Sownd Affects introduces Sownd Certification, a new standard for audio-inclusive buildings that enables architects and designers to specify acoustic performance beyond compliance.

Julian Treasure delivering his key note speech on how sound affects health and behaviour at the launch event in London.

In London on 28 April 2026 (the eve of International Noise Awareness Day), Sownd Affects launched Sownd Certification, the world’s first independent standard for audio-inclusive buildings, at an invitation-only reception at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) The framework is designed to be specified at RIBA Stages 1 and 2 and sits alongside BREEAM, WELL and PAS 6463.

Five pioneer practices have committed their head offices to the certification:

• Oscar Acoustics, Great Britain’s leading provider of architectural acoustic finishes. Its HQ and product showroom – The Oscar Innovation Centre – becomes the first Sownd Certified Bronze building in the world.
• Hilson Moran, international interdisciplinary engineering and design consultancy. Projects include The Gherkin, 20 Fenchurch Street and 1 Broadgate.
• dMFK, London-based, award-winning architectural and interiors practice. Projects include Storey at 201 Bishopsgate, 170 Piccadilly, and the practice’s studio at 76 Charlotte Street.
• Asona, Amsterdam based specialist manufacturer and supplier of high-performance acoustic systems designed for noise control and sound comfort.
• Absolute Acoustics, based in Dublin, is a leading Irish specialist providing bespoke, end-to-end architectural acoustic solutions.

Pictured (left to right), Hugh Corrigan, Absolute Acoustics; Jerry Rees, Head of Acoustics Hilson Moran; Marion Marincat, Founder Sownd Affects, Julian de Metz, Director at dMFK; and Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics.

How the certification works
Sownd Certification 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.

Why this standard matters to the design industry
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.

Sownd Certification bronze plaque.

Quotes
Marion Marincat, Founder of Sownd Affects, said: “Noise is a recognised public health issue, and yet buildings still aren’t measured for it. Sownd Certification helps close that gap. It gives venues a standard to work towards, and people a standard to demand and look for before choosing where to work, live or socialise.”

Jerry Rees, Head of Acoustics at Hilson Moran, said: “Our clients are increasingly asking whether a workplace truly works for everyone from an acoustic point of view. That is a very different question from basic regulatory compliance, and until now we have not had a robust, evidence‑based answer. Sownd Certification gives us credible data we can place in front of a board and stand behind with confidence.”

Julian de Metz, Director at dMFK, said: “Acoustics has been the first thing cut from a brief and the last thing anyone sees on the drawings. That has been the problem. Certifying our own studio is how we hold ourselves to the standard we are recommending to clients.”

Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, said: “Sound affects everyone, whether we realise it or not. Audio inclusivity has to be designed in from the brief and the Sownd Certification framework gives architects and clients a way to specify it.”

Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley attended and opened the evening, noting the positive impact Sownd Certification has made on the community.

Audio inclusivity goes mainstream 
Indoor smoking went from normal to unthinkable in twenty years. Audio inclusivity is going to move faster. Post Sownd Certification launch, a meeting in Parliament on workplace acoustic standards is scheduled for later in the year and a multiple-award-winning documentary Now Hear This: The Sound Revolution, following the acoustic transformation of three Hackney music venues into audio-inclusive spaces, releases early 2027. International Pioneer practices in Ireland and the Netherlands will be certified in the months that follow.

Contact Details
To find out more about Sownd Certification, visit the Sownd Affects website or email.