Frequently Asked Questions About the PLUSSM Building Security Rating Program
Use these links to jump to a particular section of the page:
- About PLUS Building Security Rating Program
- PLUS Rating Categories
- Eligibility for a PLUS Rating
- Applying for a PLUS Rating
- Submitting a PLUS Application
- PLUS Application Evaluation
- SAFETY Act Provisions
- Technical Basis for PLUS Ratings
- PLUS and LEED®
About PLUS Building Security Rating Program
What is PLUS?
PLUS stands for Promoting Logical Unified Security. It is a voluntary rating program that provides an independent evaluation of a facility's level of protection against a range of security threats.
PLUS uses a multidisciplinary approach in its assessment. A PLUS evaluation is based on a facility's architectural, engineering and landscaping features, along with operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures and security controls and procedures. The evaluation also considers potential security threats in a facility's nearby environment.
What types of facilities qualify for a PLUS rating?
- Both existing & new
- Commercial office facilities, high-rise, mid-rise & low-rise
- Retail facilities, including shopping centers
- Light industrial & manufacturing facilities
- Hospitals & health care facilities
- Schools & higher education facilities
- Complete list of eligible building types
Questions about your facility's eligibility? Contact us.
What types of facilities are not eligible for a PLUS rating?
- Apartment buildings, condominiums
- Hotels, motels, resorts
- Stadiums
- Chemical & petroleum facilities
- Power plants
Who developed PLUS?
The Building Security Council (BSC) developed PLUS to enhance overall public security by promoting building security. Its members include licensed engineers, architects and security professionals, as well as representatives of government agencies and industry associations.
Why was PLUS developed?
Improving security in state, municipal, and privately owned buildings has remained largely uncoordinated, ineffective, nonexistent and unquantified, despite the real threat of terrorism to such facilities. In contrast, the federal government has a well-organized effort to improve security in buildings that it owns or leases. However, much of its approach is classified and applies to only about 15% of nonresidential buildings. PLUS was developed to address this gap.
How do I know that PLUS provides an accurate evaluation?
PLUS is based on the best available knowledge and practices in building security. It relies both on expert opinion and major documents used to develop protection for federal buildings and embassies worldwide.
Moreover, PLUS is based on complex theoretical principles of risk computations. It has been validated in the field by applying it to buildings and evaluating the results, both on a building-by-building basis (absolute) and on a building-to-building basis (relative). Studies on the PLUS rating program produced valid results.
If a product is used in a PLUS rated building, then is it approved by PLUS?
No. Only buildings are rated by PLUS. The rating covers the building as a whole, not individual parts of it. Even though product data is supplied as part of the PLUS application process, the rating applies only to the building, not its component parts.
PLUS Rating Categories
How many rating categories does PLUS use?
PLUS has 5 incremental categories: Rated, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The rating categories are based on Building classification and Security Countermeasures.
What are PLUS Building Classifications?
PLUS Building Classification levels measure relative risks, based on a facility's attractiveness to terrorist attacks as well as the impact or consequences of a major security incident. PLUS uses 4 Building Classification classes, A (high), B (medium), C (low) and D (minimum). Risk is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Class A buildings reflect the highest risk; e.g. high-rise office buildings in New York City, the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, and the New York Stock Exchange.
What are Security Countermeasures?
Security Countermeasures are mitigation steps that reduce vulnerability and consequences to security threats. They include architectural, structural and landscaping features, along with operational and maintenance procedures and practices. They also include security control, detection and screening devices or systems that deter, detect, delay or provide a defense against major security incidences. Security Countermeasures are grouped into 13 categories, consistent with FEMA 426, Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (PDF).
Do Security Countermeasures differ for each PLUS Rating Category?
Yes. Each category has a corresponding level of potential mitigation measures appropriate to the Building Classification. Security Countermeasures increase in complexity when the rating category and/or Building Classification increase.
Do higher PLUS ratings require more mitigation measures?
Yes. The number of required countermeasures increases and so do the performance requirements of other countermeasures. Both countermeasures and performance measures are linked to terrorist threats. Thus, as the attractiveness of the target increases (based on facility type, mission, etc.), more countermeasures are required.
What are the minimum requirements for a PLUS rating?
The Rated category is the lowest level of the 5 rating categories. The Rated category represents a minimum level of security that all building owners should strive to achieve.
How can a rating system accommodate a wide variety of building types?
PLUS ratings use 4 Building Classifications to cover approximately 20 different building types. Security Countermeasures cover all aspects of security and reflect cost-effective ways to attain a PLUS rating.
The PLUS rating program enables building owners to obtain a systematic evaluation of their facility's protection against a range of major security threats. PLUS ratings give building owners a range of cost-effective measures to increase a building's rating.
How often must a PLUS rating be renewed?
The initial PLUS rating lasts 5 years. At the end of that period, BSC will require the owner to verify both the Building Classification as well as the information submitted on their PLUS application.
Will PLUS Ratings ever be disclosed?
Disclosure of the PLUS rating is up to the building owner. BSC will not disclose any information about rated buildings. Furthermore, BSC will not publish information about PLUS rated buildings or maintain a database of rated buildings.
Eligibility for a PLUS Rating
Does PLUS apply to both existing buildings and new buildings?
Yes. Both existing and design-phase buildings in the United States may be rated. For new buildings, BSC will not issue a formal rating until the building is occupied and the physical and operational countermeasures for which credit is claimed can actually be verified. This also applies to substantial renovations.
Are buildings outside the United States eligible for PLUS rating?
No. Only buildings within the United States are eligible.
Are buildings owned by non-U.S. companies but located within the United States eligible for a PLUS rating?
Yes.
Who is qualified to submit an application for a PLUS rating?
Only building owners may submit a PLUS application.
Applying for a PLUS Rating
How do I apply for a PLUS rating?
- Determine if your building is eligible for a PLUS rating. Eligible Building Types
- Retain a multidisciplinary assessment team, preferably led by a Building Security Certified Professional (BSCP).
- Your application must be signed and sealed by a professional engineer or architect licensed in the jurisdiction where your facility is located. A list of these individuals is generally available from your state's licensing board.
- Download these documents and provide them to your assessment team. (You must be registered to obtain them.)
- Complete explanation of the rating system methodology (Sections 1-7)
- Excel spreadsheet for Building Classification Questionnaire (Appendix I)
- Countermeasure Checklists (Appendix II)
- Examples of innovations eligible for bonus points (Appendix III)
- Submission procedures manual, including PLUS Application form and PLUS Ratting Agreement
- Review the PLUS Rating Agreement.
- Submit 2 signed copies of the PLUS Rating Agreement.
- Only building owners may sign this document.
- Enclose a check for the required application fee ($1000), payable to Building Security Council.
PLUS Rating Program
Building Security Council
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191
- When your payment is received, you will be issued Xythos access, as well as a "How to use Xythos" instruction sheet. Then download the following documents.
- Countermeasure Checklists (Appendix II)
- Complete Rating System Commentary (Appendix IV)
- Bibliography of References Used to Develop the Rating System (Appendix V)
- Submit your Building Classification Questionnaire
- Download the electronic version of the Building Classification questionnaire.
- Have your assessment team complete the questionnaire, and then submit it to BSC via Xythos.
- Have your assessment team prepare the Countermeasure Checklists and supporting documentation.
For existing buildings:- PLUS application, signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer or architect
- Letter with narrative description of facility and desired rating
- Sealed design drawings or certified as-built drawings, other details, photographs, product cut sheets
- Sealed declarations of compliance
- Area location map, noting significant off-site features
- Design drawings and cut sheets for key products are recommended
- Owners must supply written assurance, in letter form, that operational measures submitted for credit will actually be implemented and maintained.
- Submit the required documents via Xythos.
- Send your final payment to BSC.
- Final payment is required before BSC will begin evaluating your application.
Submitting a PLUS Application
Who is qualified to complete a PLUS application?
The application and supporting documentation can be prepared by licensed architects, professional engineers or Building Security Certified Professional (BSCP). A licensed architect or professional engineer must sign and seal the application.
What is a Building Security Council Certified Professional (BSCP)?
A BSCP is a licensed architect, professional engineer, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP), who has received BSCP certification from the Building Security Council. More about BSCP certification
How can I find a Building Security Council Certified Professional (BSCP)?
The BSCP Database is an up-to-date source for locating these professionals.
Why should I use a Building Security Council Certified Professional (BSCP)?
Building Security Certified Professionals have studied the specifics required to effectively secure a building and efficiently obtain a PLUS certification. The BSCP certification process includes a rigorous course of study, concluded by a demanding final exam. A final reason to use a BSCP is that when a BSCP prepares your application, you are entitled to a discount on the PLUS rating application.
What documents are recommended in my PLUS application or submission?
For all buildings, provide electronic copies of the following:
- PLUS Rating application signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer or architect
- Letter with narrative description of facility and desired rating
- Written assurance, in letter form, that operational measures for which credit is claimed will be implemented and maintained
- Area location map, noting significant off-site features
For existing buildings:
- If available, sealed design drawings or certified as-built drawings
- Photographs and sketches
- Sealed declarations of compliance
For new buildings or substantial renovations:
- Sealed design drawings
- Cut sheets for key products
Do I need to submit both the Building Classification Questionnaire and Countermeasures Checklist at the same time?
No. The Building Classification Questionnaire may be submitted in advance to ensure that the correct Building Classification has been selected. Documentation verifying the threat and consequence factors must be included with the questionnaire.
Do I need to select a desired Rating Category before submitting an application?
Yes. BSC applies its scoring system to your submission and either verifies or adjusts the desired Rating Category accordingly. You will receive a Countermeasures Confirmation Report that details the Security Countermeasures for which credit was granted or denied.
If my firm does not have an in-house professional engineer or licensed architect, how much will it cost to have a PLUS application completed?
The cost, in most cases, will depend on the Building Classification and PLUS rating level sought, as well as the level of expertise of the consultants preparing the application and documentation for you. More complex buildings are likely to have higher fees because the application takes longer to complete. Find a Building Security Council Certified Professional (BSCP) near you.
How will you protect the confidential information contained in my submission?
BSC maintains strict confidentiality by requiring all documents to be submitted via a secure server on Xythos, a secure document management system used by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, among others. Xythos Fact Sheet (PDF)
Who may I contact if I have questions about the PLUS application or the documents I need to submit?
You may contact the BSC at the information at the bottom of this page or on our Contact Us page.
Can I have my application expedited?
Not at this time. But BSC strives to review completed applications within 30 days. The best way to ensure a timely review is to summit a complete application.
PLUS Application Evaluation
What happens after I submit my application?
- You will receive an email confirmation that your application was received.
- Your documents will be checked for completeness.
- BSC will notify you to confirm your application is complete.
- If more information is needed, BSC will request it via email.
- If complete, BSC will evaluate the submitted documents.
How is my submission scored or evaluated?
Scoring begins with the lowest (Rated) category and is repeated for each of the higher categories. Before points can be evaluated within each category, the required countermeasures for that category must be verified.
- Points are given for each optional countermeasure included.
- Countermeasure points are summed for each of 13 disciplines.
- Discipline points are multiplied by the corresponding discipline weights.
- Weighted points are summed for each Rating Category.
- Total weighted points are divided by the available points at each Rating Category. Points associated with countermeasures not applicable to the facility are excluded.
- The resulting ratio is compared with the Achievement Threshold for attaining this Rating Category.
- The resulting ratio is also compared with the Advancement Threshold for moving up to next higher Rating Level.
- Owner is notified of PLUS rating level achieved.
Who is evaluating my submission?
The BSC Building Evaluation Committee evaluates all submissions with the assistance of outside consultants retained by BSC.
How long will it take for a submission to be evaluated?
BSC will review completed rating packages within 30 days. If additional information is requested, then the review process will be extended by about 15 days.
What will I receive after BSC completes its evaluation of my PLUS application?
- Building Classification Rating letter, with Building Classification and Rating Category awarded. View sample (PDF).
- Building Classification Rating Certificate, with building name, address and designated Building Class and Rating Category
- Security Countermeasures Confirmation Report. View sample (PDF).
- Total points received
- Points earned for each Countermeasure included in application
- Points needed to move up to next Rating Category
What if I disagree with the rating awarded by BSC?
If you, as a building owner, disagree with the awarded rating, you may appeal. More about the BSC appeal process...
SAFETY Act Provisions
What is the SAFETY Act?
The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 offers special liability protection to providers of qualified anti-terrorism technologies, with the purpose of encouraging the development and commercialization of products and services that could reduce risk or mitigate damage from a large-scale terrorist attack.
The act creates liability limitations for "claims related to acts of terrorism". Covered technologies include:
- Devices and Equipment
- Services
- Software
- Information Technology
Developers of anti-terrorism measures may apply to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for "Designation" under the SAFETY Act. The Building Security Council submitted the Building Security Rating program and received a DHS Designation in September 2007. As a result, SAFETY Act liability limitations apply to BSC as the seller of the PLUS rating program.
Find out more about the SAFETY Act at safetyact.gov.
How does the SAFETY Act apply to the PLUS rating program?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved the PLUS rating program as a qualified anti-terrorism technology. This means that BSC must maintain a minimum level of insurance coverage specified by DHS, at which BSC's liability is capped for any and all claims for performance or non-performance of the PLUS rating program in relation to an act of terrorism. BSC also receives other benefits, including exclusive jurisdiction in federal courts and a ban on punitive damages.
How do the liability limitations under the SAFETY Act apply to building owners?
According to regulations adopted by the Department of Homeland Security, there is only one cause of action for performance or non-performance of a qualified anti-terrorism technology in relation to an act of terrorism, and it may be brought only against the seller of that technology. This suggests that owners of PLUS rated buildings may be exempt from many third-party lawsuits after a terrorist attack. However, this interpretation has not yet been tested in the courts, and BSC cannot provide advice on the precise legal ramifications of obtaining a PLUS rating.
What are the differences between The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) and its extension (TRIEA), and the SAFETY Act?
TRIA, now TRIEA, is a federal reinsurance plan that is triggered when insured losses from terrorism exceed a predetermined amount. The program shares losses between the insurance industry and federal government, according to a preset formula, when either a domestic or foreign act of terrorism occurs. The SAFETY Act provides liability protection for developers of anti-terrorism technologies.
In addition, the two pieces of legislation have somewhat different definitions of an act of terrorism. For example, TRIEA requires the Secretary of the Treasury to recognize an event as an act of terrorism, while the SAFETY Act places this responsibility on the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Technical Basis for PLUS Ratings
Is the PLUS rating program related to other safety and risk criteria, like those from FEMA and Department of Defense?
The PLUS rating program uses countermeasures from various federal and military criteria. However, the system is not a replacement for federal requirements. A PLUS rating does not constitute full compliance with any other specific criteria.
What sources form the technical basis for PLUS?
- FEMA 426, Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (PDF)
- Interagency Security Committee Security Design Criteria for New Federal Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects
- Department of Defense Minimum Anti-terrorism Standards for Buildings (UFC-4-010-01) (PDF)
PLUS and LEED®
Can a building have both a PLUS rating and LEED certification?
Yes. A PLUS rating is related to security and LEED focuses on energy.
What are the differences between PLUS and LEED?
The primary difference is that PLUS rates building security and LEED certifies projects by offering third-party validation of a project's green features and verifying that a building operates as designed.
Other differences:
- PLUS uses 5 rating levels. LEED has 4 certification levels.
- PLUS's lowest level is Rated. LEED's is Certified.
- PLUS does not rate single family homes, hotels, neighborhood developments and commercial interiors alone.
- PLUS countermeasures are weighted in accordance with their relative risk mitigation value and implementation cost. LEED credits are all worth the same value.
- Documentation of PLUS countermeasures mostly consists of materials that are likely to be developed in the course of design or assessment. LEED certification requires a considerable amount of additional effort that can often be quite burdensome.
- PLUS is not supported by membership dues and does not accept contributions from product manufacturers or companies benefiting from the PLUS program. PLUS is not supported by trade show revenues. BSC lists all affiliations on its website.
What are the similarities between PLUS and LEED?
- Voluntary programs, offered by third-party nonprofit organizations
- Apply to both existing and new buildings
- Recognize that improved building performance results from an integrated approach, rather than by piecemeal additions
- Use point-based scoring, with progressive levels of performance
- Based on recognized design and construction practices
- Award points for innovative design and construction features
- Do not endorse products of any type. Products with certain attributes contribute points for LEED and PLUS
- Offer training programs to increase practitioners' knowledge
- Recognize cost-effective practices for achieving performance levels
What is the difference between rating and certification?
'Rating' assigns a value within a class. 'Certify' attests, corroborates or verifies. The PLUS rating program assigns points based on a facility's Building Classification and Security Countermeasures to arrive at the PLUS rating achieved. LEED validates that specified green features are used and the building operates as designed.