ISSUE Part 2

Elizabeth, If the team can show that the freezer is occupied only occasionally, then we would think that it follows the ASHRAE response for storage rooms and does not need to meet ventilation requirements. However, if the cooler is more of a workspace then the team would need to find a solution to meet the ASHRAE requirements.

We have kicked this question back and forth in our office. We have done some work on LEED for Retail - specifically Hannaford's LEED Platinum store - and we did not have any freezers that were work spaces.. so yes, they were "storage".... so it comes around, in our opinion only, that if a freezer DOES have people working in it on a regular basis, we think it needs to be included in your calcs. There are some very smart ventilation systems and efficiencies in refrigeration that would help the energy optimization calcs. Ultimately, it may need to be a call by the GBCI based on your specific case.

In the grocery store, refrigerated prep areas such as the meat cooler (450 sq ft) where there are tables for cutting and processing meat are ventilated. On the other hand, the grocery freezer (400 sq.ft.) which is essentially a large walk refrigerator is not ventilated because it is used like a closet (or refrigerator), only entered occasionally and not where an employee is working.