Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) is a set of guidelines first published by the Department for Education in 2003. It was last updated in 2015. The document sets out minimum performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings.
Company director Adrian James was one of the two original authors of BB93. As a recognised expert he continues to advise government departments and several county councils. Adrian’s experience has led to Adrian James Acoustics being commissioned to design and test the acoustics of numerous schools, both in the state and independent sectors.
As for the BB93 document itself, it covers subjects such as new build and refurbished structures, planning, fire standards for acoustic materials, reverberation, ventilation and permissible levels of ambient noise.
There are also stringent regulations providing for children with special hearing or communication needs. These are set out in Chapter Six of the document and are an area in which Adrian James has particular expertise.
The 43-page document includes tables which describe limitations on noise levels.
In addition the paper contains explanatory diagrams.
This set of standards forms a reference point when designing and testing school acoustics. Ultimately BB93 exists for the wellbeing of the pupils and Adrian James Acoustics has been a key player in its success.
For over 25 years AJA has been responsible for hundreds of educational projects, with our most recent designs including sites in Barnet, Slough and Sevenoaks. Our thorough understanding of BB93 ensures that the prescribed standards not only can be met but are frequently surpassed.
Please contact us at admin@adrianjamesacoustics.co.uk if you would like any further information about BB93 and our role in successful school design.