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How do acoustic louvres contribute to sustainable construction?

Acoustic louvres can help meet sustainability certifications by reducing noise pollution and facilitating airflow.

Topics covered:

  • Dual function of acoustic louvres and how this contributes to energy reduction.
  • How material and coating selections can contribute to longevity and sustainability.
  • The role of Life Cycle Assessments in specifying sustainable acoustic louvres.
  • The sustainable certifications that acoustic louvres can help achieve.

Acoustic louvres are often overlooked in environmental design, yet they play a vital role in reducing noise pollution, supporting passive ventilation, and helping projects meet sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and WELL.

What are common sustainability terms used in construction?

Noise Control and Well Being

Acoustic louvres serve a dual purpose, providing passive sound attenuation while allowing airflow. They also contribute to healthier environments as excessive noise from HVAC equipment is recognised as an environmental pollutant that affects well-being AND productivity.

Passive Ventilation and Energy Reduction

By facilitating the free flow of fresh air in and out of the building, this reduces the load on HVAC systems, lowering operational energy use and associated carbon emissions. 

Material Selection and Coatings

Material and coating selection also play a key role in specifying sustainable acoustic louvres. Aluminium acoustic louvres with a high recycled content can reduce embodied carbon. Regarding coatings, durable powder-coated finishes extend the service life up to a minimum of 25 years, and anodised finishes provide robust protection against corrosion in coastal or industrial environments, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over the building’s life cycle.

Life cycle assessments (LCA) increasingly influence procurement decisions, and acoustic louvres that demonstrate long-term durability and recyclability can contribute positively to a building’s environmental product declarations (EPDs).

What are life cycle assessments?

Certifications

When specified and installed correctly, acoustic louvres can help projects achieve credits in the following sustainability frameworks.

  • BREEAM recognises effective noise control as part of its Health and Wellbeing and Pollution categories.
  • WELL Building Standard includes acoustic comfort as a fundamental requirement for occupant wellbeing.

By selecting high-performance, durable acoustic louvres early in the design process, architects can contribute to a project’s environmental and social sustainability.