Accessibility in the Assessment Systems: A Case Study of the OPEN Certification System in Italy

Currently, most of sustainability rating systems for the built environment are based on multi-criteria assessments, mainly including criteria and requirements aimed to minimize environmental impacts associated to the design and construction phases. Rarely, they include social and economic aspects that are very important to improve the quality of life for all citizens. Main purpose of this paper is to investigate if and how the social topic of the accessibility for people with disabilities is considered in different assessment systems applicable to the built environment. At first, the analysis focuses on the most widely rating systems in the world. Then, the main European tools for the assessment of the quality of accessibility of facilities in the tourism sector have been investigated. Finally, it was analyzed an Italian accessibility certification system for tourist facilities.