8 Great Reasons for a PLUS^SM Rating

1. A validated assessment of a facility's protection against a range of threats
   PLUS relies on an integrated approach, rather than a piecemeal approach, to evaluating current security levels. The PLUS program uses a multidisciplinary approach in its assessment of a building, including: architectural, engineering, security and landscaping features, as well as operations and maintenence procedures.

2. PLUS is the first independent third-party tool for evaluating security.
   The Building Security Council's only interest is providing owners and facility managers with a comprehensive assessment of a facility's risk to major security threats. PLUS has earned a Designation under the SAFETY Act, recognizing PLUS as a qualified anti-terrorist technology and means for reducing damage from terrorist attack.

3. Decision tool for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of security upgrades
   In the current economy, most tenants expect owners to absorb the cost of security upgrades. This often leaves owners with a host of options but no good way to judge what makes a facility more secure. A PLUS rating enables owners to judge cost effectiveness of upgrade options used.

4. Tool for creating a safer environment for tenants
   Feeling safe at work is important to tenants for many reasons. A PLUS rating is a sound way to convey commitment to their safety and security.

5. Marketing tool for attracting tenants with high security needs
   A PLUS rating represents that a building provides a highly secure environment for tenants placing a premium on security. However, owners may opt to keep a PLUS rating confidential.

6. Liability protection in the event of recognized terrorist attack
   Based on the SAFETY Act provisions, a PLUS rating may exempt owners from third-party lawsuits regarding the performance of the PLUS system in their facility in the event of a terrorist act.

7. Support for providing a "reasonable standard of care" in negligence cases
   If a negligence claim related to a buildings security were to occur, a building owner's use of the PLUS system, with its sound vetting, may assist in demonstrating that the owner exercised a reasonable standard of care in providing for the security of the building's occupants.

8. Benchmark for building security
   The PLUS program, with its integrated approach to evaluating a building's security, functions as a benchmarking tool for building owners in assessing their current state of security.