Sound insulation requirements in multi-storey housing – A health issue or just comfort?

In Europe, sound insulation requirements for dwellings are included in building regulations in more than 30 countries. In several countries, requirements existed since the 1950s or before, while in some other countries, acoustic regula-tions came later or don’t exist. Also, it was realized that complying with regulations does not guarantee satisfactory acoustic conditions for occupants, and in the 1990s, some countries developed acoustic classification schemes (ACS) with quality classes reflecting higher acoustic protection and comfort. Later, more countries developed national ACS, some also having lower classes for older housing with lower limits than regulations. Nevertheless, seemingly most countries miss overview of compliance with regulations and issuing of quality class certificates is modest. – During the last few years, the fight against climate changes have led to focus on lightweight building materials, which unfortunate-ly have insufficient sound insulation, unless much thicker constructions are applied and/or product/construction de-velopment has taken place. This reality has led to a situa-tion, where parts of the building industry request considera-bly lower sound insulation requirements – without knowing the history of regulations or how many people suffer from neighbour noise in housing. The paper will explain potential health effects of neighbour noise and recommend mandato-ry acoustic labelling aiming at open access to acoustic quality.