Current and future acoustics credits in the leadership in energy and environmental design rating system.

The next version of LEED, currently in development, includes a new acoustics credit that is directed toward acoustical performance for all types of new construction projects. The credit includes performance requirements for background noise, speech privacy, sound isolation, sound reinforcement, and sound masking systems. As an acoustical performance credit for all types of new construction, the credit allows flexibility to address a wide range of performance criteria for various types of projects. This paper, coauthored by the acoustics working group within the U.S. Green Building Council, will present the intent, provisions, and background on the development of the new credit. A review of existing acoustics credits in LEED and approaches for compliance with existing credits will also be discussed.