Energy performance
Acoustical ceiling panels with a high light reflectance surface—meaning those with a Light Reflectance (LR) value of 0.83 or higher—can make lighting systems more effective while reducing the amount of energy required to illuminate a room. As a result, they can contribute to the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credit, Optimize Energy Performance.
The benefits of these panels are most significant with indirect lighting systems because the ceiling reflects and distributes light back into the space. For example, fewer fixtures may be needed to obtain a given illumination level, resulting in less energy required to power them. Fewer fixtures can also result in a reduced cooling load.
Daylighting
Acoustical ceiling panels with high light reflectance can also be a factor in the EQ Daylight credit. This is because they help ‘extend’ natural daylighting into a space, resulting in increased occupant satisfaction as well decreased use of artificial lighting.
Conclusion
As this article makes clear, by choosing appropriate acoustical ceilings, green buildings—even those with exposed structures—can be designed to meet the performance and sustainability demands of today’s LEED criteria, while still being sensitive to the needs of those occupying the building tomorrow.
Further, it is important to remember this article focuses on new construction and attainment of LEED certification, the measures to improve the acoustic environment of a space apply equally well to renovations and individual space retrofits, including those in non-LEED buildings. The benefits of improved sound control affect all occupants, regardless of whether a building is certified under the USGBC rating program or not.
Kenneth P. Roy, PhD, FASA, is senior principal research scientist for Armstrong Commercial Ceiling & Wall Systems. In his position, he is responsible for all global research and development in the area of acoustics technology. Roy holds degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Maine and architectural engineering and PhD in acoustics from Pennsylvania State University. He was elected a Fellow in the Acoustical Society of America in 1999. Roy can be reached via e-mail at kproy@armstrong.com.
Nathan Baxter is associate marketing manager for Armstrong Commercial Ceiling & Wall Systems. Prior to his present position, he was a principal designer for the company’s Architectural Specialties Group. In that position, Baxter designed and developed new products from concept through commercialization, and provided design services for custom ceiling projects. He has a degree in industrial design from Philadelphia University. Baxter can be e-mailed at nbaxter@armstrong.com.
