I have an existing self storage warehouse to be certified under LEED v4.1 O+M Existing Buildings. It has no regular occupants and no regularly occupied spaces.
Usually the storage spaces are exempt, so does it still need to meet the ASHRAE fresh air requirement? Or is it exempt from the Minimum Indoor Air Quality prerequisite?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
532 thumbs up
November 29, 2023 - 9:08 am
Active storage is considered to be 'occupied' and would require ventilation.
Inactive storage is considered to be 'unoccupied' and does not require ventilation.
Unoccupied spaces are places intended primarily for other purposes; they are occupied only occasionally and for short periods of time - in other words, they are inactive areas.
I would expect that 'self storage' warehouses do not have onsite staff and thus would be considered inactive storage. They would not be required to be provided with outdoor air.
Pulak Goyal
ESD ConsultantGreenA Consultants
December 26, 2023 - 12:57 am
Thanks Dave for your response. Can I also ask a follow up question -
Is there any minimum area requirement on the spaces which require fresh air? Or do all occupied spaces need to meet fresh air requirement, irrespective of its area and occupancy (eg - a very small office space with 1-2 occupants)?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
532 thumbs up
January 2, 2024 - 9:24 am
I believe GBCI reviewers will require outdoor air to all occupied spaces - regardless of the floor area or occupancy. (except elevators)
Catarina Costa Goncalves
2 thumbs up
July 1, 2024 - 7:40 am
Is there any exemption considering an LEED O+Mv4.1 and existing building, if there is no supply air ir a specific area/space, for instance an open area (reception + lift lobby)?