SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Accessibility and Wellness

Topic

Accessibility

Question #

A1.3 – RHFAC Certification or Equivalent

Question

What level of Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) has the building achieved?

Applicability

All asset classes 
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • RHFAC Certified = 2 points
  • RHFAC Gold = 3 points
  • Other equivalent accessibility certification achieved = 2 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not Applicable – Only available to buildings outside of Canada: No equivalent exists = 0/0

Max of 3 points

Requirements

  1. Buildings can achieve RHF Accessibility Certified level by meeting certification prerequisites and achieving a score of at least 60% on the RHFAC Rating Survey
  2. Buildings can achieve RHF Accessibility Gold level by meeting gold certification prerequisites and achieving a score of at least 80% on the RHFAC Rating Survey
  3. Buildings can achieve any level of equivalent accessibility certification achieved

The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) or equivalent must be active.

For countries outside of Canada:

  1. Have an on-site survey conducted by a similar organization and/or professional
  2. Demonstrate how the organization and/or professional is equivalent to a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC)
  3. OR

  4. If an equivalent does not exist, provide a narrative outlining the efforts made to find an equivalent

Documentation

  • RHFAC Registry issued Letter of Certification and Scorecard
  • Certificate and scorecard of equivalent accessibility certification achieved
  • If applicable, narrative demonstrating equivalency to RHFAC
  •  

OR

  • Narrative outlining efforts made to find equivalent from A1.1

Suggested Lead

In-house or third-party

Value

  • Third-party recognition is a way for a building to demonstrate their excellence in accessibility
  • Third-party recognition adds validity to a building’s accessibility claims and adds an element of transparency in the public eye
  • A building with certification from a well-respected third party such as the Rick Hansen Foundation, is more attractive to potential tenants and stands out from other buildings
  • Buildings that remove accessibility barriers from their building may be eligible to become RHFAC Certified
  • Buildings with outstanding accessibility design can achieve a higher level of certification – RHFAC Gold

Description

The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) is a rating system developed to help property owners and managers measure the accessibility of their sites and promote increased access through the adoption of Universal Design principles. The program measures a site’s level of meaningful access based upon CSA B651 standards that consider the holistic user experience of people of all abilities, including those with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 04.05.03 — Is the building currently certified with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™?