Abstract
Acoustics is being addressed as a part of the LCA methodologies in construction, hence research in new acoustic materials is being developed on the benefit of natural materials that can be an alternative to traditional materials. It´s important to consider its acoustic performance as a key parameter in the choice of sustainable building materials. The impact of applying sustainable acoustic materials for a particular space function and typology can be measured, defined, and quantified when creating healthy and comfortable spaces for a better acoustic comfort and wellbeing. The use of environmentally friendly acoustic materials in architecture, as well as the rest of the aspects that combined define a sustainable practice for a business, contribute to merge health and livability in urban environments. Human health and wellbeing are a consequence of a designer's intention, where acoustics play an important role. Applying sustainable acoustic strategies embedded in the rest of the disciplines is a key factor to deliver holistic and appropriate architectural environments.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Raw Materials: These are the materials used in the manufacturing process of goods. They are being bought and sold on commodities exchanges worldwide.
Sustainable Design: This is the philosophy of design carried out to comply with the principles of sustainability and also aimed at improving the health and comfortability of occupants in a building. Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, the health and well-being of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.
Return On Sustainability Investment (ROSI): This is a methodology for guiding managers to better value sustainability’s financial benefits. Ultimately, monetizing sustainability can lead to a competitive advantage and shared value for multiple stakeholders.
Acoustic performance: This is the assessment that can be done for a material in terms of sound absorption and sound insulation, which are opposite properties. Some acoustic materials are the result of a combination that together form a composite which both blocks and absorb sound.
Triple Bottom Line: This is a business concept that posits firms should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard “bottom line.” It can be broken down into “three Ps”: profit, people, and the planet.
A life cycle inventory (LCI): This is a phase of an LCA that involves the compilation of data to quantify resource use and emissions for each process in the defined system. A life Cycle Inventory can be compiled in a spreadsheet, statistical package, dedicated LCA software and is often designed to allow for a sensitivity analysis to be carried out in the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) stage (Fraval y otros, 2019) Product: This is the finished good, service or idea that can be offered in a market to satisfy customer needs.
A life cycle assessment (LCA): This is a systematic analysis of the potential environmental impacts of products or services during their entire life cycle. Even if it does not address social or economical aspects, it enables to bring on board all aspects of the construction process that are chained and affect each other on a symbiotic manner.
Sustainable material: This is a material used throughout our consumer and industrial economy that can be produced in required volumes without depleting non-renewable resources and without disrupting the established steady-state equilibrium of the environment and key natural resource systems.
Circularity: This describes economic, technical, and environmental systems that aim to eliminate waste and maximise the reuse of resources. Circularity is mostly associated with material efficiency strategies, however little effort has been made to quantitatively assess the connection between circularity, material efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Sustainability: This is the balance between environment, equity and economy: a productive balance with nature. It is usually evaluated through independent rating systems (LEED, BREEAM, WELL…) which look at their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (from the extraction of raw materials to the end of their life as a product. The product content is analyzed in terms of their ability to be recycled, toxicity (paints, coatings and binders), energy used in the production process, distance to transport the material to the construction site sourcing of raw materials from sustainable sources, etc.