Jul 03

Hear me out — sustainability in acoustic materials

As part of 2050 Materials mission to spread information and knowledge around sustainable materials, this article outlines what architects and designers should consider, look at and look for when specifying acoustic materials in a new project.

A popular material for sustainable acoustics is wood wool. See products here.

Acoustic comfort and wellbeing

During project planning and design, the acoustical environment of a workspace is frequently given little to no consideration. Typically, the designer’s main priorities are the workspace’s usability and aesthetics. The elements influencing the efficiency of the personnel using the workspace are occasionally disregarded.

However, employees work at their best and have lower absenteeism rates when they are in a comfortable environment. The quality of the indoor environment, temperature, acoustics, and daylighting and electric lighting are a few of the aspects that contribute to a comfortable workspace.

Unwanted noises can have detrimental effects on your health, including hearing loss, heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, hormonal changes, psychosomatic illnesses, sleep disorders, decreased physical and mental performance, stress reactions, aggression, persistent feelings of annoyance, and a decline in general wellbeing.

Types of acoustic materials and their function

The quality of indoor acoustics depends on how well sound sources are managed. Noises from the outside, within, during impacts, and from equipment are carried through the air or fabric of the building. Levels of reverberation and absorption within the building directly affect how the human ear perceives sound.
Consider occupant needs as well as exterior and architectural considerations when designing for acoustic comfort, including the building program, cultural norms, noise types, noise spectrum, construction techniques, and materials.

All building kinds, including medical facilities, educational facilities, sports facilities, offices, and music venues, depend heavily on acoustics. Each architectural typology will have a certain acoustical need.

What are the key factors to consider for acoustic materials?

Shredded newspapers as a material to create acoustic insulation panels

There are several key factors that an architect should consider when specifying sustainable acoustic materials, including their impact on the environment and people, their ability to absorb or reduce sound, and their durability and longevity.

1. Environmental Impact

One of the main considerations when it comes to sustainable acoustic materials is their environmental impact.

Questions to ask around environmental impact:

What is the raw material behind the product?
How energy intensive is the manufacturing process
How much emissions or waste are generated during the manufacturing process
What end-of-life options exist
(ie. How can I dispose the product once I’m done with it?)

2. Health implications for tenants

As with all materials used in interior spaces where humans spend significant amounts of time, it is important to consider the health implications of acoustic materials.

Materials that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help to improve air quality and reduce the potential for indoor air pollution.

3. Acoustic performance

The acoustic performance of a material refers to its ability to absorb or reduce sound, which can be important for creating comfortable and functional spaces.

Acoustic performance is usually measured by a rating Rw + Ctr which is used to describe the sound insulation performance, where Rw = The Weighted Sound Reduction Index and Ctr = A correction factor (and is a negative number). This can always be found in the product data sheets.

4. Durability & Lifetime

The durability and longevity of the materials can help to ensure that the materials will last for a long time and will not need to be replaced frequently, which can help to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of the project.

However, in certain types of projects (e.g. commercial offices) the frequency of fit-outs is shorter than the lifetime of the acoustic materials used. In such cases, it’s imperative to minimise the environmental impacts of the product during the manufacturing processes, and to ensure that there are environmentally sound end-of-life options (ideally re-use or high-value recycling).

Acoustic products usually have a lifetime of 30 years, which is longer than most applications.

4. Fire safety

Be sure acoustical materials meet applicable fire resistance requirements. Avoid using bedding or packing foam as sound absorbers — as they are not the same as tested acoustical foam and may present a fire risk.

What metrics and datapoints should architects look for when specifying acoustic materials?

There are many sustainable acoustic materials available, and the most appropriate material for a specific project will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific acoustic properties required, the environmental impact of the material, and the overall design and aesthetic of the space.

However, these datapoints should provide a good baseline to balance the factors considered and guide you in specifying the best material for your project:

Manufacturing Carbon Emissions (A1-A3) in units of kg CO2 / m2 product
Location of the manufacturing plant, or Transportation-related emissions (A4)
Recycled content (%)
Recyclable content (%)
The presence of take-back schemes by the manufacturer (Yes / No)
VOC Emissions (mg/m3)

What are some examples of sustainable acoustic materials?

Recycled or upcycled materials such as recycled glass, recycled rubber, and upcycled textiles.
Natural materials such as wood, wool, and cork, can also be used for acoustic treatments. These materials are renewable and biodegradable, and they can help to create a natural and comfortable atmosphere in a space.
Low-emitting materials like plant-based materials, such as bamboo and straw, and low-VOC adhesives and finishes.

Since many acoustical goods are recyclable or made from recycled materials, such as carpets, ceiling tiles, and insulation, they can all contribute to the project’s sustainability goals. Manufacturers of carpet and ceiling tiles “take back” their faulty or outdated products. The massive amounts of carpet and ceiling tile that formerly ended up in landfills are being reduced because to these efforts.

Get a list of the best acoustic products out there

At 2050 Materials, we research the market to find the most innovative, low-impact and healthy materials for every application.

Are you working on specifying acoustic materials? Drop us a message to see how we can help you compile a list of products and suppliers in your area which match your project requirements.

If you are already an expert, there’s a plethora of information available at our free-to-use materials library for you to enjoy.

Acoustic Materials on 2050 Materials Platform - Comprehensive Resource for Sound Control Solutions in Construction

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Check it out at app.2050-materials.com

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