ACMV Noise Assessment Clarification for TOP

ACMV Noise Assessment Clarification for TOP in Singapore

An ACMV Noise Assessment for TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit)is a mandatory environmental compliance requirement for non-industrial developments in Singapore. The assessment ensures that noise generated from Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) systems complies with prevailing environmental noise limits and does not cause disturbance to occupants of the development or surrounding properties.

This assessment is an essential component of the TOP submission process,demonstrating that the installed ACMV systems operate within acceptable noise limit sunder normal operating conditions.

What is an ACMV Noise Assessment?

An ACMV Noise Assessment is a professional environmental noise evaluation conducted to measure, analyse, and assess noise emissions from mechanical systems such as:

The assessment verifies compliance with Singapore environmental noise guidelines for ACMV systems and forms part of the statutory documentation required for TOP approval.

Why is ACMV Noise Asses sment Required for TOP in Singapore?

For commercial, residential, mixed-use, and institutional developments, the authorities require confirmation that mechanical systems will not cause excessive environmental noise once the building is occupied.

The ACMV Noise Assessment for TOP aims to:

Ensure compliance with boundary noise limits
Protect acoustic comfort of occupants and neighbours
Identify potential non - compliance issues early
Avoid delays or rejection of TOP applications
Support responsible and sustaina ble building operations

Failure to submit a compliant ACMV Noise Assessment Report may result in TOP approval delays or requests for corrective action.

Applicable Noise Measurement Criteria

Noise measurements are conducted in accordance with recognised environmental noise assessment practices applicable in Singapore. Measurements focus on equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq), which represents the average noise energy over a specified period.

General Noise Measurement Rule

As a general rule, noise levels (LAeq) are measured as follows:

Measurement duration

15 minutes LAeq at each specified monitoring location

Measurement frequency

Measurements are conducted three (3) times a day

Measurement time periods

These measurements capture noise conditions during different operational periods and ensure a representative assessment of ACMV system noise impact throughout the day and night.

Type of affected premises	Boundary noise limits (reckoned as equivalent continuous noise level over 15 minutes) in decibels (dBA)
Type of affected premises	Day 7am-7pm	Evening 7pm-11pm	Night 11pm-7am
Noise Sensitive Premises such as hospital,home for the aged sick, library, etc	60	55	50
Residential premises	65	60	55
Other Premises (Other than those in (a) and (b)	70	65	60

Scope of ACMV Noise Assessm ent for TOP

A comprehensive ACMV Noise Assessment in Singapore typically includes the following scope:

Site Inspection and ACMV System Review

Noise Monitoring and Measurement

Noise Data Analysis

Common ACMV Noise Sources Assessed

The assessment typically evaluates noise generated from:

Outdoor condenser and compressor units
Chillers and cooling towers
Air Handling Units (AHUs)
Mechanical exhaust and ventilation fans
Duct borne and breakout noise
Structure - borne vibration transmission

Each noise source is assessed individually and collectively to determine overall environmental impact.

ACMV Noise Assessment Report for TOP Submission

A professional ACMV Noise Assessment Report for TOP generally includes:

Executive summary
Project and site description
ACMV eq uipment Specifications
ACMV photos
Surrounding Photos
Measurement methodology and instrumentation
Noise monitoring results and analysis
Compliance assessment against noise limits
Mitigation recommendations (if applicable)
Conclusion and compliance statement

The report forms part of the official documentation submitted for TOP approval.

An ACMV Noise Assessment for TOP in Singapore is a critical regulatory requirement for non-industrial developments. By conducting proper LAeq noise measurements across required time periods and ensuring compliance with environmental noise criteria, developers can achieve smooth TOP approval while maintaining high standards of environmental responsibility and occupant comfort.

Engaging a qualified noise consultancy ensures that ACMV systems are assessed professionally, accurately, and in full compliance with regulatory expectations.