Implementation and evaluation of ASHRAE’s acoustic Performance Measurement Protocols

Abstract

In 2010, ASHRAE published the Performance Measurement Protocols for Commercial Buildings (PMP), which define a standardized method of measuring and analyzing building performance in six different categories, including energy, water, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustics. Each category within the PMP has three levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced), and with each level, depth of analysis and exploration into building performance increase. This research addresses the basic-, intermediate-, and advanced-level measurements within the acoustics section of the PMP. Tasks prescribed by the PMP were implemented in two diverse buildings located in Laramie, WY, with the goal of testing the protocol and sharing lessons learned. Based on experiences in performing the protocol for these buildings, we assess the protocol’s procedures in the acoustics section. The study found that many tasks prescribed by the procedures are helpful in determining the acceptability of acoustics within a building; however, many tasks, especially at the intermediate and advanced levels, were complex, and some did not yield results that were comparable to satisfactory/unsatisfactory criteria or were not comparable from one scenario to another. Additionally, references to applicable standards and measurement procedures should be updated or added in future editions of the Performance Measurement Protocols.

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by ASHRAE through ASHRAE Research Project 1702. The authors thank ASHRAE for financial support. Also, the authors appreciate the Project Monitoring Subcommittee for their advice on this research project.