Acoustics in Schools - April 12 2010

A good acoustic environment is essential for good teaching and learning and a particular need for hearing impaired children who are increasing attending mainstream schools. As such, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has recently announced that acoustic testing will be a contractual requirement for all rebuilt and refurbished secondary schools funded by BSF projects in England. The current requirements for acoustics in schools are highlighted in Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) which includes specifications for: - insulation from noise ingress from external noise sources & plant noise - insulation of noise between neighbouring rooms - reverberation times of rooms Compliance of BB93 is a requirement for BREEAM credits for schools.