Evaluation of green walls as a passive acoustic insulation system for buildings

Z. Azkorra, G. Pérez, J. Coma, L. F. Cabeza, S. Bures, J. E. Álvaro, A. Erkoreka, M. Urrestarazu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

191 Scopus citations

Abstract

Greenery on buildings is being consolidated as an interesting way to improve the quality of life in urban environments. Among the benefits that are associated with greenery systems for buildings, such as energy savings, biodiversity support, and storm-water control, there is also noise attenuation. Despite the fact that green walls are one of the most promising building greenery systems, few studies of their sound insulation potential have been conducted. In addition, there are different types of green walls; therefore, available data for this purpose are not only sparse but also scattered. To gather knowledge about the contribution of vertical greenery systems to noise reduction, especially a modular-based green wall, two different standardised laboratory tests were conducted. The main results were a weighted sound reduction index (Rw) of 15 dB and a weighted sound absorption coefficient (α) of 0.40. It could be concluded that green walls have significant potential as a sound insulation tool for buildings but that some design adjustments should be performed, such as improving the efficiency of sealing the joints between the modular pieces.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)46-56
Number of pages11
JournalApplied Acoustics
Volume89
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2015

Keywords

  • Acoustic insulation
  • Airborne sound insulation
  • Hydroponic systems
  • Noise reduction
  • Sound absorption coefficient
  • Vertical greenery systems

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