We can provide the required advice, assessment and compliance testing to gain all possible acoustics / noise related credits in BREEAM schemes. We are a ‘suitably qualified acoustician’ as defined in the manual and as such our advice and test results would be fully recognised in the assessment process.
Sections Hea 05 and Pol 05 of the BREEAM manual relate to acoustic performance; no credits in these modules are defined as minimum requirements.
Hea 05 Acoustic Performance (up to 4 credits)
Outcomes can be summarised as follows:
- Minimise disturbances to building occupants from noise transition between spaces.
- Enhance productivity by providing appropriate acoustic environment for the different functions of various buildings and spaces.
The building should meet the appropriate acoustic performance standards and testing requirements for the acoustic principles of:
- Sound insulation between rooms
- Indoor ambient noise levels
- Reverberation times
Pol 05 Reduction of Noise Pollution (1 credit)
Outcomes can be summarised as follows:
- To reduce the likelihood of noise arising from fixed installations on the new development affecting nearby noise-sensitive buildings.
- Minimise nuisance noise to neighbours and local wildlife.
Where there are noise-sensitive areas within the assessed building or noise-sensitive areas within 800 m radius of the assessed site, a noise impact assessment compliant with BS 4142:2014 is commissioned.
The following is edited from the BREEAM website and provides a general description of the scheme:
BREEAM is an international scheme that provides independent third party assessment and certification of the sustainability performance of individual buildings, communities and infrastructure projects.
Assessment and certification can take place at a number of stages in the built environment life cycle, from design and construction through to operation and refurbishment.
The main output from a certified BREEAM assessment is the rating. The rating enables comparability between projects and provides reassurance to customers and users, in turn underpinning the quality and value of the asset.