Acoustic Performance of Buildings, Components and Materials as a Parameter for Ecological and Social Sustainablitiy Assessments

Abstract

Several initiatives have been launched to increase sustainability in the building industry. The consequence was a broader view of sustainability, not only based on the environmental, but on the economic and social performance of materials, components and buildings as well. A closer look on internationally acting Green Building Labels reveals that acoustic performance is, although a technical quality, handled as part of the social sustainability aspects of a building. Depending on the label, several credits are assigned for the fulfilment of requirements. Particularly for sustainable lightweight structures made of wood, sound insulation is to some extent defined by the properties of the insulation material, filled into the cavity of the timber joists. Especially the density and the dynamic stiffness, as well as the air flow resistivity, are important material parameters to achieve satisfying sound insulation properties. A comparison with different products and components has been carried out. It could be shown that the use of renewables leads to lower environmental impacts, though, the insulation material is not the most relevant parameter of the building components.