Sound classification of dwellings—A comparison between national schemes in Europe and United States

Abstract

Schemes for the classification of dwellings related to different performances have been proposed in the last years worldwide. The general idea behind previous schemes relates to the increase in the real estate value that should follow a label corresponding to a better performance. In particular, focusing on sound insulation, national schemes for acoustic classification of dwellings have been developed in more than ten European countries. These schemes define classification classes according to different levels of sound insulation. The considered criteria are the airborne and impact sound insulation between dwellings, the facade sound insulation, and the equipment noise. Originally, due to the lack of coordination among European countries, a significant diversity among the schemes occurred; the descriptors, number of classes, and class intervals varied among schemes. However, in the last year, an “acoustic classification scheme for dwellings” has been proposed within a ISO technical committee. This paper compares existing classification schemes with the current situation in the United States. The hope is that by increasing cross-country comparisons of sound classification schemes, it may be easier to exchange experiences about constructions fulfilling different classes and by doing this, reduce trade barriers, and increase the sound insulation of dwellings.