From lab to building: the challenge of implementing sustainable acoustic absorbing materials

Abstract Despite a growing volume of scientific research that assesses the performance of sustainable acoustically absorbing materials, their adoption in practical building applications remains relatively limited. Many innovations in this area of research remain restricted to research laboratories or prototype installations. This raises a critical question: Why have so few of these promising materials been integrated into mainstream construction practices? The purpose of this work is threefold. Firstly, it reviews gaps in the common experimental and material characterisation practices. Secondly, it proposes a new rigorous 12 step procedure for the characterisation of new sustainable materials to demonstrate scientifically their acoustic benefits over existing commercial products. Thirdly, it describes key barriers for practical adoption. This work is a critical step towards more harmonised procedures to reduce time between laboratory trials of a new acoustic product and its widespread adoption by an active industry player or through a new startup.