Why Is Sound An Essential Element Of Indoor Environmental Quality?

Acoustics are essential to great design and occupant well-being, comfort, satisfaction, and productivity. 

The first classification of acoustical performance values was developed in the 1990's by UL, the global independent safety science company.  As a result, the bar was raised industry-wide to ensure building owners and occupants could count on receiving the acoustical ceiling performance they specified. 

More so, the development of guidelines for the built environment – like LEED®, WELL Building Standard, and others – highlights the significance of health and wellness for both people and the planet. The importance of acoustics for building occupants is front-and-center as part of the indoor experience and environmental quality. 

We are paving the way by working hand-in-hand with the experts at UL, LEED, and more for the past three decades. At Armstrong, we are acoustics.

Explore more about the impact and importance of sound. 

Temperature Influences Thermal Comfort

Temperature – whether too hot, too cold, or in a constant state of flux – can greatly influence the focus, efficiency, happiness, and performance of people inhabiting indoor spaces. 

Creating an indoor environment optimized for thermal comfort supports the overall health, well-being, and productivity of building occupants. 

Thermal comfort and reduced anergy costs can be achieved by the whole building envelope - including exterior shading, temperature regulating Energy Saving ceilings or sustainable radiant ceiling panels.

Lighting Plays a Critical Role in a Healthy Space.

The right color and brightness can make us feel alert and energized, or make it hard to concentrate and disrupt productivity. Natural, artificial, and reflected light all play a part in how our body and mind perceive the space we are in and impact our cognitive function and performance.

Designing a space with natural light and high light-reflective ceilings will improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The proper integrated lighting will also improve building occupant well-being.

Armstrong recognizes the building industry’s impact on the environment—and the potential outcome for our communities. To ensure a healthy future, Armstrong is embracing carbon reduction as an end-to-end solution that touches every stage of the building lifecycle, from design and material selection to operational efficiency and end-of-life management. 

Armstrong is committed to material disclosure and transparency for our products. Through our SUSTAIN portfolio, we offer ceiling and wall solutions that meet the highest environmental and health standards. Get the information you need to contribute to Green Building Standards.

Design for Healthy Spaces

The design of our built environment affects our health and well-being every day. Throughout our lifespan, building design impacts our quality of life as each space we inhabit evokes feelings - such as rejuvenating energy, instilling calm, or promoting health and healing. Indoor Environmental Quality considerations provide the opportunity to take design to the next level. Architects and designers can bring a more health-informed aspect to their projects through biophilic design, improving air quality, and acoustic and lighting strategies.

Armstrong has a long history of creating beautiful, sustainable, healthy, and design-forward products. We also provide collaborative design assistance to help enhance spaces with our complimentary PROJECTWORKS Design and Pre-Construction Service. As a project journeys from schematic design through material installation, there are three unique services PROJECTWORKS provides to support you through the various construction phases: Design Consultation, Design Service, and Pre-Construction Service.