This document describes criteria and procedures for acoustic classification of dwellings.

The purpose of this document is to make it easier for developers to specify a classified level of acoustic quality for a dwelling, and help users and builders to be informed about the acoustic conditions and define increased acoustic quality. The document can also be applied as a general tool to characterize the quality of the existing housing stock and includes provisions for classifying the acoustic quality before and after renovation has taken place. By the acoustic quality for a dwelling is understood the quality of the acoustic performances typically included in building regulations, e.g. sound insulation towards neighbouring premises and road traffic as well as sound from service equipment. Sound insulation and room acoustics internally in a dwelling are not included in the acoustic classes defined.

This document does not have a legal status in a country, unless decided by its own authorities. However, an additional purpose of this document is to help national authorities and standardization organisations to develop or revise national building regulations and acoustic classification schemes.

For the purpose of this document, the term ”dwellings” refers to detached and attached dwelling-houses, buildings with several flats as well as individual dwellings, and a dwelling is the living space for a household.