faucets with low-flow aerators.

The sound absorption coefficient for each material can be obtained from the product manufacturer or by using generally accepted measurements. The LEED 2009 Reference Guide includes a table listing the sound absorption coefficient for some common materials, and other sources of absorption coefficients are also available.

Sensors on toilets and faucets are perceived as saving water. However, several studies have shown that while they may offer some hygiene or other operational benefits, they increase water use substantially, due to “phantom flushes” and faucets running longer than needed. If you do choose lavatory sensors, look for models with adjustable flow durations. Although the LEED calculation estimates a standard 30-second use, setting the flow duration to a shorter time interval can help save water.

You will need to run a series of calculations for credit compliance. The architect should review the ANSI Reverberation Time (RT) requirements and calculations and decide whether to perform calculations or hire an acoustics consultant to do so. The RT calculations include total interior room surface area, room volume, sound absorption coefficient for each surface material, and total area for each surface material. These calculations are run for three frequencies (500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz) and with the design needing to meet the requirements at each frequency.