Generally, there should be at least how many cubic feet of outside air per minute per person for an office environment?

In an office environment, the recommendation for the amount of outside air supplied is typically around 20 cubic feet per minute per person. This standard is based on guidelines established by organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which emphasize the importance of adequate ventilation for maintaining air quality, comfort, and health in indoor spaces.

Providing around 20 cubic feet of outside air helps to dilute airborne contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furnishings, allergens, and other pollutants that can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Additionally, proper ventilation can enhance productivity and reduce the risk of sick building syndrome, where occupants experience health issues related to inadequate air quality.

The other options indicate either lower or higher rates of ventilation, which may not be sufficient for promoting a healthy work environment or could result in unnecessary energy consumption without additional benefits. Hence, the recommendation of 20 cubic feet of outside air per minute per person strikes a balance between health considerations and efficiency in an office setting.