Review of Existing Certification Schemes and Integration of stakeholder insights

The AccesS project emerges as a critical European initiative aiming to address the fragmented implementation of accessibility standards in the built environment. By combining policy analysis, mathematical modelling and inclusive stakeholder engagement, the project sets out to develop a unified, flexible and evidence-based certification framework for accessibility and social inclusion in buildings. This approach acknowledges that current accessibility efforts across Europe, though guided by national laws and international standards, often fall short due to inconsistencies, lack of enforcement, and limited alignment with digital and smart technology trends.

This deliverable involves three integrated pillars. First, a thorough comparative review of national and international accessibility-related legislation and standards was conducted, focusing on physical accessibility, usability, and universal design rather than sustainability frameworks like LEED or BREEAM. This revealed significant variation in scope, definitions, and implementation mechanisms across countries, underscoring the need for harmonisation.

Second, a novel quantitative assessment model was developed to evaluate accessibility in a systematic, scalable, and adaptable way. The model introduces a hierarchical scoring structure composed of Disability Types (DT), Assessment Dimensions (AD), and Evaluation Criteria (EC). It allows evaluators to assign weighted scores to specific building features - such as ramps, signage, digital interfaces, or evacuation systems - tailored to the needs of diverse user groups. Scores range from 0 (not applicable) to 5 (best practice), enabling a distinctive, multi-dimensional picture of a building’s accessibility performance.

Third, the deliverable prioritises the active inclusion of stakeholders in the development process. Engagement activities were carried out in six European countries - Cyprus, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, Greece, and Italy - bringing together a wide spectrum of actors: people with disabilities, urban planners, architects, policymakers, and technology providers. These consultations revealed critical insights such as the need to include cognitive and sensory dimensions in accessibility standards, the inadequacy of current emergency evacuation protocols, and the potential (as well as the limits) of smart technologies. Participants also advocated stronger enforcement mechanisms and more robust public policies to mandate and fund accessibility improvements.

In terms of certification models, major sustainability frameworks - LEED, BREEAM, and WELL - were examined for the accessibility aspect. Findings indicated that while these systems indirectly promote certain inclusive features (e.g., lighting quality, acoustic design), they largely defer to building codes and lack dedicated criteria for digital or smart accessibility. This represents a major gap in the era of smart buildings and digital transformation. The AccesS framework thus positions itself as a complementary and necessary tool, capable of filling this gap by providing a dedicated assessment of accessibility that includes digital inclusion and assistive technologies.

The methodology also draws heavily on the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB), which promotes design strategies that are sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing. By aligning its principles with NEB - while operationalising them through measurable indicators and scoring functions, AccesS bridges the divide between aspirational design visions and practical, enforceable standards.

EN 17210:2021, the most comprehensive European standard for accessibility and usability of the built environment, is used as a core technical reference. While EN 17210 provides detailed functional requirements for accessible environments, its lack of a scoring mechanism has limited its application in certification and benchmarking. The AccesS framework enhances this standard by embedding its guidance into a quantitative structure that allows for flexible application across scales - from individual buildings to urban systems - and building types, including those with cultural heritage considerations.

Ultimately, the AccesS certification model represents a significant step forward in aligning accessibility with the broader goals of social equity, digital innovation, and sustainable development. By transforming functional standards into a dynamic evaluation system - grounded in lived experiences, validated through stakeholder engagement and supported by mathematical modelling - the project offers a comprehensive, adaptable, and user-centred approach to inclusive design. It ensures that accessibility is no longer treated as a compliance requirement but as a measurable and improvable dimension of building performance.

This framework will serve as a foundation for the technical development and pilot testing phases of the AccesS project and it is expected to inform future EU policy, certification programs, and design practices. It contributes not only to making spaces more accessible, but also to redefining the built environment as a space that welcomes, supports, and empowers all individuals - regardless of ability.

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