Beyond Net Zero: Using acoustic design to influence embodied carbon

Excellent acoustics are no barrier to sustainable design, if handled carefully. Having a deep understanding of the environmental impact associated with acoustic requirements helps us to develop strategies that play an important role in delivering sustainable buildings.

The Max Fordham Acoustics Team have long been experts in designs that achieve both acoustic performance and sustainability, such as strategies to mitigate the sounds of air source heat pumps, or to control traffic noise ingress to provide naturally ventilated spaces. In recent years, the team have been expanding this approach to more explicitly consider embodied carbon. 
 

The relationship between acoustic performance and embodied carbon is nuanced, with some strategies delivering a higher performance with more efficient use of materials than others. Much of the time, higher acoustic performance requirement will result in more materials being needed to achieve it. For example, an additional layer of plasterboard in a partition can achieve higher sound insulation (the previous article takes a close look at the embodied carbon impacts of acoustic partitions in office fit-outs).

In general, the more material that is used, the higher the embodied carbon tends to be, so the crucial starting point for low carbon design is to avoid over-specifying and aiming for a higher performance than is actually required. 

Achieving a low embodied carbon acoustic strategy relies on the ability to compare all materials on both acoustic performance and embodied carbon. Our Acoustics team have created a database of the embodied carbon and acoustic performance of 400 standard partition build-ups, using EPDs from a number of different sources to estimate values, and including a selector tool to search the database for options that deliver the required sound insulation with the lowest embodied carbon.

The team have also begun work on a database for floor constructions, acoustic absorption and other elements linked to acoustic performance.
 

We delivered an ambitious acoustic design for the Entopia Building, a deep-retrofitted sustainable office building setting new standards for low energy use, carbon emissions and impact on natural resources. The client aspired to achieve acoustic criteria for WELL and BREEAM, as well as meeting Cambridge University’s own acoustic criteria, against a backdrop of EnerPHit and other client sustainability aspirations.

Acoustic absorption is provided via Class A cellulose spray ceilings and extensive acoustic panelling in meeting rooms, to provide conditions suitable for collaboration, communication and hybrid working. Noise from a busy nearby road is mitigated with robust acoustic glazing, and noise control is provided to ventilation systems to meet the stringent Passivhaus standards for plant noise.