Acoustic regulations and classification of various types of buildings in the Nordic countries

Abstract

It is relatively well known that in the Nordic Countries, there are national classification standards for dwellings, and one of the classes (class C) is referred to in the building regulations as minimum acoustic quality. In Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, there are also national acoustic classification standards for different other types of buildings, and in Norway and Iceland, class C is referred to as minimum acoustic quality in the building regulations for these buildings as well as for dwellings. In Sweden, the acoustic quality for these buildings is recommended, but not mandatory. In the paper, the different types of premises for work included in the standards are discussed with examples of some of the acoustic demands. The regulated buildings include schools, kindergardens, hospitals, and nursing institutions. Hotels and offices are also included, and also the minimum sound absorption and maximum noise levels in restaurants, cultural, and sports buildings and many other different premises for work. Sometimes it is decided not to use only the minimum demands, defined by class C, but to use the better quality defined by class B (or even class A).