Sound Insulation between Dwellings: Overview of the Variety of Descriptors and Requirements in Europe

Regulatory sound insulation requirements for dwellings exist in more than 30 countries in Europe. In some countries, requirements have existed since the 1950s. Findings from comparative studies show that sound insulation descriptors and requirements represent a high degree of diversity. Unfortunately, there is no sign on increasing harmonization, rather the contrary, i.e. evidence for an even more diverse situation in Europe. The studies conclude that harmonization is needed to facilitate exchange of data and construction experience between countries, to reduce trade barriers and to support and initiate – where needed – improvement of sound insulation of new and existing dwellings in Europe to the benefit of the inhabitants and the society. A European COST Action TU0901 "Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation Aspects in Sustainable Urban Housing Constructions", has been established and runs 2009-2013. The main objectives of TU0901 are to prepare proposals for harmonized sound insulation descriptors and for a European sound classification scheme with a number of quality classes for dwellings. Findings from the studies provide input for the discussions in COST TU0901.
Data collected from 24 countries in 2008 have been published in 2010. This paper presents an updated and extended overview of airborne and impact sound insulation descriptors applied for regulatory requirements in Europe in 2011, thus providing some insight in trends.