We working on a industrial building where there is an unconditioned dining area for factory workers.
This dining area is provided with roof mounted exhaust fans. All exhaust make up is fresh air, that comes through windows and the louvers on the walls. Make up fresh air coming through windows and louvers are well above the ASHRAE minimum ventilation requirements, if make up air flow rate is assumed to be equal to the exhaust air.
However LEED review team says that this won't qualify for mechanical ventilation. Pls note their comment below.
" For spaces that only receive outside air indirectly as a result of makeup air pulled from openings in the building envelope, the project must meet the natural ventilation requirements. Note that the mechanical ventilation compliance path is only applicable to spaces that receive outside air directly from mechanical supply units."

Is this comment correct?
If yes, can we assume the amount of fresh air come through the windows is equal to exhaust air flow rate? or do we have to show the proximity to the windows?
kindly advise..!!