What will it cost to improve classroom acoustics?
• Retrofitting poorly designed HVAC systems or installing wall, ceiling, or floor treatments costs two to five times more than proper original design and construction. • Although the cost to provide proper acoustical environments is estimated to raise construction costs by 5%, the benefit-to-cost ratio over time when comparing the educational benefits of improved signal-to-noise ratios is estimated to be 40:1 (Lubman & Sutherland, 1999).
