This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.

Credit Language

IL 58: Universal Design – version 3.0

Questions & Answers

How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?

This is a new bonus credit in STARS awards a bonus point to institutions that have published universal design (UD) guidelines or principles. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.

What is universal design (UD)?

Universal design (UD) is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. UD goes beyond compliance with regulations that prohibit discrimination and require equal access (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act) to promote equity by proactively removing barriers to access and reducing the need for individual accommodations.

Suggestions for Institutions

• Work with your institution’s facilities management and/or capital projects office or similar to determine whether universal design guidelines have been published, and/or to consider pursuing such efforts.

Potential Data Quality Issues

• To qualify, the institution must have published universal design (UD) guidelines that exceed (or are additional to) regulatory compliance and apply to the entire institution.