Our project is in what would be considered a PM2.5 Non-attainment area if it were in the USA (according to ASHRAE 62.1 table I-1) because it is just above the 12µg/m3 annual average. However according to our local PM2.5 Standard in Vietnam it is within the acceptable range.
ASHRAE 62.1 states in 4.1: "The status of compliance with national ambient air quality standards shall be determined for the geographic area of the building site.", it then goes on in section 4.1.1 to elaborate on the requirements for compliance in the US.
Are we correct in understanding that because we are in an attainment area according to our local code, we do not require MERV 11 filtration for the EQp1 prerequisite?
Our project is a non-AC Warehouse with large volumes of outdoor air and large air intake grilles. So if we are required to install MERV 11 filtration it will require significant design changes and cost.