Achieving Energy Efficiency in Acoustic Design

A key parameter for achieving energy efficiency in buildings is the envelope design. Also, insulation plays a very important role helping reach high levels of “air tightness.” Most materials used for acoustic insulation have a very impressive thermal performance as well; insulation can refer to materials as well as to a range of designs and techniques employed to reduce unwanted heat loss or heat gain—which can decrease the energy demands of heating and cooling systems.

Often a material will be chosen for its ability to perform several of these functions at once whether it is acoustic insulation, fire insulation or impact insulation. In many cases, well-considered acoustic design can be achieved while making significant ecological performance gains and vice-versa.

 A holistic approach to the components of the design process, such as site design, materials and finishing, ventilation, orientation, lighting/power and heating cooling systems is necessary to get the best results.
WSDG is working to raise its design standards in a way that will improve the energy efficiency of buildings, while creating healthy and comfortable indoor environments for its occupants. We are following acoustic materials research, tracking energy usage, toxicity levels and others parameters that occur over the entire life cycle of the products. We also continually look for high performance HVAC systems and natural lighting/ventilation strategies that do not compromise the acoustic insulation--but can significantly reduce the energy demand of the buildings.

Comments

[Fabrizio Filippi]

The holistic approach to an integrated design that aims to reduce running costs and energy consumption in buildings is raising interest and resources from the innovative designers all over the world. In commercial buildings natural ventilation and good acoustics is feasible and its benefits start to make architects deal with the implications on the building's facades in a much more open and exciting way. Many buildings already benefit from this approach, however buildings designed for music and performing arts are special and require much more attention.
It is difficult to naturally ventilate a theatre because the high (and conflicting) ventilation and acoustic requirements. A mixed mode strategy of acoustically attenuated air intake and fan assisted extraction has been used successfully in the past for theatres, however concert halls require even lower internal noise levels and their natural ventilation is at the present something really rare. This does not mean that it is not possible. In fact, depending on the location of the building and the space available for attenuation, natural ventilation is certainly something not far from reality.
Control rooms do not require the high ventilation rates of concert halls so building layout, smaller openings and sufficient space for attenuation might allow the use of natural ventilation combined with mechanical cooling when required.
These are exciting fields and I am looking forward to further discussion on this great blog!
Fabrizio Filippi