In today's complex security landscape, ensuring the safety of building occupants and assets requires more than just cutting-edge technology.
Holistic approach
The SHIELD certification, introduced by the Secure Buildings Council, is designed to help building owners, tenants, and security professionals navigate this challenge effectively.
SHIELD offers a holistic approach to physical security that emphasises not just the systems in place, but the collaboration among all stakeholders. With practical, actionable guidance, SHIELD certification seeks to become a benchmark for secure building environments.
What is SHIELD?
Its primary goal is that buildings are equipped with security systems and protocols that protect against threats
SHIELD is a comprehensive certification programme developed by the Secure Buildings Council to establish and maintain a standard of excellence in building security.
Its primary goal is to ensure that buildings are equipped with security systems and protocols that not only protect against threats but also enhance the overall safety and operational efficiency of the facility.
Forward-thinking design
It encourages a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together building owners, managers, security professionals, architects, and engineers to foster an integrated security strategy.
By adhering to SHIELD's standards, facilities can assure tenants, visitors, and investors that the building is designed to be a secure and resilient environment. The intent is to create safer spaces through collaboration, forward-thinking design, and stringent security measures.
Enhancing security and building resilience
SHIELD certification helps to ensure that buildings are not only secure from external threats but are also resilient in the face of internal vulnerabilities.
This includes everything from access control systems and surveillance infrastructure to cybersecurity measures and emergency response protocols.
Detailed framework
SHIELD acts as a roadmap to assess and improve the effectiveness of a building's security architecture
The certification process provides a detailed framework for identifying potential risks, implementing best practices, and continuously monitoring security measures.
For security professionals, SHIELD acts as a roadmap to assess and improve the effectiveness of a building's security architecture. The programme emphasises the importance of both physical and digital security, recognising that modern threats often cross over from one realm to the other.
Benefits for tenants, investors, and facility managers
One of the standout benefits of SHIELD certification is the assurance it provides to tenants and investors. Certified buildings demonstrate a commitment to security that can attract higher-quality tenants and increase the building’s market value.
For investors, a SHIELD-certified building represents a lower-risk investment, as the facility is better protected against both physical threats and operational disruptions.
Standardised procedures
Additionally, facility managers benefit from SHIELD's emphasis on clear, standardised procedures for maintaining and upgrading security measures.
The certification helps streamline operations by ensuring that all security protocols are applied consistently and reviewed regularly. This results in a safer, more efficient building environment for everyone involved.
Promoting collaboration and industry integration
Architects, engineers, and security professionals are encouraged to work together from the earliest stages
SHIELD certification is not just about the implementation of security technologies—it is also about fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. Building owners, architects, engineers, and security professionals are encouraged to work together from the earliest stages of design and planning.
This collaborative approach helps ensure that security measures are integrated into the fabric of the building, rather than being tacked on as an afterthought.
Multi-disciplinary synergy
Furthermore, SHIELD works in alignment with other industry standards, such as LEED for environmental sustainability and WELL for health and well-being.
This multi-disciplinary synergy allows building owners to pursue multiple certifications concurrently, enhancing the building's overall value and appeal.
Achieving SHIELD certification: The process
The process to become SHIELD certified involves a comprehensive assessment of a building’s security features and protocols. This begins with a gap analysis, where security professionals evaluate the building's current state against SHIELD's stringent standards.
From there, a detailed action plan is developed to address any deficiencies. Once the necessary upgrades and protocols are in place, the building undergoes a final audit before the certification is awarded.
Incorporating multiple elements
SHIELD takes a holistic approach that encompasses not just physical security but also digital and procedural elements
A common misconception about SHIELD is that it is solely focused on physical security systems. In reality, SHIELD takes a holistic approach that encompasses not just physical security but also digital and procedural elements.
Another misconception is that SHIELD is only applicable to large-scale commercial properties, when in fact it can be adapted for buildings of various sizes and functions.
Global adoption of SHIELD certification
SHIELD certification is seeing increased adoption across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its focus on a comprehensive, collaborative approach to security has made it particularly attractive in high-risk industries such as finance, healthcare, and data centres. While it is still gaining traction in some regions, SHIELD is poised to become a global standard for building security in the coming years.
SHIELD certification represents a significant step forward for building security. By fostering collaboration and emphasising a holistic approach, SHIELD helps create safer, more resilient buildings that protect both the physical structure and the people and assets inside.