Building a Safer Future: Introducing the Secure Building Council and the SHIELD Certification

At the Secure Building Council (SBC), our mission is simple but urgent: Create safe and secure built environments that prioritize the well-being of everyone who lives, works, and gathers inside them.

Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the SBC brings together a diverse group of building owners, property managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders who all share a common goal: elevating the role of physical security in how we design, build, and manage our spaces.

Today, we’re proud to introduce you to our flagship initiative — the SHIELD Certification — and invite you to be part of a growing movement toward smarter, safer, more resilient buildings.

What is SHIELD Certification?

SHIELD is the industry’s first dedicated physical security certification program. It was created to help raise awareness, provide education, and foster collaboration around making buildings safer from the ground up.

Unlike traditional security approaches that are often retrofitted after buildings are completed, SHIELD encourages security to be considered early in the design process. It offers practical, actionable guidance based on four essential pillars:

• Physical Security: Reinforcing entry points, implementing basic access controls, and maintaining visible surveillance systems — simple yet critical measures to deter threats and protect occupants.
• Technology Security: Thoughtfully selecting and deploying tech solutions like surveillance, access control, and cybersecurity measures that work harmoniously with the building’s design.
• Operations: Establishing clear policies, regular basic training, and effective communication plans to make security a seamless part of daily building management.
• Compliance and Liability: Addressing legal, insurance, and risk management considerations to protect stakeholders and promote a culture of accountability.

Together, these pillars form a comprehensive framework that helps building projects elevate their security posture — not just for today, but for the evolving threats of tomorrow.

Why It Matters

In today’s world, the security of our built environment can no longer be an afterthought. Buildings are where we work, learn, heal, and gather — and it’s critical that these spaces are designed to keep people safe from a wide range of man-made threats.

By embedding physical security considerations from the earliest stages of design, the SBC is working to create a new standard — one where secure environments are the norm, not the exception.

Stay Informed. Get Involved.

This monthly newsletter will be your source for:

• Updates on the development and progress of SHIELD Certification
• Insights into trends shaping the future of physical security
• Thought leadership and practical guidance for the building and security industries
• Opportunities to engage with the Secure Building Council community

We invite you to subscribe and join us as we work together to build a safer, stronger future — one building at a time.

Thank you for being part of this important journey.