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As sustainability and environmentally conscious business and life practices become a mainstream, global norm, the question arises whether accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities can and should also be greener.

A recent article by Kimberly Paarlberg for the International Code Council (ICC) addresses this question. In it, Paarlberg discusses how accessibility might mesh with the concepts of green and sustainable building.

With a focus on increasing the efficiency of our resources while reducing the impacts on human health and the environment, Paarlberg believes that some energy efficient provisions fit very well with accessibility concerns.

For example, to save water, many designers are specifying automatic activators for plumbing fixtures. According to the 2006 International Building Code (IBC), “Automatic activation is an alternative for putting plumbing controls at accessible fixtures within reach ranges.” The 2009 IBC actually has a new provision that requires a lavatory with enhanced reach range in toilet rooms with six or more lavatories.

Enhanced reach range requires a lavatory to have a faucet that is located on the side of the lavatory rather than at the back, or an automatic activator, so that the depth of reach is 11 inches or less. This is good for the environment, cost effective for the building owner, and it makes life easier for people with limited use of their hands and limited reach.

Another example includes ‘green’ doorway concepts. According to Paarlberg, manual doors may actually decrease energy efficiency because it takes occupants longer to get through if they have to hold the door open. “Also, if a building uses an automatic opener, having both doors open at once and remain open for the amount of time that it takes occupants to move through the vestibule is not energy efficient either,” she adds.

Paarlberg then states that planning for long-term uses of buildings is also an inherently green and sustainable concept. “As the baby boomers move into retirement age, there will be an increased need for homes that are accessible for people with impairments.”

Recently, many jurisdictions have passed ordinances that include ‘visitability’ requirements for single family homes and townhouses. These types of buildings are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Fair Housing Act (FHA) unless federal funding is involved. The idea behind ‘visitability’ is to allow people to live in their homes when they are temporarily disabled or if they develop mobility issues.

In fact, the intent of the 2009 IBC is to provide technical provisions for ‘visitability’ ordinances that allow for consistent application and a minimum level of home accessibility features including:

• At least one accessible entrance—this can be the front door, the back door, or through the garage.

• Doors that provide clear width and thresholds that will accommodate a person using a wheelchair.

• Lighting controls and outlets located between 15 inches and 48 inches above the floor.

• An accessible level that includes at least one habitable room and either a powder room or a bathroom.

• A toilet room or bathroom with side approach clearances at fixtures and wall blocking that is consistent with Type B (FHA) units.

• If a food preparation area is located on the accessible level, a minimum clearance should be provided between counters.

Accessibility is an important component of building design that can be incorporated effectively with green and sustainable concepts. Making buildings accessible for all people compliments the idea of constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly and serve communities for a long time.

At this time, the whats, wheres, whens and hows of ‘visitability’ ordinances will be determined by local jurisdictions. There are also provisions that will need coordination to address accessibility and energy saving concerns.

Companies that are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) like Home Evolutions can effectively include green standards into their remodeling practices and play an integral role in creating buildings that are not only accessible to seniors and people with disabilities, but are environmentally friendly as well.