On 29 April 2026, International Noise Awareness Day Sownd Affects launched its ‘Sownd Certification scheme’. This claims to. be the ‘world’s first independent standard for audio-inclusive buildings.’.
Sownd Certification says it ‘operates across three tiers. Bronze verifies acoustic performance against ISVR-validated criteria and establishes an audio-inclusive baseline. It is specifier-led and awarded at handover. Silver adds continuous noise monitoring and occupant feedback, owned by the operator. Gold introduces designed soundscapes, acoustic zoning, and inclusive technologies such as Auracast. Verified spaces receive a physical plaque and a listing in the Sownd Certified directory. Bronze certification starts from £750 per year. Pioneer status is reserved for the first 50 businesses globally.’
If tangential to the problems of piped music, this is an encouraging development as it shows growing awareness of noise problems. The venture is supported by the RNID, the main charity for people with hearing problems, as well as several commercial ventures.
New analysis published in Sownd Affects’ special report, The £40 Billion Design Flaw, finds ‘that around 30 million UK adults (roughly 60% of the adult population) are negatively affected by their sound environment. The figure goes well beyond the 18 million people RNID estimates live with hearing loss or tinnitus. It takes in the neurodivergent population, people with misophonia, and the emerging clinical category of ‘hidden hearing loss’. Buildings can pass BS 8233, BREEAM and WELL and still fail these groups. Sownd Certification gives architects, interior designers and acousticians an evidence-based way to specify for them.’