Ventilation Warehouses

Yes, for sure the warehouse needs to be ventilated. The warehouse can be either naturally or mechanically ventilated, it's your call. If the space is going to be rented and the ventilation is beyond your project's scope of work, you have to demonstrate how this requirement will be enforced, typically by means of a binding clause in the tenant lease agreement.

In our warehouse project, we're providing mechanical ventilation by means of exhaust fans and louvers, using the required ASHRAE air rates. The issues we're finding in talking to USGBC reps (LEED Coach):
1. They're saying that the operation of these fans must be automated. In warehouses operating 24/7, this would significantly increase the energy used and often bring in more outside air than is really needed for a handful of occupants. 2. They're saying these fans cannot be shut off by occupants by a control switch. This seems like obviously bad design to us. Are we supposed to instruct building owners to restrict exhaust fan operations completely to BAS control? In intemperate weather (i.e. polar vortex), does a LEED warehouse prevent occupants from having any control over the amount of outside air they're bringing in?

I haven't come across a great solution here. Can we not simply provide the means of minimum ventilation and trust occupants to control these spaces?

Hi Jared, Warehouses are ventilated for the emissions of the space, not of people. If the facility is designed to be operable 24 hours, it is very different from a facility that will be operated 24 hours, so you'd definitely need different types of control in my opinion.  Maybe it won't help The latest versions of ASHRAE 62.1 (2016) allow some spaces such as offices spaces to control ventilation based on presence sensors. That is something you might try to use if you for office areas. You'd have to follow the ASHRAE 62.1 20016 for everything though. I hope this helps. 

Jared, did you submit this project with exhaust fan and intake louvers as mechanical ventilation? I seem to be finding mixed feedback on if this is considered mechanical or natural ventilation. Looking for guidance on what type of monitor is needed for a ventilation system that is supplied purely through exhaust fans with intake to balance the exhaust.

Hi Helena, We have similar situation for our warehouse project in Indonesia where the warehouse area is basically categorized as occupiable space (regardless regularly or non-regularly), hence, must be ventilated. Eventually we selected Natural Vantilation (NV) for the option. To be qualified for NV, the LEED reviewer commented that we must demonstrate to comply the following references: 1. ASHRAE 62.1.2010 item 6.4.1 and CIBSE Figure 2.8, basically to see how narrow your building and the cooling load cannot be more than 40 W/m2 and couple of requirements related to thermal comfort  2. ASHRAE 62.1.2010 item 6.4.2, this is related to the opening area percentage requirement And also, it is required to install the CO2 sensor. Hope this helps.

Hi Helena,  Yes, agree with everyone, it must be ventilated.
As states on LEED guide page 619 that warehouses and distribution centres (e.g., shipping and receiving) are listed as an occupancy category in Table 6-1 of ASHRAE 62.1–2010. So, it must meet either the mechanical or natural ventilation. And you should choose the best ventilation strategy based on building characteristic (e.g., building form, location, orientation, etc)
If ventilation cannot be provided to these spaces then you can contact USGBC. Best regard – Afogreen Build Team

Hi Helena, 
For the warehouses, ventilation is crucial to meet LEED V.4 standards. You can choose natural ventilation, but make sure it meets ASHRAE 62.1.2010 criteria. Mechanical ventilation with exhaust fans and louvers is another option, though consider energy usage for 24/7 operation. Prioritize occupants' comfort and well-being. If unsure, consult experts or USGBC for guidance.