Building certification programs have become increasingly important in recent years as building owners and operators recognize the value of sustainable and inclusive design. Inclusive design is essential for ensuring that buildings are accessible and usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities. In this article, we will discuss the role of building certification in inclusive design, including how building certification programs incorporate inclusive design into their criteria and the benefits of inclusive design for building owners and occupants.
Inclusive design is the practice of designing buildings, products, and environments that are accessible and usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Inclusive design considers the diverse needs of all users, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and people with temporary injuries or impairments. Inclusive design features can include ramps, elevators, accessible parking spaces, and accessible restrooms, among others.
Incorporating inclusive design into building design and construction is essential for ensuring that buildings are accessible and usable for everyone. Building owners and operators have a responsibility to ensure that their buildings are inclusive and comply with accessibility standards and regulations. Failure to comply with accessibility standards can result in legal and financial penalties, as well as negative publicity.
Building certification programs incorporate inclusive design into their criteria to ensure that buildings are accessible and usable for everyone. The certification process involves an independent third party who evaluates the building’s inclusive design based on several criteria, including the accessibility of entrances, exits, restrooms, and common areas. The certification process also evaluates the building’s compliance with accessibility standards and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
One of the most well-known building certification programs that incorporates inclusive design into its criteria is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The LEED program evaluates buildings based on several criteria, including inclusive design. LEED requires buildings to comply with accessibility standards, including the ADA, and provides credits for additional inclusive design features, such as accessible parking spaces and accessible restrooms.
Other building certification programs that incorporate inclusive design into their criteria include the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard and the Green Globes program. The WELL Building Standard requires buildings to provide accessible entrances and exits, accessible restrooms, and accessible common areas. The Green Globes program requires buildings to comply with accessibility standards and provides credits for additional inclusive design features.
In addition to building certification programs, there are several organizations and certifications that focus specifically on inclusive design. These include the Certified Access Specialist (CASp) program, which provides certification for professionals who specialize in accessibility and inclusive design, and the Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) program, which provides certification for professionals who specialize in universal design.
Incorporating inclusive design into building design and construction can have several benefits. One benefit is that it can help ensure that buildings are accessible and usable for everyone. This can improve the building’s reputation and attract a wider range of tenants and customers. Additionally, inclusive design can help improve the safety and usability of the building for everyone.
Another benefit of incorporating inclusive design into building design and construction is that it can help reduce costs. Inclusive design features, such as ramps and elevators, may have a higher upfront cost, but they often have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than traditional features. Additionally, buildings with inclusive design features may be eligible for tax credits and other financial incentives.
When incorporating inclusive design into building design and construction, it is important to consider the needs of all users. This includes people with disabilities, the elderly, and people with temporary injuries or impairments. Inclusive design features should be designed to meet the needs of all users and comply with accessibility standards and regulations.
