If there are no contamination concerns, ask for an executive summary stating that the project was not found to have high concentrations of contaminants and no remediation is required. Use this to document compliance with the prerequisite. (See the Documentation Toolkit for an example.)
Meeting the required HVAC background noise levels requires HVAC system design and layout that minimizes noise from mechanical equipment. See the Introduction to Mechanical Sound Data in the Documentation Toolkit for more information.
Conventional building assemblies are not likely to meet the credit requirements. Added costs are likely from adding insulation to wall assemblies, using thicker wall assemblies, and windows and doors with higher
Especially in urban areas, measure exterior background noise levels before design and construction begins. This will help the team choose design strategies to reduce background noise from exterior sources.
Hiring an acoustics consultant will incur additional cost, but may be necessary or helpful to keep the process going smoothly. By helping to avoid costly mistakes, it can ultimately save money.
Consider the certifications of prospective acoustics consultants. Many are INCE Board Certified or members of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC). These certifications are not necessary but can help distinguish true experts. See Resources for more information.
