Encouraging acoustic renovation of housing in Denmark by extending acoustic classification with two lower classes E and F for old housing

In the five Nordic countries, first versions of acoustic classification schemes for dwellings were published in national standards in 1996-2004. The classification criteria were not identical, but originated in a joint Nordic INSTA-B proposal from the 1990s, thus having several similarities. Nevertheless, subsequent revisions of the standards led to increasing differences, e.g. sound insulation descriptors diversified. In Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, the number of acoustic classes are still the same (A-D). However, in Denmark, a mapping of the multi-storey housing stock showed that less than half of the Danish dwellings could be classified within the DS 490 classes A-D. Consequently, the standard was revised in 2018 with two lower classes E-F for old housing built before the first national acoustic regulations in 1961. The goal is that acoustic labelling is feasible for all dwellings (like energy labelling) and thus acoustic quality could be visible to owners/tenants and initiate improvement of acoustic conditions, when renovating. The paper presents the main class criteria for sound insulation between dwellings in the Nordic countries and summarizes relations to national regulations. Construction examples for old housing in Denmark (DS 490 classes E-F) will be indicated as well as principles for upgrading to higher classes.