Hello everyone,
We have a C&S project: a logistics center in Netherlands. This center has a main warehouse area (406m*304m) and will have natural ventilation through openings in its roof (roof vents) and the building’s perimeter walls. According to LEED Reference Guide, we should review ASHRAE 60.1-2010 standard and CIBSE AM10. There will not be heating or cooling since it is intended as a storage area (no additional activities done by people), therefore this space’s internal environment will not have any temperature control. According to Figure 2.8 in CIBSE AM10, mechanical ventilation is required but this space is not intended to be regularly occupied. Futhermore, ASHRAE’s exception 2 in section 6.4 establishes that no mechanical ventilation is required if the zone is not served by heating or cooling equipment which in some way annuls what CIBSE’s Figure 2.8 mentions.
My questions are: Since the zone will not be regularly occupied and according to ASHRAE 62.1-2010 exception 2, is it acceptable to not install mechanical ventilation?
Also, can we use a CFD simulation of the warehouse’s natural ventilation behavior as an alternative methodology to demonstrate de prerrequisite’s compliance? We intend to prove there is air circulating through the warehouse’s openings. Or would additional calculations must be submitted? Any reference recommendations for this topic is really appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Jens Apel
134 thumbs up
January 4, 2018 - 2:14 am
You may want to check the European ACP, that allows the use of German Arbeitsstaettenrichtline (work place ordinance) for natural ventilation, that has been introduced in some addenda. Currently both old ASR5 and new ASR A3.6 are allowed. I am not quite sure if it is available in other languages than German. It seems though that you still need to work with AM10 fig. 2.8 where I guess the narrow building plan is the problem.
I can't imagine LEED would require mechanical systems to be installed especially if you prove working natural ventilation with a CFD. Submit a CIR to make sure.
Andrew Mitchell, P.E.
PrincipalMitchell Gulledge Engineering, Inc.
LEEDuser Expert
126 thumbs up
January 7, 2018 - 10:38 pm
If you are meeting all requirements of 6.4, then you are meeting the USGBC requirements. However, this does not relieve you from any local codes that you may need to comply with.
Instra Ingenieros
Chemical engineerInstra Ingenieros, S.L.
4 thumbs up
January 10, 2018 - 2:46 pm
Thank you so much for your replies. Will look for local jurisdictions and also German regulations (hoping there will be a version in English).
Andrew, more into detail with your comment, does it mean that if all requirements of section 6.4 are met or a system approved by authority having jurisdiction (ASR5 or ASR A3.6). We are able to meet USGBC requirements? And therefore, there is no need to comply with the narrow warehouse plan as indicated in Figure 2.8 from CIBSE?
Last but not least, if deciding to apply this ACP in our project. This legislation should be applied within all the zones in my project right? (offices and cantine areas)
Andrew Mitchell, P.E.
PrincipalMitchell Gulledge Engineering, Inc.
LEEDuser Expert
126 thumbs up
January 10, 2018 - 10:51 pm
Sorry, I did not mean to imply that you would not have to comply with CISBE requirements. The first time that I read your comment I did not realize that you pointed out that CISBE resulted in the need for mechanical ventilation. Since USGBC requires compliance with both, it seems that you would need to design for the more stringent of the two. I do not have the AM 10 manual with me now to reference whether or not you meet any exceptions due to non-occupied spaces.
John Ferraro
June 18, 2019 - 6:04 pm
I am an architect in New York City looking for ideas for natural ventilation, in place of mechanical ventilation in a 144,000 sqft storage facility
There are no windows due to the need to maximize space. My idea is to provide a new and innovative solution that will convince the Department of Buildings of our intent to promote a 'Green" solution.
My email is jafpc2@gmail.com