England: Guidance on ventilation and noise levels in buildings

New guidance is published this week that provides methods for addressing potential noise issues when addressing overheating of buildings. Where buildings require mechanical ventilation or cooling, or open windows or vents, to maintain a comfortable temperature, there is a potential for occupants to be disturbed by noise.  This guidance for practitioners, is designed to accompany Building Regulations (Approved Document O ‘Overheating’ (England)) which introduced requirements for ensuring buildings do not overheat.  A working group of IOA members and  members of the Association of Noise Consultants have collaborated to produce this guide, which aims to address the challenges of balancing the requirements of ventilation and noise levels. The guidance addresses issues including noise at night and developing the noise control solution to accommodate reasonably foreseeable future changes in noise conditions.