Welcome to the dBx Acoustics jargon buster! In this section, we list some common acoustic terms as well as standards and guidance you may be asked to comply with. If there’s something you need to know that we haven’t covered here, please let us know.
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) is a comprehensive document setting out the acoustic requirements for the design of schools. BB93 forms part of the Building Regulations applying to school buildings, and applies to new builds, refurbishment and extensions.
BB93 sets performance standards for noise levelsand reverberation times within rooms, and acoustic separation between rooms, dependent on the type of room and the adjacent space.
Research has shown that good acoustic conditions have a significant effect on educational outcomes; BB93 is intended to ensure that pupils are not hindered by high noise levels or by not being able to clearly hear the teacher. Enhanced guidance is also provided to support children with additional needs, which includes not only hearing impairments, but also sensory processing disorders such as Autism, and those for whom English is a second language.