Run preliminary RT calculations as defined by the ANSI standard to determine any design changes needed for compliance, and make recommendations based on these calculations. Include any changes to the acoustic design on the architectural plans and project specifications.

Plumbing piping must be doubled for interior water fixtures when graywater or rainwater is reused in addition to potable water. This is likely to add upfront costs, while potentially reducing water and sewer charges.

Reverberation Time: Case 2, Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces greater than or equal to 20,000 ft3

Untreated rainwater, graywater, and blackwater may corrode plumbing systems, or lead to biological growth. Teams should plan for water treatment, filtration, or using corrosion-resistant materials. The use of seawater for toilet flushing, although very uncommon, can cause similar problems.

Meeting reverberation time requirements is usually a negligible or zero cost increase, as long as acoustics have been included in the design from the early stages and no redesign is necessary.

Size graywater and rainwater systems to match non-potable water demand, for needs such as toilet flushing, cooling tower makeup, and irrigation.

If an NRC rating is not given by the manufacturer, NRC may also be calculated from other acoustic data.

NRC ratings may not always be available from manufacturers of ceiling tiles and drywall. Typically only materials advertised as acoustic materials will have an NRC rating. NRC ratings for floors are even more difficult to obtain. Verify that materials have the appropriate rating before specifying.

Compare the baseline and design case water use budgets to determine the water reduction percentage goals for the project. The LEED Online credit form has a built-in calculator to facilitate this calculation. Repeat this process until final selection of water fixtures and strategies have been made and the project’s water reduction goals are satisfied. 

An architect can check and meet RT requirements without the assistance of an acoustics consultant, because this compliance path is based on material selection and not calculations.