The world's first independent framework for verifying acoustic performance and audio inclusivity - validated by ISVR Southampton.
Three levels. Increasing impact. One clear standard.
The gap regulations don't close
A building can pass every applicable regulation and voluntary certification, yet still fail the ~60% of adults who struggle to hear in noisy environments.
SOWND Certification closes that gap - translating human outcomes into measurable acoustic criteria, verified at handover, monitored over time, and elevated through inclusive sound design.
The question behind every sign-off
“What if I'm signing off spaces that look ‘inclusive’ on paper but are actually failing real people - and I only find out when it's too late to fix it?”
SOWND Certification gives you defensible proof at every stage - so when anyone asks “Will this really work for noise-sensitive users?”, you have a confident, evidence-backed answer.
Five stages, three certification tiers
Define what "audio inclusion" means for each zone - work/focus, social areas, waiting rooms, consult rooms, reception, transitions, and refuge. Convert "inclusive" from a vague aspiration into a clear, spec-able performance intent.
Translate human outcomes into measurable acoustic criteria and documentation that stands up to scrutiny. Set targets that are credible to acoustic consultants and understandable to clients.
Acoustic modelling or report required.
Ensure the space is delivered and verified against Bronze requirements, with an evidence trail that makes the outcome visible. Acoustic performance verified. Audio inclusivity baseline established. Sownd plaque installed. Evidence trail for due diligence. Specifiers drive this during design and delivery.
A visible mark of quality that signals calm, clarity, and connection.
Protect performance after handover by embedding operational guidance - managing music/AV, equipment noise, doors, cleaning schedules, occupancy peaks. Bronze plus continuous noise monitoring, staff sound experience analysis, and personalised insights into how people experience the space. Silver prevents the acoustic "drift" that triggers complaints.
Moves from design intent to operational performance. Operators and owners maintain this post-handover.
Optimise the end-to-end experience so people can participate reliably in real life, not just in ideal conditions. Silver plus biophilic soundscapes, acoustic zoning strategies, and inclusive sound technologies such as Auracast. A fully designed audio environment - actively managed for everyone.
Not just compliant. Not just comfortable. A benchmark for experience and sensory-inclusive design.
Define what "audio inclusion" means for each zone - work/focus, social areas, waiting rooms, consult rooms, reception, transitions, and refuge. Convert "inclusive" from a vague aspiration into a clear, spec-able performance intent.
Translate human outcomes into measurable acoustic criteria and documentation that stands up to scrutiny. Set targets that are credible to acoustic consultants and understandable to clients.
Acoustic modelling or report required.
Ensure the space is delivered and verified against Bronze requirements, with an evidence trail that makes the outcome visible. Acoustic performance verified. Audio inclusivity baseline established. Sownd plaque installed. Evidence trail for due diligence. Specifiers drive this during design and delivery.
A visible mark of quality that signals calm, clarity, and connection.
Protect performance after handover by embedding operational guidance - managing music/AV, equipment noise, doors, cleaning schedules, occupancy peaks. Bronze plus continuous noise monitoring, staff sound experience analysis, and personalised insights into how people experience the space. Silver prevents the acoustic "drift" that triggers complaints.
Moves from design intent to operational performance. Operators and owners maintain this post-handover.
Optimise the end-to-end experience so people can participate reliably in real life, not just in ideal conditions. Silver plus biophilic soundscapes, acoustic zoning strategies, and inclusive sound technologies such as Auracast. A fully designed audio environment - actively managed for everyone.
Not just compliant. Not just comfortable. A benchmark for experience and sensory-inclusive design.
Built on 10+ years of hearing health expertise, real-world testing across 100+ venues, and independent validation by ISVR Southampton. Designed specifically for audio inclusivity - verifying performance against the 60% of UK adults affected by noise, not an assumed average.
Join our next live session to walk through the Pathway with the team.