High acoustic quality is a key contributor to occupant productivity and well- being in the workplace. Sources of noise can include vehicular and airplane traffic, weather, conversations, occupant activities, and HVAC equipment.

The ability to find quiet times and places is essential for supporting complex knowledge work, while the ability to have planned or spontaneous interactions without disturbing others is necessary for team work, collaboration, and relationship development. Additionally, speech privacy

is necessary for confidential interactions and work processes. Acoustical comfort is achieved when the workplace provides appropriate acoustical support for interaction, confidentiality, and concentrative work.

Typical strategies for achieving acoustic quality in workplaces include:

• Sound-absorbing materials: High-sound transmission loss walls, floors, and ceilings reduce ambient noise.
• Sound masking systems: These systems introduce an unobtrusive background sound that reduces interference from distracting noise.
• Acoustically treated HVAC systems: While some level of HVAC noise can act as background white noise, equipment and ductwork can often create disruptive noise. HVAC noise can be reduced through larger diameter ducts with lower velocity airflows; sound-absorbing duct, pipe, and equipment insulation; and equipment that is vibration-isolated.

Consider the following no- and low-cost improvements:

• Caulking cracks or seals between spaces
• Wrapping exposed pipes and ductwork in acoustic insulation
• Using design elements that are lightweight and acoustically absorbent, such as clouds, banners, or artwork, to add visual interest while improving acoustic comfort and privacy
• Purchasing of inexpensive ‘personal privacy’ masking products, available from mass-market retailers

Improvements made during renovations could include the following:

• Installing sound-absorbing ceilings and walls; specifying ceilings with a minimum noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.9 in open office areas and 0.8 in meeting rooms; in meeting rooms, providing absorptive panels
  on 25% of walls with a minimum NRC of 0.8
• Specifying sound-masking systems
• Procuring desk systems with acoustic partitions between occupants
• Locating mechanical equipment rooms, printers, and copy machines away from occupants
• Extending walls from the floor to the structural deck
• Insulating partition cavities and increasing partition sound transmission class (STC)
• Using ducted return air systems rather than plenums