The development of a Spanish acoustic classification scheme for residential, sanitary and docent buildings: Challenges and potential impact

Abstract

Sound insulation requirements for buildings have existed in Spain since 1981, although it has not been until 2009 when such regulations have been upgraded and modified to correspond to the acoustic performance of the building. Ten years later a new challenge knocks on the door of the Spanish building sector: the development of an acoustic classification scheme for private and public residential buildings as well as sanitary and docent buildings. This paper deals with the development of the PNE UNE 74201 (Acoustic Classification Scheme for Buildings) and includes an analysis of the potential impact on the Spanish building sector as well as recommendations for the future update of the existing regulations.