The mechanical engineer continues to run ventilation rate calculations during the mechanical design process to inform design development and confirm compliance with this prerequisite. The ventilation rate procedure is explained in section 6 of ASHRAE 62.1-2004. See the attached 62MZ calculator.

Determine the applicable floor area for operable wall or roof openings according to ASHRAE 62.1-2004 section 5.1.

Naturally Ventilated Spaces

Mechanically Ventilated Spaces

Determine the required ventilation rates for indoor spaces based on occupancy and space types.  ASHRAE 62.1-2004 tables 6-1 and 6-4 list minimum requirements for particular spaces.

Naturally Ventilated Spaces

Review the Ventilation Rate Procedure methodology in ASHRAE 62.1-2004 Section 6.2 and the associated Table 6-1.

Mechanically Ventilated Spaces

Check local building codes to determine requirements. The project must either meet ASHRAE 62.1-2004, or local codes if they are more stringent. Since ASHRAE 62.1-2004 is often more stringent than local codes, be sure to review and be familiar with its requirements.

This prerequisite is paired with EQc2: Increased Ventilation. If ventilation rates are targeted above the 30% ASHRAE requirement, projects can gain both the prerequisite and a point for EQc2. Projects pursuing IEQc2 may follow the compliance path for natural ventilation found in Chapter 2 of The CIBSE Applications Manual 10: 2005 (AM10) for both the prerequisite and for the credit.