Sound Insulation Testing Compulsory for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects

In October 2009, the Children’s minister announced that acoustic testing would be made compulsory in order to approve funding for Building Schools for the Future projects.

The requirements for sound testing in schools at the commissioning stage are set out in Building Bulletin 93 "Acoustics of Schools" which requires measurement of sound insulation, noise levels and room acoustics of one in four of each type of teaching and learning space.

This announcement aims to improve the overall design and quality of future schools. Acoustics plays an important, often overlooked, role in providing a quality learning environment for children to achieve their full potential.

This emphasises the importance of involving an acoustic consultant at the early stages of a project and not only at the “sound testing” phase, where it is often too late to change a construction design.

Acousticians work closely with the design team throughout the project stages in order to ensure that the final outcome of the sound insulation tests and commissioning demonstrates full compliance with BB93 and will provide the best possible learning environment in the newly build or refurbished school. Impact testing is only carried out on floors and allows the sound insulation performance of the floor against footfall noise to be assessed.

Sound testing comprises two types of tests: airborne and impact testing. Airborne tests assess the performance of a wall or floor in reducing sound transmission of airborne noises such as speech and music

Practical Acoustics has undertaken acoustic design reviews, sound insulation tests and acoustic commissioning visits in many BSF projects, always seeking to achieve the best end result and provide smart and practical solutions. We provide fully accredited acoustic test certification for schools, following the procedures set out in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations and complying with the requirements of BB93 “Acoustics of Schools”.

Although sound testing is proposed to be made mandatory by 2010 to receive funding in new BSF projects, it is already commonly required as part of demonstrating compliance with BB93.

If you would like to discuss your requirements for acoustic advice or acoustic testing, please contact us and one of our qualified acousticians will be glad to assist.