ASCE MOP 128

Abstract

<strong>PURPOSE</strong> <br>The building security rating system was created to develop construction and operations criteria and a matching rating system to describe the relative security and safety of buildings and building systems, the objective being to enhance the security and safety of building mission and life safety services and thus the safety of building occupants. The rating system addresses the design, engineering, and construction disciplines (planning, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, etc.) governing building design, development, and operations, while offering improved survivability of buildings and occupants when subjected to terrorist or criminal attacks involving nuclear, chemical, and biological agents or conventional explosives. The construction and operation criteria are part of a qualitative assessment engine used to govern building design and development, construction, and operations. The rating system is applicable to existing buildings and new building designs and guides owners and facility decision makers in improving survivability (or enhanced continued operations) after an attack. It also provides an indication of security value for facility owners and occupants that is analogous to the U.S. Green Building Council ' s LEED building rating system. Buildings are rated according to likely survivability, security, and safety given various degrees and types of terrorist or criminal assaults. <br>Note that in this rating system the term "security" is defi ned as <em>the capability to prevent terrorist or criminal attacks, reduce vulnerability to such events, and provide enhanced recovery from an event if one occurs. Consideration of life safety is at the forefront of prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery .</em>