Resolving clashes between net-zero energy and acoustics engineering specifications, to enhance low-carbon building performance, regulatory compliance and future skills. Laws and standards comparison between Italy and UK

Under the CNR (Italy) and RSE (Scotland) joint scientific cooperation agreement, the present project deals with the development and enhancing understanding of the technical clashes and engineering solutions required to deliver net-zero outcomes across diverse construction systems both in new build and retrofit. This paper relates to the comparison between the two research groups about the acoustic and energy standards and low carbon measures in force in the both countries. The sound insulation requirements for residential buildings are mandatory in both Scotland and Italian building regulations. Sound insulation performance compliance is undertaken via on-site testing after completion of construction works whether new build or conversion/change of use. Importantly the specification for energy efficiency changes (and improvements) to the fabric of buildings often clash in terms of the material properties and performance functions for sound insulation. Thus, it is critically important for the specification changes in building materials for energy efficiency do not negatively impact noise and vibration sound insulation and vice versa. This can lead to non-compliance resulting in noise disturbance complaints by building occupants or loss of performance for energy efficiency. The paper characterises some of the regulatory factors, clashes in material outcomes and recommends the importance of multi-factor knowledge and understanding across building performance measures.