BEAM Plus Existing Buildings

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BEAM PLUS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ)
V ERSION 1.2
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Page 107
including noise break-in from the surrounding environment and noise
produced inside the building, such as from building services equipment
and adjoining premises. Background noise should be limited to a level
which are suitable for the use of the premises in a building development,
expressed as appropriate criteria.
Many Hong Kong buildings are built close to roads and railway lines such
that ground transportation noise impacts on occupants. Noise from fixed
sources and aircraft may also pose a problem for some developments.
The selection and erection of building services systems and equipment
also influences the background noise levels in certain locations, and may
also induce unwanted vibration. The sound insulation properties of floors
and internal walls are crucial in controlling noise propagation inside a
building. It is also necessary to consider how the design of premises
affects speech intelligibility.
6.8 BUILDING AMENITIES IEQ 22 ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY
IEQ 23 AMENITY FEATURES
BACKGROUND In recent years the HKSAR Government has sought to encourage better
building designs through various ‘green and innovative’ features [8,9]
that can enhance the quality of buildings, and has put in place a number
of incentives to encourage the adoption of such features. Provisions that
improve access for users, make for more enjoyable living and working
spaces, and ensure efficient services to meet the needs of users, etc., all
enhance the quality and efficiency of built environments and thereby
ensure buildings are more sustainable.
8 Buildings Department, Lands Department, Planning Department. Joint Practice Note No. 1. Green and Innovative
Buildings
9 Buildings Department, Lands Department, Planning Department. Joint Practice Note No. 2. Second Package of Incentives
to Promote Green and Innovative Buildings