Credit Language
EN 8: Shared Facilities – version 3.0
Indicators
- 8.1 Publicly shared facilities
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
This is a new credit that requires qualitative information about how an institution shares its facilities with the local community. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What counts as “publicly accessible”?
To qualify as publicly accessible, an institution must provide regular, non-discriminatory means for members of the public to use or avail of at least one facility. This may include fee-based or occasional access, as long as access is not denied on grounds such as gender identity, racial or ethnic identity, indigeneity, genetic features, language, religion or belief, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Campus tours do not qualify.
What qualifies as “free or low cost access”?
To qualify as free or low cost access, the institution must make at least one facility available at no cost on a regular basis and/or maintain standing discounts, below-market fees, or a sliding scale fee structure designed to ensure that no local resident is denied access due to their economic status. If claiming points for free or low cost access, include specific information about how it is provided in the appropriate fields below.
What types of facilities qualify for each component of this credit?
- Space for public meetings – e.g., Classroom or auditorium space for use by local community organizations.
- Facility to help people meet their basic needs – e.g., a publicly accessible community garden, food bank, child care center, or health clinic.
- Facility that provides cultural services to the public – e.g., a publicly accessible library, computer lab, resource center, museum, or gallery.
- Facility that provides recreational services – For example, a publicly accessible gym, athletic field, fitness trail, or playground.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s community engagement offices and/or divisions to identify and reference free and low-cost shared public space.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Affirmative responses, particularly if indicating that the institution provides free or low cost access, must be supported by information provided in descriptive fields.