BREEAM Acoustics Services
noise.co.uk offers a range of acoustics services targeting the various BREEAM
credits available for both domestic and non-domestic property.
Click here to view the noise.co.uk BREEAM Acoustics flyer (PDF) 
Acoustics related credits available for:
- BREEAM Hea 13
- Code for Sustainable Homes Hea 2
Browse to a section:
BREEAM Industrial
BREEAM Education
BREEAM Healthcare
BREEAM Prisons
BREEAM Retail
BREEAM Offices
The Code for Sustainable Homes
Our Services
- Plans checking: Desktop Studies
- Experienced in finding least cost solutions for client to achieve
acoustic credits
- Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements.
- Experienced at designing mitigation treatment for "Failed" Sound
Insulation test results.
- Provide noise impact assessments for new external noise sources.
- Design of the building envelope.
- Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
- Pre-completion testing for:
- Sound insulation; to BS EN ISO140: Part 4 & 7: 1998 & BS EN ISO 717
Part 1& 2 to meet ADE 2003 +xdB and privacy standards.
- Reverberation time; to Table 8 of BS8233:1999 & BB93.
- Ambient noise levels; to Table 5 & 6 from BS8233:1999 and Section 1
of BB93.
- Noise impact assessments; to BS4142:1997.
BREEAM Industrial
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Industrial from Hea 13 and Pol
8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified
acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or
both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Indoor ambient levels achieve those specified in compliance
requirements.
Fully fitted buildings
Sound insulation requirements
achieved between acoustically
sensitive spaces.
|
Indoor ambient noise levels in unoccupied staff/office areas comply
with the following:
≤40dB LAeq,T in single occupancy offices
40dB-50dB LAeq,T in occupancy occupancy offices≤40dB LAeq,T in general spaces such as staffrooms and toilets≤35dB LAeq,T in spaces designed for speech
≤50dB LAeq,T in informal rooms such as canteens.
Fully fitted out only:
The sound insulation between acoustically sensitive areas and other occupied spaces should comply with section 7.6.3.1 of BS8233. i.e. Dw+LAeq,T > 75dB |
Design Stage
A copy of plans detailing room areas and volumes.
A specification clause provided by a suitably qualified acoustician confirming: indoor ambient noise levels, sound insulation between acoustically sensitive spaces and information on how these decisions have been made.
A program of testing for the post construction stage of assessment.
Post Construction StageReports from a suitably qualified acoustician showing ambient levels and sound insulation values to have been demonstrated through pre-completion testing.
A letter from the acoustician confirming that they meet the BREEAM definition of a 'suitably qualified acoustician'. |
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet privacy standards. |
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
BREEAM Education
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Education from Hea 13 and Pol 8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| Schools |
| 3 |
Points are awarded where the development achieves or exceeds the performance criteria in Building Bulletin 93.
|
First Credit
This credit is awarded where BB93 is adhered to and performance is demonstrated by pre-completion testing.
Second Credit
Airborne sound insulation is 5dB higher than the requirements of BB93.
Third Credit
Using calculation or measurement it can be shown that the increase in ambient noise level is not greater than 20dB during heavy rainfall.
|
|
| Further Education Colleges |
| 2 |
Points are awarded where the development achieves or exceeds the performance criteria in Building Bulletin 93. |
First Credit
Indoor ambient noise levels in all unoccupied spaces comply with good practice levels given in tables 5 and 6 of BS8233:1999. The BREEAM manual specifies the following noise levels, more can be found in BS8233:
=40dB LAeq,T in general spaces such as classrooms and toilets
=40dB LAeq,T in single occupancy offices
40dB-50dB LAeq,T in multiple occupancy offices
=50dB LAeq,T in catering kitchens
40-55dB LAeq,T in restaurant areas
=45dB LAeq,T in informal canteen areas
=55dB LAeq,T in manual workshops
=35dB LAeq,T in consulting/treatment rooms
=30dB LAeq,T in sound recording studios
40-45dB LAeq,T in bars
=40dB LAeq,T in laboratories
All teaching areas achieve the indoor ambient noise requirements of BB93.
Sound insulation between the acoustically sensitive areas of the building comply with section 7.6.3.1 of BS8233 i.e. Dw+LAeq,T > 75dB
Second Credit
All teaching areas achieve the reverberation time criteria in table 1 of BB93.
|
Design Stage
A copy of the design plan showing room dimensions and a specification of the works needed to ensure criteria are achieved. This might include an acousticians report with calculations.
A programme of testing to be carried out post-construction, with details of the standards that will be measured to.
Post Construction Stage
Copies of the acousticians reports detailing the results from the precompletion testing regime.
A letter from the acoustician confirming that they meet the BREEAM definition of 'suitably qualified'.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet privacy standards.
Reverberation time to BB93
Ambient noise levels to meet tables 5 & 6 from BS8233 and Section 1 of BB93.
|
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| Schools |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
BREEAM Healthcare
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Healthcare from Hea 13 and Pol 8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Where evidence provided demonstrates that indoor ambient noise levels and airborne and impact sound insulation levels achieve the recommended performance benchmarks outlined HTM 08-01 Part A. |
The indoor ambient noise levels and airborne and impact sound insulation levels achieve the recommended performance benchmarks outlined in Health Technical Memorandum 08-01 Part A: Design and Construction. |
Design Stage
A copy of the design plan for each level of the building with each room/area clearly labelled. A copy of the specification clause confirming the building will comply with the performance standards required by HTM 08-01.
OR
A copy of the acoustician's calculations confirming:
The specific performances standards achieved for each room/area
The standards comply with the levels required in HTM 08-01.
Post Construction Stage
An acousticians report proving compliance with the requirements in HTM 08-01. The acoustician must provided written confirmation that they are 'suitably qualified'. |
| 1 |
Where evidence provided demonstrates that reverberation times are compliant with the recommended performance benchmarks outlined HTM 08-01 Part A
|
The reverberation times are compliant with the recommended performance benchmarks outlined Health Technical Memorandum 08-01 Part A: Design and Construction Considerations.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet privacy standards.
Reverberation time to the guidance in the Health Technical Memorandum 08-01
Ambient noise levels to meet guidance in the Health Technical Memorandum 08-01
|
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
BREEAM Prisons
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Prisons from Hea 13 and Pol 8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Where evidence provided demonstrates that indoor ambient noise levels and airborne sound insulation levels achieve stated values. |
Indoor ambient noise levels in all unoccupied spaces comply with the good practice levels of BS8233:1999, Tables 5 & 6. Typical, appropriate noise levels are given below, although the following list is not intended to be exhaustive:
=40 dB LAeq,T General spaces (staffrooms, restrooms)
=40dB LAeq,T in single occupancy offices
40-50dB LAeq,T in multiple occupancy offices
=50 dB LAeq,T in catering kitchens
40-55dB LAeq,T in restaurant areas
=45 dB LAeq,T in informal cafe/canteen areas
=55 dB LAeq,T in manual workshops
In addition to the above, any rooms/spaces used for medical purposes i.e. treatment, should be designed to meet airborne and impact sound insulation requirements in accordance with Health Technical Memorandum 08-01.
All teaching/lecture areas achieve the Indoor ambient noise level requirementsfor secondary schools in Section 1 of Building Bulletin 93.
The sound insulation between acoustically sensitive areas and other occupied spaces should comply with section 7.6.3.1 of BS8233. i.e. Dw+LAeq,T > 75dB
|
Design Stage
A copy of the design plan for each level of the building with each room/area clearly labelled. A copy of the specification clause confirming the building will comply with the specified criteria. The acoustician's calculations confirming:
The specific performances standards achieved for each room/area. Information must be provided on the standards and methods used to calculate the possible performance.
Post Construction Stage
An acousticians report proving compliance with the requirements in HTM 08-01. The acoustician must provide written confirmation that they are 'suitably qualified'.
|
| 1 |
Where evidence provided demonstrates that reverberation times are compliant with the recommended performance benchmarks outlined in table 8 of BS8233:1999 for areas used for speecg. In addition, areas that are used for teaching/lecturing should achieve reverberation times compliant with Building Bulletin 93.
|
All areas used for speech achieve reverberation times compliant with table 8 of BS8233:1999.
AND
All areas used for teaching, training and educational purposes achieve reverberation times compliant with table 1.5 of BB93.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet BS8233:1999, HTM 08-01 and privacy standards.
Reverberation time to BB93 and BS 8233:1999
Ambient noise levels to meet tables 5 & 6 from BS8233 and Section 1 of BB93.
|
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
BREEAM Retail
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Retail from Hea 13 and Pol
8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified
acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or
both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Indoor ambient levels achieve those specified in compliance
requirements.
Fully fitted buildings
Sound insulation requirements
achieved between acoustically
sensitive and occupied spaces.
|
Indoor ambient noise levels in unoccupied staff/office areas comply
with the following:
≤40dB LAeq,T in single occupancy offices
40dB-50dB LAeq,T in occupancy occupancy offices≤40dB LAeq,T in general spaces such as staffrooms and toilets≤35dB LAeq,T in spaces designed for speech
≤50dB LAeq,T in informal rooms such as canteens.
Fully fitted out only:
The sound insulation between acoustically sensitive areas and other occupied spaces should comply with section 7.6.3.1 of BS8233. i.e. Dw+LAeq,T > 75dB |
Design Stage
A copy of plans detailing room areas and volumes.
A specification clause provided by a suitably qualified acoustician confirming: indoor ambient noise levels, sound insulation between acoustically sensitive spaces and information on how these decisions have been made.
A program of testing for the post construction stage of assessment.
Post Construction StageReports from a suitably qualified acoustician showing ambient levels and sound insulation values to have been demonstrated through pre-completion testing.
A letter from the acoustician confirming that they meet the BREEAM definition of a 'suitably qualified acoustician'. |
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet privacy standards. |
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
BREEAM Offices
Acoustics related credits are available in BREEAM Offices from Hea 13 and Pol
8 where, in both cases, a suitably qualified
acoustics consultant is required at either design, post construction phase or
both.
Click on the links below to view the credits available.
Hea 13 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Indoor ambient levels achieve those specified in compliance
requirements.
Fully fitted buildings
Sound insulation requirements
achieved between acoustically
sensitive and occupied spaces.
|
Indoor ambient noise levels in unoccupied staff/office areas comply
with the following:
≤40dB LAeq,T in single occupancy offices
40dB-50dB LAeq,T in occupancy occupancy offices≤40dB LAeq,T in general spaces such as staffrooms and toilets≤35dB LAeq,T in spaces designed for speech
≤50dB LAeq,T in informal rooms such as canteens.
Fully fitted out only:
The sound insulation between acoustically sensitive areas and other occupied spaces should comply with section 7.6.3.1 of BS8233. i.e. Dw+LAeq,T > 75dB |
Design Stage
A copy of plans detailing room areas and volumes.
A specification clause provided by a suitably qualified acoustician confirming: indoor ambient noise levels, sound insulation between acoustically sensitive spaces and information on how these decisions have been made.
A program of testing for the post construction stage of assessment.
Post Construction StageReports from a suitably qualified acoustician showing ambient levels and sound insulation values to have been demonstrated through pre-completion testing.
A letter from the acoustician confirming that they meet the BREEAM definition of a 'suitably qualified acoustician'. |
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Design of the building envelope.
Enhancement of room acoustics to meet reverberation time criteria.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2 to meet privacy standards. |
Pol 8 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
Compliance Requirements |
Evidence |
| 1 |
Evidence demonstrates that any new sources of noise will not give rise to complaints from any existing noise sensitive areas.
|
A noise impact assessment in compliance with BS 4142:1997 has been carried out and the following noise levels measured/determined:
Existing background noise levels at the nearest or most exposed noise-sensitive development to the proposed development; or at a location where background conditions can be argued to be similar.
The rating noise level resulting from the proposed noise-source. This can be based upon reference to similar installations or sites, or determined by calculation.
Where the assessment has shown the development to comply with criteria in BS 4142:1997, the credit is awarded.
Where there is a likelihood of complaint, measures have been taken to attenuate the noise to meet criteria in BS 4142:1997.
|
Design Stage
A site plan detailing any noise sensitive dwellings local to the new development and the proposed sources of noises on the development.
Evidence that there is intention to bring on board a suitably qualified acoustician to conduct a BS 4142 assessment.
Post Construction Stage
As for design stage with the addition of the acousticians report.
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
BS 4142:1997 Assessments:
Extensive experience in applying BS 4142
Design of mitigation in the event that the noise source is 'likely to give rise to complaint'
|
The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes offers acoustics credits for improving upon the sound insulation requirements that are mandatory under the building regulations. There are two principle means of compliance with these credits:
The developer can have their party surfaces tested for airborne and impact resistance to sound by an accredited test body,
or
Specific Robust Details can be selected to achieve acoustic credits.
Click on the link below to view the credits available.
Routes to Credits 6
| Credits |
Criteria |
PCT Route |
Robust Details Route |
| Walls |
Floors |
| 1 |
Building regulations to be improved upon by 3dB:
Impact sound insulation 3dB less
Airborne sound insulation 3dB more
|
10% sample of each group or subgroup in the development with all tests showing the achievement of the improved standard.
|
E-WM-2
E-WM-3
E-WM-4
E-WM-6
E-WM-8
E-WM-15 (P)
E-WT-2
E-WT-3 (P)
|
E-FC-8 (P)
E-FS-1 (P)
E-FS-2 (P)
E-FT-1
E-FT-4(P)
|
| 3 |
Building regulations to be improved upon by 5dB:
Impact sound insulation 5dB less
Airborne sound insulation 5dB more
|
10% sample of each group or subgroup in the development with all tests showing the achievement of the improved standard.
|
E-WM-11 (P)
E-WM-13 (P)
E-WM-14 (P)
E-WS-3 (P)
E-WS-4 (P)
E-WT-1
|
E-FC-10 (P) |
| 4 |
Building regulations to be improved upon by 8dB:
Impact sound insulation 8dB less
Airborne sound insulation 8dB more
|
10% sample of each group or subgroup in the development with all tests showing the achievement of the improved standard. |
No robust details are currently able to achieve 4 credts. |
Evidence Required
Pre-completion test regime
Design stage:
A programme of testing for the post construction stage.
A set of construction details for the party walls and floors.
Commitment to carry out remedial works should one or more the tests reveal a failure to achieve the improved standard.
Confirmation that a compliant test body will be used to carry out pre-completion testing.
Post-construction stage
A copy of the test bodies report confirming that the sample of testing achieved the performance standards.
Evidence that the test body used to provide compliance is UKAS accredited or covered by another scheme deemed to be equivalent.
Robust Details route to compliance
Design stage:
Confirmation that the site is registered under the Robust Details scheme
Post-construction stage:
Completed Robust Details checklists for the chosen constructions
|
What noise.co.uk can do for you...
Desktop Studies:
Plans checking.
Design of party walls and floors to meet sound insulation requirements and, in case of failure, can provide essential mitigation advice for achieving a pass.
Pre-completion testing for:
Sound insulation to BS EN ISO140-1&2 and BS EN ISO 717-1&2
|
|
