The requirements for the typical laboratory facility occupancy were reviewed for special provisions that would influence their energy efficiency. Ventilation rates are a primary driver in the energy consumption of the laboratory-type facility. However, the building codes do not make large demands for high ventilation rates.
The California version of the UBC includes a special hazardous occupancy, H-8, for "laboratories and similar areas used for scientific experimentation or research." This classification fits between the typical university classification of B and the more hazardous H-7.
The sections that list the requirements of each occupancy (B, H-8, H-7) state that light, ventilation, and sanitation are to be provided "in accordance with" Chapter 12 of the UBC. Chapter 12 (Interior Environment) requires only "a minimum of 15 cfm of outside air per occupant in all portions of the building during such time as the building is occupied." In addition, for "Group B Occupancies or portions thereof where Class I, II or III-A liquids are used, a mechanically operated exhaust ventilation shall be provided sufficient to produce six air changes per hour." Only when the occupancy classification reaches the hazard level of H-6 does the following ventilation requirement become necessary:
1202.2.5 Group H, Division 6 Occupancies. In Group H, Division 6 Occupancies, mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided throughout the fabrication area at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.044 L/s/m2) of floor area. The exhaust air duct system of one fabrication area shall not connect to another duct system outside that fabrication area within the building.
