Why ASHRAE 62.1 Matters
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 — Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Nonresidential Buildings — is the foundational document for mechanical ventilation design in commercial construction. It is referenced by the International Mechanical Code (IMC), IBC, and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (energy efficiency), making it effectively mandatory for most commercial projects in the United States. Getting ventilation rates right affects occupant health, energy consumption, building code compliance, and LEED certification.