Currently, companies are making great efforts in the field of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance), focusing mainly on compliance with environmental criteria because they are more present on the public agenda and because it is easier to measure results. However, the reality is that many of these entities carry out actions related to the social sphere and governance, but do not identify them with the ESG. This is the case of accessibility. In fact, there are many links between the AIS 1/2023 Standard and ESG strategies. The first thing to reflect on is that AIS 1/2023 and ESG coincide in the spirit of their creation, as they are born out of respect for Fundamental Rights. Having said this, it should be stressed that AIS has an impact on both S and G, as its methodology favours the achievement of social objectives, in relation to accessibility and inclusion; and of transparency, essential in the field of good governance.
AIS and its relationship with the S
Specifically, the implementation of the AIS 1 Standard impacts on S, in areas such as:
Community development.- Customer satisfaction.
- Employee engagement.
- Health, well-being and security.
- Respect for Human Rights.
- Labour standards and working conditions.
- Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Policies (gender, racial, age and disability).
AIS and its relationship with the G
In terms of Governance, AIS focuses on:
- Transparency policies.
- Development of action plans.
These links allow the AIS Standard to be compatible with ESG certificates and measurement standards, such as GRESB, where AIS is listed as an eligible certification for buildings in operation in its appendix 5a Building Certification Schemes and scoring in section BC1.2 of ‘Performance: Building Certifications’ of its ‘2023 Real Estate Standard and Reference Guide’. Unlike other actions taken by companies in the social field, the AIS 1 Standard offers the possibility of objective and reliable measurement in the field of accessibility, with a set of more than 700 requirements and 400 indicators that provide concrete results, organised in levels or grades from 1 to 5 Stars.
