Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED O+M: Existing Buildings

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.0, v3 - LEED 2008

Inquiry

The building in question will be a 200,000 square feet warehouse with a 300 square feet office space. Goods and materials stored in the warehouse will not require temperature and/or humidity control. As such, the warehouse area will be designed as naturally conditioned per ASHRAE 55-2004; Section 5.3 during the cooling season. ASHRAE 55-2004; Section 5.3 "Optional Method for Determining Acceptable Thermal Conditions in Naturally Conditioned Spaces" is intended for spaces where the thermal conditions are regulated primarily by the occupants through opening and closing of windows as needed - and meeting the requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2004, paragraph 5.1, Natural Ventilation. There will be large industrial sized paddle fans to provide air movement within the warehouse area. Heating for the warehouse area will be accommodated with unit heaters or a geothermal system. (The office space will be naturally and mechanically conditioned as needed.) Requirements for this credit state that operable windows may be used in lieu of comfort controls for areas that are 20 feet inside and 10 feet to either side of the operable part of the window. Does this apply to the warehouse space since it is not a regularly occupied space? If operable windows are still required what is the size, location, and spacing requirements of these windows? Please rule if this strategy would be consistent with the intent of this credit.