Acoustic design criteria for naturally ventilated buildings

Abstract

This paper proposes satisfactory indoor noise level criteria for office buildings which are compatible with achieving minimum natural ventilation standards set out in green building rating systems for sustainable building design. Indoor air quality standards related to the use of natural ventilation in buildings conflict with the control of ingress of external noise through ventilation openings to meet internationally recognized background noise limits for building use. These standards generally assume, however, that buildings are sealed and air conditioned to meet the stated recommended indoor noise levels. It is not feasible, however, that these noise standards can be expected or are appropriate to be achieved in naturally ventilated buildings. Therefore, to account for the thermal comfort benefit of natural ventilation and the ability to locally control natural ventilation and noise levels by closing of windows, an allowable exceedance of the recommended indoor noise levels is explored. The allowable deviation from existing background noise level guidelines is determined, which is considered to be an acceptable compromise for increased thermal comfort.