Unintended consequences: Acoustical outcomes in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified offices.

Abstract

Recent research conducted by the US General Services Administration and the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley disclosed an anomaly about “green building” interiors that is an unintended consequence of the current LEED rating system. The anomaly is this: occupants of offices that have been upgraded to achieve LEED certification express high levels of satisfaction with the “indoor environmental quality” of almost all attributes of these spaces; but there is one exception where occupant scores are lower than before. Their increased dissatisfaction has to do with acoustics and privacy. What is it about LEED‐rated offices that cause increased dissatisfaction? Why are occupants uncomfortable with the “acoustical comfort” of the new LEED‐certified offices? Is it because there are more reflective, hard surfaces—such as exposed ceilings—causing noise to reverberate? Or because HVAC systems have become quieter? Or because partition heights have been lowered to allow better airflow and more natural light, resulting in less privacy? Since increased occupant dissatisfaction may result in reduced productivity or increased absenteeism, the GSA’s Office of Research has been examining this issue and report on its findings and conclusions.