Have you really thought about how these two Federal laws affect the development and maintenance of a timeshare resort? This year is the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Use it as a reminder to check in with your HOA or developer to make sure your resort is meeting the expectations of the ADA and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The Importance of ADA
The 1990 ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It covers employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. The part of the law that affects timeshare the most is Title III. It prohibits private places of public accommodation from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. Title III sets the minimum standards for accessibility for alterations and new construction of facilities. It requires all public facilities to be in compliance, and there is no grandfathering.
As an owner you should make sure your resort has made the necessary accommodations to keep your resort in compliance not only to prevent costly oversights, but also because it is good business. Resort management should welcome the opportunity to make it easy for everyone to enjoy all that the resort has to offer.
Why LEED Certification?
Many resorts are now being developed as LEED® resorts. This internationally recognized green building certification system provides third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy and water saving efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and improved indoor environment. Resorts receiving LEED certification have proved that they are stewards of resources and sensitive to their impacts. Marriott piloted the world’s first LEED Volume Program, a pre-certified green prototype for the hospitality industry.
Awards for Your Resort’s Efforts
Environmental efforts by resorts do not go unnoticed. Awards are given annually by timeshare related companies such as RCI which gives out Green Awards to recognize resorts for their environmental efforts. Community organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, often have their own set of environmental awards. As an owner, you can take responsibility too. Work with your management- suggest environmental improvements. You probably have many creative ideas for making your resort the type of environmentally aware establishment that guests and new owners would like to be a part of.
Need More Help?
There are construction and development companies available to help you formulate the best plans for ADA conversions, or that focus on green principles and environmentally friendly projects to help your resort become LEED certified. Do check out the company you’re thinking of hiring. The ADA Technical Assistance Center (1-800-949-4322) can provide expert advice with technical assistance, materials, laws, and may have information on companies, but also check references from the businesses they have done work for previously.
Social Responsibility - Just Good Business
Social responsibility is about companies embracing their social responsibilities and not just focusing on maximizing profits. Social responsibility means doing business with a positive relationship to the society and the environment around the business. Don't you want a resort that takes that responsibility?
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