PLUSSM – Building Security Rating Program
PLUS Overview
New Approach to Building Security
PLUS stands for Promoting Logical Unified Security. PLUS is the first program to rate building security based on a rigorous, quantified approach. A voluntary program, PLUS rates building security according to 5 progressive categories, based on a facility's construction features, nearby environment and loss or impact resulting from a major security incident.
Based on Accepted Practices for Security
PLUS ratings use mitigation steps found in the federal and military agency criteria. PLUS has been vetted by the Department of Homeland Security and recognized as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology under the SAFETY Act.
PLUS Recognizes Complexity of Building Security
PLUS uses a whole buildings approach to rating building security by recognizing the combined contribution of architectural, engineering and landscaping features, along with operations & maintenance (O&M) procedures and security controls and procedures to the level of security a facility offers.
PLUS goes beyond the building's perimeter to factor in potential security threats in the nearby environment. PLUS ratings also consider the impact or potential loss of a major security incident in its ratings.
Discretion Over Rating's Use
PLUS gives building owners the option of disclosing a facility's PLUS rating or keeping it confidential. In addition, the Building Security Council does not maintain a database of PLUS rated facilities, thus ensuring privacy and security of PLUS rated buildings.
PLUS Rating Components
Building Classifications & Security Countermeasures
A PLUS rating consists of 2 major components:
- Building Classifications
- Security Countermeasures