LEED v4
Schools – New Construction
Indoor Environmental Quality
Acoustic performance

Schools-NC-v4 EQc9: Acoustic performance

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Credit language

USGBC logo

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

Requirements

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. Follow the recommended methodologies and best practices for mechanical system noise control in ANSI Standard S12.60–2010, Part 1, Annex B; the 2011 HVAC Applications ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 48, Sound and Vibration Control, with errata; AHRI Standard 885–2008; or a local equivalent.
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 »

Frequently asked questions

Are we required to have an acoustical consultant in order to attempt this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Addenda

11/07/2017– Updated: 18/07/2017
Form Update
Description of change:
5000077

Updated Sound Transmission (Isolation) tab to allow for "other" space type

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
05/04/2016– Updated: 07/04/2016
Form Update
Description of change:
5000052

Revised tab for Sound Transmission (Isolation) , added note to clarify each room should have multiple assemblies. It is not acceptable to list a single STC value for the room, each surface (plane surrounding the space) should have a separate assembly, so at least one floor/ceiling & one wall assembly must be entered.

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
01/10/2014– Updated: 14/02/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
100001929

Change 'Equation 1' to 'Equation 2' so the first sentence reads "Equation 2 must be calculated separately..."
Renumber Equation 1 to Equation 2.
Renumber Equation 2 to Equation 3.
Renumber Equation 3 to Equation 4.

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
01/10/2014– Updated: 14/02/2015
Form Update
Description of change:
5000014

Revised Instructions and Summary tabs to include ID+C rating systems

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
See all forum discussions about this credit »
Guest expert

Ken Shook

LEED AP BD+C

Longman Lindsey
Partner

LEEDuser overview

Frank advice from LEED experts

LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.

For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium

Already a premium member? Log in now

Credit language

USGBC logo

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

Requirements

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. Follow the recommended methodologies and best practices for mechanical system noise control in ANSI Standard S12.60–2010, Part 1, Annex B; the 2011 HVAC Applications ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 48, Sound and Vibration Control, with errata; AHRI Standard 885–2008; or a local equivalent.
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 »

Frequently asked questions

Are we required to have an acoustical consultant in order to attempt this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Frequently asked questions

Are we required to have an acoustical consultant in order to attempt this credit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Addenda

11/07/2017– Updated: 18/07/2017
Form Update
Description of change:
5000077

Updated Sound Transmission (Isolation) tab to allow for "other" space type

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
05/04/2016– Updated: 07/04/2016
Form Update
Description of change:
5000052

Revised tab for Sound Transmission (Isolation) , added note to clarify each room should have multiple assemblies. It is not acceptable to list a single STC value for the room, each surface (plane surrounding the space) should have a separate assembly, so at least one floor/ceiling & one wall assembly must be entered.

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
01/10/2014– Updated: 14/02/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
100001929

Change 'Equation 1' to 'Equation 2' so the first sentence reads "Equation 2 must be calculated separately..."
Renumber Equation 1 to Equation 2.
Renumber Equation 2 to Equation 3.
Renumber Equation 3 to Equation 4.

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
01/10/2014– Updated: 14/02/2015
Form Update
Description of change:
5000014

Revised Instructions and Summary tabs to include ID+C rating systems

Inquiry:
Ruling:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
See all forum discussions about this credit »
Guest expert

Ken Shook

LEED AP BD+C

Longman Lindsey
Partner