855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 521
Extracted Content
| Accessibility for safety and aging | Examples and explanation |
|---|---|
| emergencies. This includes, but is not limited to, loud unique alarm sounds, voice announcements, flashing strobe lights, or LED beacons. | |
| Provide closed risers (visually and physically) on all stairs. | Closed risers eliminate gaps, reduce the risk of tripping or falling, particularly for small children or pets, and make stairs more secure. In addition, closed risers also offer privacy and reassurance through a more solid visual structure. |
| Use visual contrast between walls and floors, walls and doors, and walls and casework. | Incorporating distinct visual contrast between different architectural elements improves navigation and wayfinding, particularly for individuals with visual impairments. Projects must use contrasting colors, textures, and/or material for walls, floors, doors, casework i.e., drawers and cabinet doors, or other permanently installed features. |
| Provide visual, tactile, contrasting, or photoluminescent warnings at floor level changes. | Incorporate bold color contrasts or reflective strips to mark transitions, use textured materials such as ribbed or grooved strips to provide tactile cues, and apply varied surface finishes to create both visual and tactile distinctions. Photoluminescent markings are recommended to be applied to ensure visibility in low-light conditions, particularly in staircases or emergency exit areas. |
*Not required for Core and Shell projects
Table 3. Accessibility for social health
| Accessibility for social health | Examples and explanation |
|---|---|
| Provide lactation rooms or lactation pods. | Dedicated lactation rooms, or breastfeeding support rooms, support higher rates of breastfeeding, improved work performance, and physical and emotional wellbeing.186It is recommended that these rooms include features such as an electrical outlet, seating, and a table, along with access to a sink and refrigerator either within the room or on the same floor to better accommodate pumping and breastfeeding needs. |
| Provide at least one fully accessible all-gender single-use restroom OR one multi-use all-gender restroom on each floor of the building. | Providing all-gender restrooms creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment for people who may prefer gender- neutral options.187 |
| At least one adult changing station or table in a designated, accessible restroom or family restroom. | Locate the changing station in a family or accessible restroom that complies with ADA guidelines for door width, turning space (60 inches or 1.52 meters diameter), and clear floor area (30 x 48 inches or 0.76 x 1.22 meters). Use a height-adjustable adult changing table with a weight capacity of at least 350 lbs (160 kg) to accommodate diverse user needs. Ensure the table is at least 72 inches |
186 De Souza, C. B., Venancio, S. I., and da Silva, R. P. G. V. C. (2021), Breastfeeding Support Rooms and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: A Qualitative Study, Frontiers in public health, 9, 732061, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.732061. 187 Harwood-Jones, M., Martin, K. and Airton, L. (2021, August), Research and Recommendations on Gender-Inclusive Washrooms and Changerooms, queensu.ca/hreo/sites/hreowww/files/uploaded_files/Washroom%20Report%20-%20Digital.pdf.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 511