Acoustic Certification: when it is required and how to obtain it

The construction and redevelopment of structures and buildings today require a series of obligations, starting from the compliance of building materials up to acoustic certification. Regarding the latter, let us see what requirements and rules must be followed, as imposed by current regulations, to obtain it.

Acoustic Certification: When It Is Mandatory

The reference Italian regulation is the D.P.C.M. of December 5, 1997, titled “Determination of Passive Acoustic Requirements of Buildings” (published in Official Gazette No. 297 on 22-12-97). It is a fundamental Italian regulation regarding building insulation and acoustic performance. It establishes the minimum acoustic protection requirements that must be met to ensure living comfort and reduce noise exposure in buildings, protecting users from excessive noise exposure, both internal and external.

The D.P.C.M. of December 5, 1997, does not introduce an explicit obligation for formal “acoustic certification,” but the performance requirements defined in it must be verified through measurements and technical tests conducted by qualified professionals. In practice, compliance with the decree serves as a reference for any certifications or checks in legal or administrative contexts. Over time, proposals to update and complete these provisions have been made, but the 1997 D.P.C.M. remains a regulatory cornerstone in Italy for building acoustics.

However, the mandatory nature of acoustic certification depends on the context. Firstly, the regulation specifies specific acoustic requirements for buildings with sensitive uses, such as schools, hospitals, hotels, and offices. Buildings are divided into different categories (e.g., residential, hotel, hospital, school, industrial), and for each category, performance limit values are set. For example, for residential buildings, the decree establishes a minimum facade acoustic insulation of 40 dB and acoustic insulation between housing units of at least 50 dB.

Another important aspect to consider is that acoustic certification is mandatory for newly constructed buildings and significant renovations that alter the acoustic characteristics of the building. Therefore, the decree is binding for all new buildings and significant renovations. Designers, builders, and project managers must ensure that acoustic requirements are met.

It should also be noted that some Italian regions, such as Lombardy, have introduced the obligation of acoustic certification in case of sale or rental, even though there is no national obligation, while others have introduced the possibility of voluntary classification of a building’s acoustic performance, similar to energy classification (classes ranging from I to IV). In these cases, the acoustic certificate can be used to increase the commercial value of the property.

Acoustic Certification: Qualified Technicians and Penalties

These measurements are carried out using specific tools and methodologies and must be conducted by a qualified technician, such as an engineer or architect with expertise in acoustics.

The certificate must then be prepared by a qualified professional, such as a technician registered with the relevant professional board with expertise in environmental acoustics, or a professional accredited according to regional regulations (where applicable).

Failure to comply with acoustic requirements or the absence of acoustic certification may lead to legal disputes in the event of issues between the buyer and seller, as well as the obligation to implement corrective measures to bring the property into compliance.