Hea12 Inclusive design – Above Green

(4 credits; 1 exemplary available)

Aim

To recognise and encourage assets that are inclusive for users.

Question

Does the asset contain features to allow all users regardless of age, size, ability or disability to use the asset effectively?

Credits	Answer	Select a single answer
0	A	Question not answered
0	B	No features
1	C	Yes, limited standard accessibility features
2	D	Yes, several standard accessibility features
4	E	Yes, several standard and advanced accessibility (Universal Design) features
Exemplary	F	Yes, extensive standard and advanced accessibility (Universal Design) features

Assessment criteria

Criterion	Assessment criteria	Applicable answer
1	The asset must contain at least one of the standard accessibility features in each of the four sections of Checklist Hea 12a.	C
2	The asset must contain at least 50% of the applicable standard accessibility features in each of the four sections of Checklist Hea 12a.	D
3	The asset must contain at least 50% of the applicable standard accessibility features in each of the four sections of Checklist Hea 12a, plus at least one of the applicable advanced accessibility (Universal Design) features in sections 1 - 3 of Checklist Hea 12b.	E
4	The asset must contain at least 50% of the applicable standard accessibility features in each of the four sections of Checklist Hea 12a, plus at least 50% of the applicable advanced accessibility (Universal Design) features in sections 1 - 3 of Checklist Hea 12b and at least one additional advanced accessibility (Universal Design) feature in accordance with section 4 of Checklist Hea 12b.	F

Methodology

Compliant features

Due to the variation in local legislation and design practices for accessibility, usability and inclusivity, the assessment criteria do not stipulate specific design requirements, dimensions or number of each type of feature within the asset. Therefore, compliance with the criteria must be determined by the Assessor’s best judgement on what constitutes a reasonable level of provision and design of features for the type, size and number of users of the asset. Assessors may base their judgement using the following best practice guidance:

ISO 21542:2011 Building construction - Accessibility and usability of the built environment
BS 8300-1:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment - Part 1: External environment - Code of practice • BS 8300-2:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment - Part 2: Buildings - Code of practice
Draft prEN 17210 Accessibility and usability of the built environment - Functional requirements
Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2012 (http://universaldesign.ie/Built-Environment/Building-for-Everyone/)
Americans With Disabilities Act And Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines, United States Access Board, 2004
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Standards, Department of Defense, General Services Administration and U.S. Postal Service, 2015

Alternatively, the Assessor may base their judgment using local standards where these have similar requirements to the above standards.

Checklists and Tables

Checklist Hea 12a: Standard accessibility features

	Standard accessibility feature
1. Access to the asset	Step-free external access (i.e. level, gentle slope or ramp) from the site boundary to the main entrance(s) or alternative accessible entrance of the asset. Handrails to external stepped and ramped access routes to the main entrance(s) or alternative accessible entrance of the asset. Entrance doors that are accessible to all users, particularly persons who use wheelchairs and those with limited physical dexterity, and are wide enough when open to allow unrestricted passage for a variety of users, e.g. those in wheelchairs, people carrying luggage, people with assistance pets, and parents with pushchairs and small children. Where car parking is provided for the asset, designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities are as close as possible to the main entrance(s) of the asset. Where car parking is provided for the asset and asset users include parents with young children, designated parking spaces for motorists accompanied by a child in a perambulator (pram) or pushchair (baby buggy).
2. Horizontal and vertical circulation	Corridors and passageways that are wide enough to allow all persons to pass through unimpeded or turn in a wheelchair. Internal doors that are easy to operate and wide enough to allow free passage for all persons, including those in wheelchairs. Handrails for internal stairs, steps and ramps. Accessible lift(s) or vertical and inclined lifting platforms that reach all accessible levels of the asset. Accessible horizontal and vertical emergency evacuation routes (e.g. in the event of fire) and facilities (e.g. evacuation chairs) or a strategy and plan for assisted evacuation.
3. Use of the asset's facilities	Power-operated entrance door(s) (e.g. via push pad or motion sensor). Controls and switches (e.g. door handles and locks, taps, activation devices, electric outlets and switches, etc.) that are easy to understand and operate, visible and at a suitable height. Where drinking water outlets are provided for asset users, outlets are accessible to persons with disabilities including those who use wheelchairs (a minimum of one per floor for regularly occupied areas). Where the asset contains audience and spectator facilities, e.g. lecture and conference facilities, entertainment facilities (e.g. theatres, cinemas, etc.) and sports facilities, accessible space and seating for persons who use wheelchairs, those with mobility and sensory impairment and their companions. Where sleeping accommodation is provided (e.g. hotels), a proportion of the accommodation is designed for use by persons who use wheelchairs.
4. Sanitary accomodation	Toilet(s) with an assistance alarm accessible by those who use wheelchairs, at least one of which is a gender-neutral facility. Where asset users include parents or carers with young children, baby changing facilities accessible for parents or carers regardless of their gender. Where showers, bathrooms or changing rooms are provided for asset users, accessible versions to accommodate persons who use wheelchairs, persons with limited mobility, etc.

Checklist Hea 12b: Advanced accessibility (Universal Design) features

	Advanced accessibility feature
1. Orientation and wayfinding	Well-planned layouts that clearly identify key elements such as entrances, reception areas, sanitary facilities, etc. Good lighting conditions with additional illumination at decision points such as access routes, entrances, staircases, lifts, etc. Clear information and signage that is legible and easily understood, including availability in different languages where appropriate to the asset’s location. Use of visual contrast and colour to facilitate orientation and navigation, to provide warnings about potential hazards, and to facilitate reading of information and signs. Provision of tactile information, e.g. embossed signage, Braille signage, tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI), tactile maps, models and plans, changes in floor surface, changes in level, tapping rails. Audible communication and sounds, e.g. talking signs, announcement systems, audio descriptive way-finding information, changes in walking surface. Use of scents or smells to provide additional orientation cues.
2. Assistive technologies	Hearing enhancement system(s) (e.g. induction loop) at service or reception counters and in rooms and spaces used for meetings, lectures, classes, performances, spectator sport or films. Audible information systems. Visual alarm systems. Voice or touch screen operated controls.
3. Inclusive spaces	All-gender and/or family sanitary accommodation. A Changing Places (CP) facility. Resting places available at regular intervals along external and internal circulation routes. Quiet, wellness, prayer or meditation room(s). Lactation room(s). Assistance animal relief (toilet) area(s). Selected Answer Option E in Hea 11 Provision of rest areas Accessible and inclusive fitness spaces and equipment. Spaces that promote regular informal social interactions and information exchange with different asset users.
4. Others	As specified within best practice guidance (see ‘Compliant features’ in Methodology) in addition to those listed above.

Evidence

Criteria	Evidence requirement
-	The evidence below is not exhaustive, please also refer to the ‘BREEAM evidential requirements’ section in the scope of the Guidance for appropriate evidence types which can be used to demonstrate compliance.
All	Photographic evidence of listed features.
All	Building plans outlining installed features.
All	Specifications of installed features

Definitions

Accessibility:

Provision of buildings, parts of buildings, or outdoor built environments for people, regardless of disability, age or gender, to be able to gain access to them, into them, to use them and exit from them.

Changing place facility:

A room with a WC, hoist, basin, adult-sized changing bench and optional shower, for use by people with complex and multiple impairments who require the help of up to two assistants.

Inclusive design:

Approach to the design of the environment, including buildings and their surrounding spaces, and managed and natural landscapes, to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone.

Universal Design:

Design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Universal Design does not exclude the need of assistive devices for particular groups or persons with disabilities where relevant. Terms such as “Universal Design”, “accessible design”, “Design for All”, “barrier-free design”, “inclusive design” and “transgenerational design” are often used interchangeably with the same meaning.

Usability:

Extent to which a product, a service and the built environment can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use.

Wayfinding:

Means of ensuring that someone can find their way, avoid obstacles, and know when they have reached their destination.

Additional information

Principles of Universal Design

The Principles of Universal Design were developed in 1997 by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers at the North Carolina State University, with the purpose “to guide a wide range of disciplines including environments, products and communications”. The seven principles "may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments”. The seven principles are:  

Principle 1: Equitable Use - The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Principle 2: Flexibility in Use - The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use - Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Principle 4: Perceptible Information - The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Principle 5: Tolerance for Error - The design minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Principle 6: Low Physical Effort - The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use - Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.