Building ClassificationPLUSSM Rating Components – Building Classification
Summary
PLUS building classifications measure relative risk, based on:
- Threat Factors – attractiveness as a target for terrorists and other aggressors
- Impact Factors – potential consequences or losses caused by a major security incident
The building classification is a significant component of a PLUS rating. It measures risk qualitatively and quantitatively.
PLUS uses 4 building classifications:
Class A (High Risk Facilities)
- One-of-a-kind, difficult or impossible to replace
- In a large metro area, near similar buildings
- Would face high collateral damage from nearby similar buildings in a terrorist attack
- Often open to the public, with a high number of visitors
- Examples: New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Capitol
Class B (Medium Risk Facilities)
- In smaller metro area than Class A buildings
- Can be located near high-profile buildings, critical infrastructure or industrial facilities
- Examples: state capitols, large hospitals
Class C (Low Risk Facilities)
- Moderate sized buildings
- Fewer than 450 occupants
- In cities with fewer than 500,000 people
- Not an attractive target for large-scale attack
- Examples: Commercial office buildings, large shopping centers, large schools
Class D (Minimal Risk Facilities)
- Small office buildings
- Fewer than 100 occupants
- In metro area of fewer than 100,000 people
- Examples: schools in rural areas, small shopping centers
Building Classification = Combination of Threat Factors & Impact Factors
- Threat factors reflect attractiveness to security threats as a target.
- Impact factors reflect potential consequence or loss caused by major security incident.