Last week, Part 1 of this blog pair discussed the lack of accessible housing in America and explained the difference between accessible design, universal design, and equitable design. As a reminder, accessible design is a process in which all the needs of differently abled people are considered, specifically regarding how their access to everyday activities and living is made possible. Universal design is intended to create an environment that is accessible by as many people as possible, regardless of age, gender, religion, size, or ability, without adaptation or specialized design. Social equity is an approach or process that makes sure everyone has access to the same opportunities, recognizing that we all start from an unequal place. Equity works to correct that imbalance. Further details and definitions can be found in the blog, Accessible Design, Universal Design, and Social Equity in the AEC Industry—Part 1. The post ended by asking, “Has the AEC industry gotten too stuck in one way of thinking about building and design?” The probable answer to that question is yes, but let’s look at some ways that the perspective is shifting.

How LEED and WELL are Contributing

Offering points toward certification is one way to motivate builders and designers to include accessible and/or universal design. There are a few LEED v4 categories in which it shows up, and a few are shared here:

• LEED ND Plan—Visitability and universal design: This credit is worth 1 point and is intended to increase the proportion of areas usable by a wide range of people. While many of the ways to earn this credit include the same design elements as accessibility, this credit applies to universal design.
• LEED BD+C Homes—Design for accessibility and LEED BD+C Multifamily Midrise—Design for accessibility: This pilot credit is worth 1 point and is intended to reduce materials and waste on future adaptations for accessibility, as well as to increase the amount of Type A Dwelling Units required according to the ANSI A117.1 Standard. A Type A Dwelling Unit has some elements considered wheelchair accessible but are also designed for adaptations. These two credits apply to accessible design.
• LEED BD+C New Construction—Social equity within the supply chain: This pilot credit is worth 1 point and is intended to “Encourage any and all members of the project team to promote and further social equity by integrating strategies that address identified social and community issues, needs and disparities among those affected by the project by promoting fair trade, respect for human rights, and other equity practices among disadvantaged communities; and by creating more equitable, healthier environments for those affected by manufacturing of the materials created for the project.” This credit applies to equitable design.
• LEED BD+C New Construction—Social equity within the community: This pilot credit is worth 1 point and is intended to “Encourage any and all members of the project team to promote and further social equity by integrating strategies that address identified social and community needs and disparities among those affected by the project by creating fairer, healthier, and more supportive environments for those who work/live in the project; by responding to the needs of the surrounding community to promote a fair distribution of benefits and burdens; and by promoting fair trade, respect for human rights, and other equity practices among disadvantaged communities. The goal of the Social Equity within the Community pilot credit is to help projects address disparities in access and social inequities within a project’s own community. In order to go beyond charity to support meaningful transformation, building teams must begin to understand the various parts of their communities and understand how they are connected, and community members (particularly those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and under-represented) must have a greater voice in decisions that impact them.” This credit applies to equitable design.
• LEED BD+C New Construction—Social equity within the project team: This pilot credit is worth 1 point and is intended to “Encourage any and all members of the project team to promote and further social equity by integrating strategies that address identified social and economic needs and disparities among those working on the project by creating more equitable, healthier, and more supportive environments for construction workers during project construction through ensuring fair and equitable pay and benefits for work performed, promoting employable skill development, promoting personal financial and health stability; and by promoting corporate social responsibility at an organizational level by the firms of the project owner, financier, architects/engineers, contractors, product manufacturers, etc.” This credit applies to equitable design.