Aligning acoustics, sustainability, and well-being through Standards and Guidelines

Acoustics play a critical role in sustainable and human-centered design, yet the processes for integrating them into early design stages are often overlooked. This session explores how standards and guidelines—such as those by ISO, ASHRAE, and USGBC—are being leveraged to deliver more robust frameworks, providing structured approaches for benchmarking performance and evaluating indoor environmental quality (IEQ). By aligning acoustical design with broader sustainability and well-being goals, the discussion highlights strategies to address occupant health, productivity, and environmental performance. Emphasis will be placed on integrating acoustical mapping, life-cycle analysis, and performance metrics into sustainability-focused projects, demonstrating how standards and guidelines can inform decision-making. Attendees will leave with insights into applying these tools to streamline acoustical design, improve IEQ performance, and support emerging priorities around ESG and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).