Sustainable Building Design

Building Acoustics: A Key to Sustainable Design

Acoustics plays a pivotal role in sustainable building design, significantly contributing to occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Industry standards such as WELL, LEED, and BREEAM underscore the importance of optimised acoustic performance as part of a holistic, human-centred approach to sustainable design.
At AWN Consulting, we leverage our extensive experience to advise clients on balancing acoustic performance with low-carbon construction methods, such as mass timber, placing us at the forefront of this critical design challenge.

Acoustic Standards in Sustainable Building Design

WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard focuses on the relationship between the built environment and human well-being, explicitly addressing noise control and soundscaping. Key WELL features, such as “Sound Mapping” and “Acoustic Comfort”, promote strategies to mitigate noise pollution and enhance sound quality, directly improving occupant experience.

LEED
LEED integrates acoustic performance into its Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credit category, encouraging the use of sound-absorbing materials and optimised room acoustics to reduce noise transfer and reverberation.

BREEAM
BREEAM incorporates acoustic performance across multiple assessment categories, including health and well-being and pollution control. Buildings that achieve superior acoustic insulation and maintain internal noise levels conducive to occupant comfort are rewarded under this framework.

Innovative Acoustic Solutions at AWN Consulting

Our approach addresses the challenges posed by modern construction methods, particularly in timber-based buildings. We provide innovative solutions such as:

• Hybrid structural systems: Combining mass timber with other materials to enhance acoustic insulation without compromising environmental goals.
• Resilient materials: Specifying complementary solutions such as acoustic mats, resilient floor systems, and suspended ceilings to reduce noise transmission effectively.

Balancing Sustainability and Acoustic Excellence

Sustainable building design demands a careful balance between environmental responsibility and occupant well-being. At AWN Consulting, we empower clients to achieve this balance, providing tailored strategies that integrate advanced acoustic solutions into sustainable building projects. Whether pursuing WELL, LEED, or BREEAM certification, we deliver expertise that enhances both environmental and human outcomes.