Comparison of acoustic regulations for housing and schools in selected countries in Europe and South America – A pilot study

Acoustic regulations for housing and schools exist in most countries in Europe, the main reasons being protection of health of citizens in their homes and optimizing learning conditions in schools. Comparative studies in Europe have shown a high diversity of descriptors and limit values for acoustic requirements. Considering globalization and noise as a health issue, it is important also to extend attention to other parts of the world and establish dialogue and hopefully cooperation, thus facilitating exchange of experience with construction solutions fulfilling different levels of requirements. As a pilot study, acoustic regulations in three countries in South America, namely Argentina, Brazil and Chile, have been considered. The findings indicate weaker requirements than typical in Europe, and at both continents there is a joint challenge to review regulatory requirements in those countries with a high need for improvement of acoustic conditions in housing and schools. It is concluded that one of the first steps is to create awareness among authorities and building industry and to exchange experience about construction solutions, which in many cases are quite simple.
The paper includes examples of specific acoustic requirements on airborne and impact sound insulation, noise from traffic and from service equipment for housing and schools and in addition on reverberation time for class rooms and discusses the opportunities for future cooperation on optimizing acoustic regulations.