Acoustics requirements and regulations comparison between National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB-Germany)
Arabela May D. Placer
Acoustics requirements and regulations comparison between National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB-Germany)
Arabela May D. Placer
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
Puerto Princesa City
Introduction quality of buildings from various angles. It falls under
the sociocultural and functional quality topic, emphasizing
Acoustic is a term that refers to the properties of sound and aspects like health, comfort, user satisfaction, and
how it is produced, transmitted, and received. When functionality. Specifically, soc1.3 focuses on acoustic
architects are sketching out spots like concert halls or comfort—a critical factor in creating pleasant and
recording studios, acoustics take center stage. It's about productive indoor spaces.
nailing the room dimensions, selecting the right materials, NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
and strategically placing sound-absorbing elements to (PD 1096)
elevate the sound experience. However, the influence of To article i (noise control regulations), chapter iv
acoustics extends beyond the creation of beautiful sounds; (miscellaneous regulations), rules and regulations of the
it also ventures into the realm of noise reduction, national pollution control commission (1978).
addressing the need for acoustic solutions that harmonize
with both auditory aesthetics and practical considerations Pursuant to the provision of section (5) of presidential
in diverse settings. In essence, acoustics, whether in the decree 984 and section iii of its implementing rules and
rhythmic notes of music or the carefully calculated design regulations, the national pollution control commission
of spaces, unveils itself as a multidimensional field hereby amends section 75 to 78, article 1, chapter iv of the
weaving together science, art, and functionality. said rules and regulations as follows:
Acoustics requirements comparison between National Sec. 75. General requirements and restrictions the
Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and Deutsche following shall be the general requirements and restrictions
Gesellschaft Für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) is a on noise level and control:
complex task that involves analyzing various criteria and (a) best practicable technology-the best avail- able
indicators related to sound quality, noise control, and and practicable technology shall be used to noise
acoustic comfort. The nbcp provides minimum standards emissions.
for building design and construction in the philippines, (b) noise level violations-no person shall build
while the dgnb is a voluntary certification system for erect, construct, install, or implant any new sound
sustainable buildings in germany. The acronym “dgnb” source, or operate, modify, or rebuild an existing
Stands for “deutsche gesellschaft für nachhaltiges bauen”, source, or by any other means cause or undertake
which translates to “german sustainable building council” any activity, which would result in the emission of
In english. The difference in the initial letters is due to the noise, or which will as determined. By the
translation from german to english. In german, the word commission, result in ambient noise levch greater
order and grammar are different, which is why the than the ambient standards or a level that could
acronym doesn’t directly correspond to the english cause adverse effect on the public. Neither shall
translation. It’s a common occurrence in acronyms that he [emit or] cause or suffer to be emitted noise-
span multiple languages.both codes aim to ensure that greater in volume, intensity, or quality than the
buildings meet the needs and expectations of their levels prescribed for [tolerance] allowable noise
occupants and users, as well as contribute to environmental without obtaining a clearance from the
protection and social responsibility. However, there are commission. Any person who shall do any such
significant differences in the scope, methodology, and activity without a valid clearance shall be liable
evaluation of acoustics requirements between the two under these rules and regulations.
codes, which require careful consideration and adaptation 7545
when applying them to a specific project or context.
(c) malfunction reporting-in the event of failure or
Discussion breakdown of any emission source, noise
pollution control equipment, or related facility in
The National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) such a manner as to cause the emission of noise
addresses noise pollution control in industrial level in violation of these rules and regulations,
establishments. According to section 906 of the code, the person in charge of such source, equipment or
industrial facilities must be equipped with positive noise facility shall notify the commission in writing
abatement devices to reduce the noise level generated by within 24 hours of such failure or breakdown, '
equipment and machinery. These devices aim to meet indicating all pertinent facts and other relevant
acceptable limits set by the department of labor and information including the estimated duration of
the national pollution control commission. Ensuring noise breakdown, the steps taken, if any to correct the
control is crucial for creating comfortable and productive defects, and thereafter to submit to a report
indoor environments, benefiting both occupants and the whether such are equipment or facility has
overall community. Architects, designers, engineers, resumed operation.
building owners, and contractors all share the common
goal of occupant well-being, and adhering to acoustic Sec. 76. Prohibited acts.-the following shall constitute as
standards helps achieve this objective. prohibited acts punishable under these rules and
regulations:
On the other hand, the soc1.3 criterion is a vital component
of the dgnb system, which aims to assess the overall
(a) operation of sound reproduction devices.- no person Class AA---a section or contiguous area which required
shall operate or use or cause to be operated any sound quietness, such as areas within 100 meters from school
reproduction device for any of the following purposes: sites, nursery schools, hospitals, and special homes for the
(1) to attract attention to any performance, show, aged.
sale, display or merchandise in connection with Class A---a section or contigious area which is primarily
any commercial or business enterprise in- cluding used for residential purposes.
those engaged in the sale of radios, television sets, Class B---a section or continguous area which zoned or
phonographs, tape recorders, phono- graph used as a heavy industrial area.
records or tapes, in front or outside of any
business building, place or premises, abutting or Class C---a section primarily zoned or used as a light
adjacent to a public street, part or place, or in or industrial area.
upon any vehicle operated, standing or being in or Class D---a section which is primarily reserved, zoned or
on any public street, park or place from any stand, used as a heavy industrial area.
platform or other structure, or from any airplane (b) ambient noise levels. The maxi- mum allowable noise
or other device used for flying, or on boat, or the levels in general areas shall be those as indicated in table i.
public streets, parks or places, except the Table I.
incidental sound for which a permit has been Environmental quality standards for noise in general areas
issued. Category of Morning
Daytime Nightime
(2) to make noise emanating from the sound area and evening
reproduction device, while on railroad or ferry or Aa 50 db 45 db 40 db
any other public conveyance, audible to another A 55 db 50 db 45 db
person. B 65 db 60 db 55 db
to create unnecessary noise, except when the
(3)
C 70 db 65 db 60 db
noise is a result of the operation of use of any D 75 db 70 db 65 db
claxon or air horn installed in a motor vehicle to General areas
signal imminent danger, or of any stream whistle For areas directly facing a public transportation route or an
attached to any stationary boiler to give notice of urban traffic artery, the foregoing stand- ards plus a
the mind to start and stop work or to signal correction factor equi- valent to the following shall apply:
imminent danger.
i-Areas directly fronting or facing a four-lane road--+5 dba.
(b) animal noise-no person shall permit un animal or pet, ii-areas directly fronting
including birds, under his control to cause unnecessary or facing a four-lane or wider road--+ 10dba
noise.
(c) noise standards for sound re production devices.
(e) construction, commercial and industrial activities-no
person shall engage in or permit any person to be engaged (1) the noise level emitted from sound
in construction, com- mercial and industrial activities reproduction devices install- ed in a building, or
where excessive noise is created, except when such an establishment within or abutting a public place
activities are for the purpose of aveting disasters or other such as a public road, street, thoroughfare, park,
emer- guarding public safety or protecting national in- plaza or place requested by people or pedestrians,
gencies, preventing danger to human life, safe- terest and shall not exceed 75 dba measured at one meter
similar incidents. directly in front of the speaker, or the ambient
(d) handling containers and construction ma- terials. No stand- ard when measured at the property line or
person shall handle, transport or cause to be handled or doorway of the building or establishment wherein
transported in any public place, any container or the point source is located, whichever is ap-
construction material in such a way as to create propriate.
unnecessary noise. (2) these limits shall not apply to incidental
(e) exhaust noise. No person shall cause or permit the sounds greater than 75 aba emanating from a sport,
discharge into the open air of the ex- haust of any steam enter- tainment or a public event for which a
engine, diesel engine, internal combustion engine, turbine permit has been issued.
engine or similar device, so as to create unnecessary noise
(d) noise standards for construction activities.
in excess of 90 db measured on acceleration at 10 meters
distance: (1) the maximum noise level that shall be allowed
(f). Noise emission near school, hospital, courts. No person from specific cons- truction activities as classified
shall cause or permit the creation of any unnecessary noise in paragraph (2) below measured at a distance of
through the use of any device on any street adjacent to any 30 meters from the noise source shall be as
hospital, school or court of justice. follows:
Sec. 77. Noise-sensitive zone.-the commission, in Class 1 ---------90 dba
consultation with appropriate government agencies, may Class 2 ---------85 dba
designate noise-sensitive zones in any geographical area in Class 3-4-------75 dba
the country where no person shall noise. (2) the foregoing standards shall apply to the
Cause the creation of unnecessary following construction activities:
Sec. 78. Ambient [noise] quality and emis- sion standards Class 1-work which requires pile drivers
for noise- (excluding manual type), file extractors, reveting
hammers or combination thereof. This classi-
(a) Classification of General Areas:
fication does not include work in which pile
For purposes of establishing ambient noise qua- lity
drivers are used in com- bination with earth
standards, areas within any city, region or center of urban
augers.
living shall be classified by the commission as follows:
Class 2-work which requires rock (3) construction account. The recommendations for sound protection and
activities.-no per- drills, or similar equipment like son shall acoustical design in offices must be complied with and
engage in or permit any jack hammers or pavement documented for room acoustics classes a, b or c. Noise
breakers. Person to be engaged in construct damping measures in individual offices can be assessed on
Class 3-work which requires airion activities in class aa, a the basis of the reverberation time. The reverberation time
and b compressor (limited to those com- pressors which in furnished rooms when in use is extremely dependent on
use power other than electric motors with a rated output of the distribution of sound-absorbing surfaces within the
15 kw or more). Air compressors powering rock drills, jack room, the furnishings and the number and type of objects
hammers, pavement breakers are excluded. used. This indicator therefore evaluates whether basic
noise damping of the room has been ensured via the sound
Class 4-operation involving batch- ing plant (limited to absorption of the room.
those with a mixer capacity of 0.5 or more cubic meters) The classification refers to offices that have been
and/or asphalt plants (li- mited to those with mixer capacity constructed and are ready for occupancy but are not
of 200 kg. Or more). Batching plants for the making of occupied. Alternatively, verification for completed
mortar are ex- cluded. Areas as indicated in paragraph "9" projects can be carried out via measurements in accordance
Above from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am for work activities with the standard
classified as class 1-2 and from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am for Method of din en iso 3382-2 in an unoccupied empty or
work activities classified as class 3-4: Provided however furnished state.
that this pro- hibition does not apply during work in an
emergency, disaster, or cala- mity or when there is a valid Indicator 3: Multi-person offices with an area of more than
permit issued by a proper authority." 40 m². In particular, this indicator takes multi-person
offices with an area of more than 40 m² into account. The
DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT FÜR NACHHALTIGES recommendations for sound protection and acoustical
BAUEN (DGNB-GERMANY) design in offices must be complied with and documented
Depending on the size and usage of a room, different For room acoustics classes a, b and c with regard to the
measures may be necessary to achieve good acoustic reverberation time. The additional parameters used in these
conditions. In rooms designed for spoken communication, guidelines refer exclusively to the acoustic conditions of
the focus is on a good level of speech intelligibility the room in conjunction with the furniture. If no
between the positions of the speakers and the positions of information regarding the tenant fit out is available, the
the listeners. In call centres and in dining rooms, achieving tenant fit out can only be treated as without absorbing
a low background noise level and good speech furnishings. Multi-person offices must be assessed over the
intelligibility over short distances is prioritised. In music reverberation time. Simply assessing the room acoustics
rooms, promoting the music experience throughout the conditions on the basis of the room damping is not
room takes priority. Compliance with the different considered to be meaningful. In the case of large multi-
requirements described in the dgnb criterion is required in person offices, the a-weighted sound pressure level of
order to achieve good room acoustic conditions in speech at a distance of 4 m lp,a,s,4m in db and the decay
accordance with the use of the rooms. Acoustic comfort is rate of speech in the room d2,s in db must be used for the
evaluated via several individual indicators on the basis of classification process; these can only be documented via
the different room types. The basis of the evaluation is the room acoustics simulations. In large multi-person offices,
specifications of din 18041:2016-03 "Acoustic quality in highly comfortable room acoustics conditions can only be
rooms", alternatively the local standard may be used. If a achieved in open office structures with a sound-absorbing
detailed acoustic simulation is carried out, additional points ceiling and measures for shielding between workstation
can be achieved in the criterion. When evaluating the groups. As sound-absorbing areas on the ceiling have a
acoustic comfort, the rooms specified in the indicators are significantly higher impact in terms of sound propagation
relevant for the analysis (din 18041:2016-03: Rooms in damping than those on the floor, additional points can be
group a and b, individual offices and multi-person offices awarded for these. Comfortable room acoustics conditions
in accordance with room acoustics classes a, b and c. Any can also be achieved with floor-to-ceiling room dividers
other permitted alternative verification options are listed in which absorb sound on both sides, and in this case the
the relevant indicators. additional points for sound absorption areas on the ceiling
Indicator 1: Acoustic concept formulated during the and the room dividers can be awarded. Alternatively,
planning process verification for completed projects can be carried out via
Indicator 1.1: Creation of a room acoustics concept that is measurements in accordance with the standard method of
updated during the planning process. din en iso 3382-2 in an unoccupied empty or furnished
state.
Rooms have different acoustics requirements depending on
their use. Careful planning is required to ensure good yet Indicator 4: Rooms in accordance with din 18041:2016-03
cost-effective, use-specific room acoustics. The objective (room group a1–a5) with special requirements in terms of
is therefore to create an acoustic concept as early as speech intelligibility (such as meeting rooms, seminar
Possible during the planning process (room acoustics rooms or classrooms). For meeting or seminar rooms, the
concept in accordance with german fee structure for room acoustics recommendations for the building uses of
architects and engineers (hoai)). The concept takes into room groups a1–a5 in accordance with din 18041:2016-03
account both architectural planning and interaction with "Acoustic quality in rooms – specifications and
other construction tasks. The concept contains room groups instructions for the room acoustic design" Must be
a and b in accordance with din 18041:2016-03. This calculated and their compliance with the requirements must
prevents the need to make subsequent, and generally cost- be documented. The room groups that are to be
intensive, improvements to the room acoustics. documented are described in table 1 of din 18041:2016-03.
Noise damping measures in rooms for "Speech/lecture" Or
Indicator 2: Individual offices and multi-person offices up
"Teaching/communication" Can be assessed on the basis of
to an area of 40 m². In particular, this indicator takes office
the reverberation time in furnished rooms with 80%
rooms and multi-person offices up to an area of 40 m² into
occupancy. Verification is carried out via calculation of the
reverberation time of the room under consideration while Compliance with the requirements for inclusion
furnished and with 80% occupancy in accordance with the 5.1 "Rooms with recommendations in accordance with din
calculation specifications of din 18041:2016-03. The 18041:2016-03 (building uses b3–b5) with special
values used for sound absorption of persons and requirements for noise reduction and/or room acoustics
furnishings must be documented. If all requirements for comfort (such as cafeterias, libraries or break rooms)"
inclusive use in accordance with din 18041:2016-03 are Compliance with the recommendations for the a/v ratio in
additionally complied with, this will be evaluated the frequency range 250–2000 hz as a minimum.
positively. Alternatively, verification can be carried out via
measurements in accordance with the standard method of COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
din en iso 3382-2 in an unoccupied furnished state. An The national building code of the philippines (nbcp) and
occupancy level of 80% must be taken into account in the the deutsche gesellschaft für nachhaltiges bauen (dgnb)
calculations. acoustic regulations represent distinct approaches to
Indicator 5: Rooms with recommendations in accordance addressing noise concerns in the built environment. The
with din 18041:2016-03 (building use b3–b5) with special nbcp, specific to the philippines, centers its regulations on
requirements for noise reduction and/or room acoustics noise pollution control in industrial settings. It sets ambient
comfort (such as cafeterias, libraries or break rooms) the noise levels and emission standards, prohibiting various
room damping in rooms of building usage types b3–b5 acts contributing to noise pollution. The focus is on
with special requirements for noise reduction and/or the specific areas and activities, ensuring compliance with
room acoustics comfort is implemented via the predetermined standards to safeguard public health and
reverberation time while furnished and with 50% well-being. The nbcp emphasizes regulatory control, with
occupancy level, in Accordance with din 18041. documentation and verification procedures in case of
Compliance with the recommendations for the a/v ratio in malfunctions or violations.
the frequency range 250–2000 hz is required to achieve In contrast, the dgnb acoustic regulations take a more
good room acoustics conditions. The room groups are holistic and international approach. Developed by a
described in table 2 of the din standard. The values used german organization with a global perspective on
for sound absorption of persons and furnishings must be sustainable building, the dgnb criterion evaluates the
documented. Alternatively, verification can be carried out overall quality of buildings, including sociocultural and
via measurements in accordance with the standard method functional aspects such as acoustic comfort. Unlike the
of din en iso 3382-2 in an unoccupied furnished state. An nbcp's emphasis on industrial noise, the dgnb considers
occupancy level of 50% must be taken into account in the various room types, providing specific indicators for
calculations. As an alternative to indicators 1–5: compliance with standards like din 18041:2016-03. The
Completion of a detailed acoustic simulation conventional dgnb integrates a comprehensive set of indicators,
statistical calculation methods can be used to determine including the formulation of acoustic concepts, compliance
average reverberation time values that are Sufficient for with room acoustics classes, and detailed acoustic
assessing rooms with typical uses and geometries. For simulations.
rooms with special geometries and requirements in terms Conclusion
of room acoustics quality, detailed calculation methods
with location-specific parameters are required to develop In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of
optimal room acoustics conditions. Room acoustics regulatory frameworks in shaping acoustic environments
simulation calculations can be used to determine the within buildings. The national building code of the
effectiveness of room acoustics measures in detail and philippines (nbcp) focuses on mandatory noise control
check and evaluate even the more complex room acoustics measures in industrial settings, emphasizing compliance
conditions. with defined standards. On the other hand, the deutsche
Indicator 6: Agenda 2030 bonus – stress reduction, health gesellschaft für nachhaltiges bauen (dgnb) system adopts a
and well-being. Long-term exposure to noise can have a voluntary, comprehensive approach, assessing acoustic
huge impact on our cardiovascular system and sleeping comfort in various building types. Both frameworks
patterns, and can lead to diseases such as high blood highlight the importance of considering occupant well-
pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The objective is being and fostering environments that align with
therefore to achieve a high level of acoustic quality and established standards. Architects, designers, and building
comfort for building users in order to minimise noise levels professionals play pivotal roles in implementing these
as a harmful factor. The minimum requirement for regulations, ultimately contributing to the creation of
awarding points is that the quality listed below has been indoor spaces that prioritize health, comfort, and overall
achieved and confirmed via measurements in indicators 2– functionality.
5.
References
2.1 "Individual offices and multi-person offices up to 40
m²/compliance with the requirements for reverberation Dgnb system – new buildings criteria set. (2020b). Soc1.3 /
times" at least: Compliance with the basic requirements of acoustic comfort. Germany. pdf
indicator 2
Npcc memorandum circular no. 0022 series of 1980. (1980,
3.1 "Multi-person offices larger than 40 m²/compliance october 6). The national building code (p.d. 1096). Manila.
with the requirements for reverberation times" pdf
At least: Compliance with the basic requirements of
indicator 3
4.1 "Rooms in accordance with din 18041:2016-03 (room
group a1–a5) with special requirements in terms of speech
intelligibility (such as meeting rooms, seminar rooms or
classrooms)/compliance with the requirements for the
reverberation time t target"
