Bringing awareness to the rising ambient noise levels

This pilot credit is intended to maintain the existing background noise of a site, prior to the new building’s construction. U.S. legislation was introduced in the 1970’s to curb the trend of rising ambient noise levels. In Europe and Australia, similar requirements state that noise emission is significantly below the measured existing site noise. However, in the 1980’s the EPA’s noise code was defunded. This pilot credit has been developed in order to bring awareness to the rising ambient noise levels due to lax local noise codes.

Noise can be an annoyance and quality-of-life issue that can negatively affect sleep patterns and outdoor recreation. The effect noise has on habitat is just starting to be understood since most metrics for measuring noise are based on human-hearing ranges. Many parks and cultural heritage sites are now focusing on preserving quiet and natural soundscapes for both visitors and to protect the natural ecosystems.

Credit Submittals

General

1. Register for Pilot Credit(s) here. 
2. Register a username at LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum
3. Submit feedback survey; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation

Credit Specific

Ambient noise measurements should be taken on the project site prior to construction or clearing to establish current Ldn. Calculations for building equipment noise emission should be submitted, establishing that noise is expected to be at least 5 dB below the established Ldn, and no louder than 60 dBA at the nearest property line or public right of way Narrative describing:

• Exterior equipment and noise mitigation design;
• Traffic noise control (routing, barriers, etc);
• Factors that improve the acoustical environment such as building
  shieldingShielding is a nontechnical term that describes devices or techniques that are used as part of a luminaire or lamp to limit glare, light trespass, or sky glow..
• Operations plan for testing of emergency equipment, describing the
  reason a particular time of day was chosen for testing.

Additional Questions

1. The goal of this credit is to maintain the existing background noise environment which was present prior to the building’s construction. This will be more difficult in situations with low exterior background noise levels than for those buildings being constructed in urban environments.    If your project is located in a low- noise environment, was this too difficult to achieve? Would you suggest any alternatives?
2. Was the energy tradeoff too costly for this credit to be utilized in your project?