We are currently working on the design of an industrial plant (aluminum casting in specifics) with two sections - manufacturing hall and administrative/engineering offices. (They are directly attached. The building is one piece) The manufacturing hall is one floor with 11 m floor height. It has mezzanine floor at the perimeters of the hall with labs and some engineering offices. The administrative part has executive and engineering offices. We are able to handle the min. ventilation requirements dictated by ASHRAE 62.1-2007 at the administrative part by mechanical ventilation (using 100% OA AHUs). However, there's no clear guidance neither in LEED reference guide nor in ASHRAE 62.1-2007. (Please note that this is a aluminum casting plant, not a light industry.)
1. Does LEED require anything about ventilation regarding the manufacturing hall section of the industrial plant?
2. If yes, what standard or protocol does LEED refer to?
3. If there's no specific standard or protocol referred, what approach should be adopted to sufficiently ventilate this manufacturing hall section which is also acceptable by LEED review team?
4. The design team is considering a hybrid ventilation (natural ventilation + mechanical ventilation) especially for summer season (the plant is in Climate zone 3C). How does LEED approach the hybrid ventilation systems for manufacturing hall type of spaces?
Has anyone come accross with such a project? Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you...
David Hubka
Director of OperationsTranswestern Sustainability Services
527 thumbs up
February 24, 2011 - 3:54 pm
LEED, or ASHRAE 62.1, does not specifically outline the ventilation requirements of a manufacturing facility. However, the LEED BD+C reference guide states on page #410 "If an occupancy category is not included in ASHRAE 62.1-2007, it's up to the designer to choose 1 that best corresponds to the usage of the space.
I have been successful on past LEED projects as labeling the manufacturing area as "wood/metal shop" when determining the correct ventilation rate.
The ventilation rates of manufacturing facilities are typically driven by the large amounts of exhaust required of the process, not the "people" ventilation rate.
Natural ventilation systems would be recognized if they follow the requirements of ASHRAE 62.1 Section 5.1 and 5.1.1.
A hybrid system may comply if the minimum ventilation is provided during all modes of occupancy throughout the year.
Hope this helps.