Building certification is an important process that ensures buildings meet certain standards and requirements for safety, health, and environmental sustainability. While building certification programs such as LEED and BREEAM have traditionally focused on environmental sustainability, there is a growing recognition of the importance of social equity in building certification. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of building certification on social equity and why it’s important for building owners and developers to consider this aspect of sustainability.
What is Social Equity?
Social equity refers to the fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities in society, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics. In the context of building certification, social equity means ensuring that buildings are accessible and safe for all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status or other characteristics.
The Importance of Social Equity in Building Certification
There are several reasons why social equity is important in building certification. First, buildings that are not accessible or safe for all people can create barriers to education, employment, and other opportunities. For example, a building that is not accessible for people with disabilities may prevent them from attending school or accessing healthcare services. A building that is not safe may put occupants at risk of injury or illness.
Second, buildings that do not promote social equity can exacerbate existing social inequalities. For example, buildings that are located in areas with poor air quality may have a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, which may already be more vulnerable to the negative health effects of air pollution.
Finally, promoting social equity in building certification can help to create more inclusive and sustainable communities. By ensuring that buildings are accessible and safe for all people, we can create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive, and that promote the well-being of all members of society.
How Building Certification Can Promote Social Equity
Building certification programs can promote social equity in several ways. Here are some examples:
- Accessibility Standards: Building certification programs can include accessibility standards that ensure that buildings are accessible for people with disabilities. These standards can include requirements for accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and other features that allow people with disabilities to access and navigate the building.
- Health and Safety Standards: Building certification programs can include health and safety standards that ensure that buildings are safe and healthy for all occupants. These standards can include requirements for air quality, water quality, and other features that promote the health and well-being of occupants.
- Community Engagement: Building certification programs can require building owners and developers to engage with the community to ensure that their building meets the needs of the local community. This can include engaging with local organizations that represent underserved communities to ensure that their needs are being met.
- Location: Building certification programs can encourage building owners and developers to locate their buildings in areas that promote social equity. This can include locating buildings in areas with good access to public transportation, affordable housing, and other amenities that promote the well-being of all members of society.
- Sustainable Practices: Building certification programs can include requirements for sustainable practices that promote social equity. For example, requiring that buildings use energy-efficient appliances and lighting can reduce energy costs for occupants, making the building more affordable and accessible for low-income communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social equity is an important aspect of building certification that promotes the fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities in society. By ensuring that buildings are accessible and safe for all people, we can create more inclusive and sustainable communities that promote the well-being of all members of society. Building certification programs can promote social equity through accessibility standards, health and safety standards, community engagement, location, and sustainable practices. Building owners and developers should consider the impact of building certification on social equity when designing and constructing buildings to ensure that they are accessible and safe for all occupants, regardless of their socioeconomic status or other characteristics.
