Synergies between high performance buildings and good acoustics

Abstract

Post-occupancy surveys and anecdotal evidence suggest that “green” buildings tend to have worse acoustics than new “non-green” and older buildings. While some aspects of green building design such as the increased use of glass, increased exposure of hard finishes, and the removal of barriers between work stations can create situations that reduce the acoustic performance of interior spaces, all is not lost. Many energy efficiency innovations can actually improve acoustic performance. In this presentation, some of the synergies between acoustics and high performance building design will be discussed.