NRA + RE 2020 + PLU compliance guide for Paris architects and acoustic consultants.
Paris Métropole Plan de Prévention du Bruit dans l'Environnement (PPBE) maps acoustic zones affecting building envelope requirements.
Primary Standard
NRA + RE 2020 + PLU
Certification Body
SFA (Société Française d'Acoustique)
RT60 Targets for Paris
Room Type
RT60 Target
Standard
Classroom
≤ 0.6s
Arrêté 2003
Office (open plan)
≤ 0.8s
NF S31-080
Residential living
DnT,A ≥ 53 dB
NRA
Common Building Types in Paris Requiring Acoustic Design
▶
Haussmann building renovations
▶
Grand Paris Express station areas
▶
Social housing (HLM)
▶
Office refurbishments
Acoustic Consultants in Paris
Firms commonly working on acoustic design in Paris include CSTB, Peutz France, Acoustique & Conseil, Avel Acoustique, and Gamba Acoustique. AcousPlan does not endorse specific firms \u2014 this list reflects commonly encountered practices in the Paris market. For projects requiring professional acoustic assessment, we recommend engaging a consultant accredited by SFA (Société Française d'Acoustique).
Frequently Asked Questions: Paris Acoustics
What does the Paris PPBE require for acoustics?▾
The Paris PPBE (Plan de Prévention du Bruit dans l'Environnement) maps noise exposure across the city and identifies "points noirs du bruit" (noise black spots). Buildings in classified noise zones (zones de bruit) must achieve enhanced facade insulation per the arrêté du 30 mai 1996, typically DnT,A,tr ≥ 35-42 dB depending on exposure. The PPBE maps are available through Paris Data and must be consulted during design.
How does RE 2020 affect acoustic design in Paris?▾
RE 2020 promotes lightweight timber construction and natural ventilation, which directly conflict with NRA acoustic requirements. In Paris, where external noise levels are high, this tension is particularly acute. Designers must balance RE 2020 carbon targets (which favour timber) with NRA noise insulation requirements (which favour mass). The DHUP (Direction de l'Habitat, de l'Urbanisme et des Paysages) has published guidance on reconciling these requirements.
What acoustic challenges are specific to Paris?▾
Paris-specific challenges include: Haussmann-era construction with party walls offering only Rw 45-50 (below NRA requirements for conversions), Metro vibration affecting buildings above shallow lines, Grand Paris Express construction noise requiring temporary acoustic measures, the densest urban environment in Europe with average street noise of 65-70 dB LAeq, and strict heritage constraints (ABF approval) limiting facade modifications in much of central Paris.