Kang J., Yu C.

Various architectural acoustic materials, including absorbers, insulators, and diffusers, may have similar acoustic performances but very different characteristics in terms of sustainability. In this study, a systematic lifecycle analysis and environmental impact assessment is being made for typical acoustic materials. Several scenarios are considered, including a room with a given reverberation time but different combinations of absorbers; a noise barrier with a constant insertion loss but different materials, and an acoustic enclosure with a given transmission loss but different envelops. Parameters considered include a material’s extraction, production, distribution, use and disposal. Significant differences have been found, both in terms of the individual environmental impact factors and in terms of overall sustainability.