PLUS^SM Rating Components

PLUS Rating = Building Classification + Security Countermeasures

Building Classification

Building Classifications reflect relative risk.

PLUS Building Classifications reflects a facility's attractiveness to terrorist attacks and major security incidents and the impact or consequences of a major security incident. Risk is measured quantitatively and qualitatively.

4 Classes denote risk.

PLUS uses 4 Building Classification classes to reflect risk: Class A reflects high risk (examples: New York Stock Exchange or Sears Tower in Chicago), Class B reflects medium risk to major security incidents, Class C reflects low risk, and Class D minimum risk. Learn more.

Building Classifications = Threat & Impact Factors

PLUS Building Classifications are based on 2 factors:

• Threat Factors = attractiveness to major security incidents
• Impact Factors = consequence of a major security threat

Security Countermeasures

Security Countermeasures = Mitigation Steps

Security Countermeasures provide a facility's defense system against major security incidents. These mitigation steps must deter, detect, delay or provide a defense against major security incidences.

• Architectural, structural & landscaping features
• Operational & maintenance (O&M) procedures & practices
• Security control, detection & screening devices or systems

Security Countermeasures are grouped into 13 categories.

Learn about applying for a PLUS rating.