We would like to confirm our approach to determining the outside air ventilation rate for a Zoo project for the Baseline energy model, specifically for an animal holding area.
There is no equivalent space type in ASHRAE 62.1. The closest is “Pet shops (animal areas)”, but this doesn’t describe the use in question.
Ventilation rates in the project for the animal holding space have been designed based on the requirements of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Care Manuals. The Owner (Zoo) is the rating authority for these spaces, and they instructed the design team to use the AZA requirements.
This space is not designed for a single animal species, but for a rotation of animals who will each be located here temporarily. They will typically be small to medium mammals, so several AZA Manuals (https://www.aza.org/animal-care-manuals#published-animal-care-manuals) were consulted to determine the appropriate outside air rate. Examples are:
Mongoose, Meerkat and Fossa – 5-8ACH
Capybara – 5-11ACH
Otters – 5-8ACH
Tasmanian Devil – 5-8 ACH
Based on this review it was determined, and agreed with the Zoo, that the design ventilation rate for this space would be 8ACH.
Is it acceptable to show the Baseline model with the same outside air rate as the Proposed model for this space - given the unusual space type, agreement with the rating authority, and lack of appropriate ASHRAE equivalent?