Building Services Noise & Vibration

Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning are becoming more prevalent in modern buildings, so the need for assessment and careful design of noise control and vibration mitigation has never been greater.

Clement Acoustics has extensive experience within this field, working closely with Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) consultants, subcontractors and architects to ensure the optimum solution is achieved.

What Is a Building Services Noise and Vibration Assessment?

A Building Services Noise and Vibration Assessment evaluates the excessive noise levels produced by mechanical and electrical systems within a building, such as ventilation, air conditioning, and heating. This assessment ensures compliance with planning conditions, adherence to design requirements, and the maintenance of suitable living or working conditions for occupants. Managing noise problems in various sectors is essential to ensure compliance with legal obligations.

Occupational noise monitoring is a significant component of workplace noise assessments. By identifying potential noise and vibration issues, the assessment informs the implementation of effective mitigation measures to control emissions both externally and internally. This enhances the overall acoustic environment of the building.

How can Clement Acoustics help?

Clement Acoustics provides detailed technical advice for all aspects of building services noise and vibration control. Relevant British Standards and industry-approved documents, including BS 4142, BS 8233, the British Council for Offices (BCO), and the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), are used to inform our noise assessments, along with good practice guides and client requirements.

BS 4142: Used to assess the impact of industrial noise and commercial operations on nearby residential or sensitive areas. It establishes methods for determining noise levels and compares them with background sound levels.

• Relevance in Buildings: This standard ensures that noise generated by building services, such as HVAC systems or generators, does not adversely affect neighbouring properties, aiding compliance with planning conditions.

BS 8233: Provides guidance on achieving appropriate acoustic environments in buildings, focusing on internal noise levels for various spaces such as offices, residential dwellings, and educational facilities.

• Relevance in Buildings: It ensures that internal spaces are designed to meet comfort levels, offering acceptable noise levels for activities such as communication, concentration, and relaxation.

BCO: Sets best practice standards for the design and operation of office buildings, including acoustics, to optimise performance and productivity.

• Relevance in Buildings: It supports the creation of high-quality office environments by setting benchmarks for noise levels, ensuring comfortable and productive workspaces.

CIBSE: Cover various aspects of building services, including controlling noise and vibrations, to ensure systems operate efficiently and do not compromise occupant comfort.

• Relevance in Buildings: These guidelines ensure that building services, such as mechanical ventilation and heating, are designed and installed with noise control measures, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction.

Acoustic Solutions

Acoustic Specifications are provided to control atmospheric noise emissions to meet planning conditions, including:

• Attenuators to reduce noise at the source.
• Acoustic Enclosures to contain and isolate sound emissions.
• Louvres for controlled ventilation with minimal noise leakage.
• Screens to shield and deflect noise effectively.

Acoustic Specifications are also provided to control room-side noise rating levels to ensure developers requirements are met and to ensure appropriate amenity for the building occupiers, including:

• Room-side attenuators;
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units and Fan Coil Units (FCU) limiting levels;
• Duct-work velocities;
• Plantroom structures;
• Treatment of ducts and pipes including lagging and penetration specifications; and
• Anti-vibration mounts.