Optimizing ventilation in large-scale fulfillment centers: balancing indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and worker health

Large-scale fulfillment centers present unique challenges in balancing indoor air quality with energy efficiency. This study evaluated reduced ventilation strategies in a 98,600 m2 UK fulfillment center using period-based compliance assessment. Twenty wireless sensors monitored CO2, PM2.5, and TVOCs across three ventilation scenarios over 12 days. Period-based compliance assessment across 57 shift periods showed 93.0% maintained full regulatory standards, with the optimized periodic ventilation scenario achieving 100% compliance. Periodic fresh air bursts (15-minute cycles every 4 hours) maintained air quality while achieving 70–75% energy reduction. Results suggest substantial energy savings may be achievable without compromising worker safety.