Breeam Acoustic Design

Breeam Acoustic Design and Testing for an Industrial Development in North Yorkshire.

BREEAM Acoustic Consultancy

NOVA Acoustics Ltd was appointed to deliver a comprehensive acoustic assessment for a new workshop facility in North Yorkshire, supporting the project’s ambition to meet sustainability and acoustic performance standards under BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.1.

Project Overview

The development involved the construction of a multi-use workshop building as part of a wider industrial complex. The client sought to achieve multiple BREEAM credits related to acoustic performance, including sound insulation, internal ambient noise levels, room acoustics, and external plant noise control.

NOVA Acoustics was engaged to provide acoustic design advice and testing throughout the planning and design stages, ensuring the building would meet both regulatory and environmental expectations.

Scope of Work

The acoustic consultancy covered a range of services tailored to the BREEAM framework:

Environmental Noise Survey: A combination of unattended and attended monitoring was conducted to establish baseline noise conditions and assess the impact of surrounding infrastructure and site operations.
Sound Insulation Strategy: Internal partitions and doors were reviewed and specified to meet BREEAM and BS8233:2014 criteria, with recommendations for wall and floor constructions to ensure adequate separation between sensitive spaces.
Ambient Noise Assessment: Internal noise levels were evaluated for both natural and mechanical ventilation scenarios, with guidance provided on glazing, ventilation systems, and façade design to maintain acceptable acoustic conditions.
Reverberation Control: Acoustic finishes and layouts were assessed to ensure reverberation times met recommended standards, supporting speech intelligibility and comfort in communal and office areas.
Plant Noise Impact: External plant noise emissions were modelled and assessed against BREEAM Pol 05 criteria, with noise limits defined to protect nearby receptors and support planning compliance.

Design Integration

NOVA Acoustics worked closely with the design and engineering teams to embed acoustic performance into the architectural and mechanical design. The consultancy provided early-stage input and ongoing technical support, helping to balance acoustic requirements with practical buildability and cost-efficiency.

Recommendations were tailored to the specific operational needs of the workshop environment, ensuring that acoustic treatments aligned with the building’s intended use and sustainability goals.

Outcome

The acoustic assessment enabled the project team to confidently pursue multiple BREEAM credits, contributing to the overall environmental and operational quality of the development. The building is now equipped with a robust acoustic strategy that supports occupant comfort, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance.

Why NOVA Acoustics?

At NOVA Acoustics Ltd, we specialise in acoustic consultancy for industrial, commercial, educational, and healthcare developments. Our services include:

Our consultants are members of the Institute of Acoustics and work nationwide to support planning, design, and construction teams with expert acoustic advice. Explore more of our recent projects or contact us today to discuss your next development.