Nonresidential Indoor Air Quality

Measure Description

This measure proposes revising Title 24, Part 6 requirements using a combination of the requirements in Title 24, Part 4 (California Mechanical Code) and ASHRAE 62.1-2016: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The ventilation requirements in 2016 Title 24, Part 4 are based on or reference ASHRAE 62.1-2013. Therefore, aligning Title 24, Part 6 with select sections in Title 24, Part 4 will concurrently align with the corresponding section in ASHRAE 62.1-2016. All of the proposed changes would impact the mandatory requirements for ventilation in Section 120.1 of Title 24, Part 6. The specific recommendations include the following:

1. Replace Section 120.1(b) with the ASHRAE 62.2-2016 requirements which apply to high-rise residential buildings.
2. Require MERV 13 air filters for all ducted forced air system supply outdoor air or all occupancies.
3. Revise Natural Ventilation criteria to align with ASHRAE 62.1-2016.
4. Revise Mechanical Ventilation required ventilation calculation align with 130 percent of ASHRAE 62.1-2016 and include a simplified minimum ventilation rate calculation procedure.
5. Update exhaust ventilation airflow requirements.
6. Add recirculated air limitations.
7. Delete Table 120.1 – A: Minimum Ventilation Rates and add in its place the System Ventilation Efficiency table.
8. Add Table 120.1 – B: Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone which uses the expanded list of occupancy categories at 130 percent of 62.1-2016.
9. Add Table 120.1 – C: Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness.
10. Add Table 120.1 – D: Minimum Exhaust Rates.

Resources

The Statewide CASE Team 2019 Title 24, Part 6 Final CASE Report is available below. The Final CASE Report incorporates feedback received during utility-sponsored stakeholder meetings, Energy Commission Pre-Rulemaking workshops, and personal communication with stakeholders.

Presentations and Reports

1. Presentation from Stakeholder Meeting on September 27, 2016
2. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on September 27, 2016
3. March 2017 Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Presentation
4. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on March 16, 2017

Code Language

1. Draft Code Language – March 2017

Testing

1. LBNL studies on IAQ and worker productivity

Reports

1. CASE Study Results Report
2. Final CASE Report– Revised December 2017 
3. Final CASE Report
4. Draft CASE Report

Other Resources

1. Purchase ASHRAE Standard 62.1 here.
2. Energy Commission’s Authority & Responsibility Regarding Indoor Air Quality