Comparative analysis of Russian, foreign, and international regulatory requirements for airborne sound insulation in civil buildings

Introduction. The impact of indoor noise on human health has been confirmed by systematic reviews and recognized as a risk factor by WHO. Existing comparative studies have predominantly focused on European contexts and have not incorporated criteria from green building certification systems. This paper presents a comparative analysis of regulatory requirements for airborne sound insulation of internal building partitions in 43 countries, along with acoustic criteria of WELL, BREEAM, and LEED.

Materials and methods. A mathematical conversion of national sound insulation indices was performed, reducing them to a unified equivalent in-situ index R′w based on generalized relationships from ISO/FDIS 19488.

Results. At least seven distinct regulatory indices are used globally. For inter-apartment partitions, the median R′w was 52 dB (range: 43–58 dB), with the Russian standard (R′w ≥ 50 dB) falling within the median range. The Russian regulatory framework features a deeper typological classification compared to WELL, BREEAM, and LEED.

Conclusions. At least seven distinct regulatory indices are used globally. For inter-apartment partitions, the median R′w was 52 dB (range: 43–58 dB), with the Russian standard (R′w ≥ 50 dB) falling within the median range. The Russian regulatory framework features a deeper typological classification compared to WELL, BREEAM, and LEED.

1. Alikhadzhieva A.S. The impact of the modern environmental situation on human health: legal aspects, challenges and solutions. Bulletin of Prikamsky Social Institute. 2024; 1(97):15-21. EDN AULXPA. (rus.).

2. Mu J., Li P., Qin Zh., Feng Y., Zhang Ch. The effects of indoor acoustic and visual environments on the mental health of older adults : a systematic review. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 2025; 12(1):1716. DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05981-8. EDN KDSYZE.

3. Cui P., Li T., Xia Zh., Dai Ch. Research on the Effects of Soundscapes on Human Psychological Health in an Old Community of a Cold Region. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(12):7212. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127212. EDN XJHFEX.

4. Sailer U., Hassenzahl M. Assessing noise annoyance: An improvement-oriented approach. Ergonomics. 2000; 43(11):1920-1938. DOI: 10.1080/00140130050174545

5. Banbury S.P., Berry D.C. Office noise and employee concentration: Identifying causes of disruption and potential improvements. Ergonomics. 2025; 48(1):25-37. DOI: 10.1080/00140130412331311390

6. Bluhm G.L., Berglind N., Nordling E., Rosenlund M. Road traffic noise and hypertension. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2007; 64(2):122-126. DOI: 10.1136/oem.2005.025866

7. Lamb S., Kwok K.C.S. A longitudinal investigation of work environment stressors on the performance and wellbeing of office workers. Applied Ergonomics. 2016; 52:104-111. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.07.010

8. Fyhri A., Aasvang G.M. Noise, sleep and poor health: Modeling the relationship between road traffic noise and cardiovascular problems. Science of The Total Environment. 2010; 408(21):4935-4942. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.06.057

9. Mercugliano A., Corbani A., Bigozzi L., Vettori G., Incognito O. The effects of classroom acoustic quality on student perception and wellbeing : a systematic review across educational levels. Frontiers in Psychology. 2025; 16. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1586997. EDN SEYIYX.

10. Eriksson L.J. A brief social history of active noise control in ducts. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 1998; 104:1807. DOI: 10.1121/1.423598

11. Zhao Yu., Yang Q., Yuan P. Analysis of the Acoustic Environment of Typical Residential Areas along a Light Rail Line Based on GIS. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2020; 2020(1). DOI: 10.1155/2020/4832892. EDN SHKLPF.

12. Lawrence B.T., Heying D., Gruehn D. The Influence of Green Infrastructure on the Acoustic Environment: A Conceptual and Methodological Basis for Quiet Area Assessment in Urban Regions. Conservation. 2025; 5(2):22. DOI: 10.3390/conservation5020022. EDN DESUNI.

13. Tsukernikov I.E., Shubin I.L., Nevenchannaya T.O. Designing of industrial sound protection. Memoirs of the Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University. 2017; 5:1751415. EDN YPDDCT. (rus.).

14. Nikolsky V.N., Osipov G.L., Timofeev A.K. Domestic and foreign standards for sound insulation. Hygiene and Sanitation. 1960; 9. (rus.).

15. Rasmussen B. Sound insulation between dwellings — Requirements in building regulations in Europe. Applied Acoustics. 2010; 71(4):373-385. DOI: 10.1016/j.apacoust.2009.08.011

16. Rasmussen B., Machimbarrena M. COST Action TU0901 — Building acoustics throughout Europe. Vol. 1. DiScript Preimpresion. 2014.

17. Scholl W., Lang J., Wittstockh V. Rating of Sound Insulation at Present and in Future. The Revision of ISO 717. Acta Acustica united with Acustica. 2011; 97(4):686-698. DOI: 10.3813/aaa.918448

18. Hongisto V., Mäkilä M., Suokas M. Satisfaction with sound insulation in residential dwellings — the effect of wall construction. Building and Environment. 2015; 85:309-320. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.12.010

19. Umniakova N.P., Shubin I.L., Shmarov I.A., Smirnov V.A. Ensuring favorable conditions in the wards of infectious diseases hospitals in the context of a coronavirus pandemic. Housing Construction. 2021; 3:3-12. DOI: 10.31659/0044-4472-2021-3-3-11. EDN ZOPPDQ. (rus.).

20. Greenland E., Harvie-Clark Ja., James A., Shield B. Universal acoustic design for schools: an evidence based approach. Applied Acoustics. 2026; 242:111055. DOI: 10.1016/j.apacoust.2025.111055. EDN DAZPHU.

21. Rasmussen B., Carrascal T., Secchi S. A Comparative Study of Acoustic Regulations for Hospital Bedrooms in Selected Countries in Europe. Buildings. 2023; 13(3):578. DOI: 10.3390/buildings13030578. EDN DYSKZX.

22. Mackenzie R., Sean Smith R., Steel C., Mackenzie R. Sound insulation standards in the UK: A decade of change. Canadian Acoustics. 2011; 39(3).

23. Adamczyk E., Marsh D.E. Comparison of acoustical standards and guidelines used in the USA, UK and Europe. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2005; 118:1841. DOI: 10.1121/1.4778434

24. Telichenko V., Benuzh A., Rud N., Vasilyev M., Kanev N. Indoor and outdoor acoustic comfort for healthy and sustainable living environment design. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2023; 2791:050045. DOI: 10.1063/5.0143456