GBE Energy Saving Noise Reduction (Q+A)

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GBE Energy Saving Noise Reduction (Q+A)
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Question

What energy conservation measure(s) prevent(s) or minimise(s) both energy wastage and noise nuisance at the same time?

Question by R. P. Rammohan Independent Energy Conservation Specialist (since 1990) via LinkedIn

Answer

Airtightness of the external envelope (walls roof and floors)
Airtightness of party or compartment walls and floors
Airtightness of junctions between elements
Airtightness around secondary elements in primary elements (e.g. windows in walls)
Airtight secondary elements (Doors windows rooflights) weatherstripping & sealing ironmongery
Airtightness in thermal insulation materials (but consider moisture permeability)
Air and wind tightness membranes, strips, gommits, sealants
Airtightness around services penetrations in external envelope and interior linings
Insulating Breathing Sheathing boards
Thermally insulating acoustic materials
Acoustically insulating thermal insulation
Thermal and acoustic insulating of internal partitions between different condition zones
Thermal and Acoustic Glazing/Windows/Doors/Rooflights
Acoustic isolation materials in compartment (party) floors

BrianSpecMan

Response By Nelson Brito

Hello Brian, and all.
For the sake of old building users, I must introduce some exceptions in the previous comment, as airtightness is just what it says, and it may prove harmful in contexts like ancient buildings with permeable walls.
Most of the effects stated above can be achieved the “old-school” granny type solutions of draft-proofing using sand rolls by the windows, heavy curtains, and all those things we forgot about while being “modern”. You can find nice references about this in:
http://conservation.historic-scotland.gov.uk/, specially the technical paper on windows, that is great on showing how users can save money

IF they have the SKILL and PRESENCE to use them properly.

In IEA Annex 56 we recently published a draft of “Shinning Examples Brochure”
http://www.iea-annex56.org/Groups/GroupItemID6/Brochure%20shining%20examples.pdf,
where you can find noise reduction as a co-benefit of most interventions in renovations.

BUT
In a recent conversation it was mentioned that the better acoustic behavior in the envelope made people be more aware of their own existing (and not retrofitted) ventilation system.
I think that this may be a very challenging future issue.

Answer

Air tightness and moisture permeability are fundamentally different issues, but confused by the use of vapour barriers as airtightness membranes.
Moisture permeable air tight membranes will solve this issue and work very well in historic buildings.
I will expand on this when I am off this train with limited wifi access

BrianSpecMan