The role and benefits of standards

Standards are enablers for organisation to design and develop products, services, and the built environment that are accessible for intended users. The standards that are developed in the context of Universal Design promote innovation, equity, equality and sustainability are considered in the development of products, services, ICT/technology and the built environment. Standards are developed across all these 4 areas in support of legislation, social policy and business driving innovation and sustainability.

Standards help to implement the sustainable use of resources and energy while protecting consumers, workers and the environment. This objective can be best reached by closing resource loops and maintaining the value and quality of materials all along the cycle.

Standardisation is a major component of international and European trade and opens up markets both locally and around the world for organisations . For consumers and users as well as the economy, science and state, standards ensure safety and consumer confidence, and pave the way for innovative technologies.

Organisations from both the private and public sector use standards as part of their core business strategy. Organisations acknowledge that standards bring benefits to their organization, makes good business sense and enable them to meet their legal obligations.

Benefits of Developing Standards in this area

CEN/CENELEC European Standardisation Body provides information on the standards work taking place at European level on the topic of “accessibility”. In this work the term  “Universal Design” is interchangeable with other terms such as “accessibility" and “design for all”.

Standards benefit organisations , and increased the market for manufacturers of products and services. Common European accessibility standards help remove barriers for people with disabilities and older persons . When applied across Member States, these standards also improve the functioning of the internal market, by removing barriers to free movement of goods and services. Standards support policy and legislation and encourage innovation and change.

They enable organisations to meet their legal obligations through the application of standards. Standards provide requirements and criteria for manufacturers against which to design products, services, ICT/technology and the built environment for the widest range of users. This includes older persons and persons with disabilities.

Products, services, ICT/technology and the built environment which take into account the human population results in improved quality of life, social inclusion and equity as well as equality and independent living. Products that are safe, reliable and are developed with enhanced compatibility and interoperability result in higher consumer satisfaction, greater market share for organisations and sustainability. 

The role of NSAI

NSAI have been engaging in the development of standards in this domain since 2004, aligned with their policy objectives, commitment to support industry, especially SME’s, society and the diversity of stakeholders that benefit from the development of standards.

 NSAI facilitates through the participation and engagement of the diversity of stakeholders in the development of standards at national , regional (European- CEN/CENELEC)  and international (ISO/IEC) technical Standards committee work .

Examples of standards that have been developed at national level through the work of the National Technical Committee “ NSAI/TC 23 - Universal Design Standards Consultative Committee” are:

• I.S. 374:2019, Customer Communications for Utilities - A Universal Design Approach
• I.S. 373:2013, Universal Design For Customer Engagement In Tourism Services
• SWiFT 9:2012, Universal Design for Energy Suppliers

 

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