Building Envelope
Security
A Guide By Charter Global
CONTENTS
03 What Is Building Envelope Security?
04 The Planning Process
05 Typical Threats
10 Security Standards
13 Security Standard Governing Bodies
14 Physical security measures
Charter Global Ltd
Engineering preventative measures for both the shell
and interior spaces, our inherent focus remains on
protecting people from
harm and property from destruction.
Our expertise in providing the appropriate solutions
is a culmination of trial and error, persistence, and
continued investment in innovation. Mitigating a range
of low to severe risks, we focus on delivering results
for a number of niche sectors.
We offer a personal service with support to all
professionals and individual parties throughout the
security industry including security professionals,
architects, portfolio managers, contractors and ultra-
high net worth individuals.
Charter Global Ltd | www.charter-global.com | 0845 050 8705 2
Building envelope security is
employed to prevent unauthorized
access to facilities, equipment,
and assets as well as to protect
staff and property from damage.
The consequences of inappropriate physical
security will most likely imply a monetary cost
(expenses for repairs or loss) and an emotional
burden (experiencing a life-threatening
situation or substantial physical harm)
Designers, architects, and security
professionals alike are responsible for risk
control. This task generally considers elements
such as cost, security, and aesthetics.
We consistently emphasize the importance of
having a holistic approach when dealing with
physical security because one measure alone
will never be enough.
Charter Global Ltd | www.charter-global.com | 0845 050 8705 3
The Planning
Process
Evalutate. Assess. Determine.
Every consultant, framework, and advisory on • Assets – what is stored within the
physical security planning suggest evaluating property? Is the property itself of value?
the project before making any changes.
This is not without good reason. • Internal Stakeholders – who is likely to be
onsite in the event of an attack? Could
Only by first understanding the landscape can there be potential for loss of life?
efficient defences be implemented by your
team. • External Stakeholders – who could
potentially be onsite? What level of
There are a number of considerations: authorisation is required?
• Property Type – what type of property • Threat – is the property/owner/business
is it? Is there a requirement for obvious aware of any existing threats?
deterrents?
• Access/Operation – what access control
• Location – where is the site? Is it a location will there to be? Who will be the main
of civil unrest? operator?
• Budget – what is the realistic budget to Other considerations may also be warranted
meet expectations? depending on the nature of the facility.
For further information on physical security
planning, read our guide here.
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Typical Threats
When planning for building envelope security,
either for an existing property or new build,
it’s essential to understand common physical
security threats and vulnerabilities (listed
below), and how each of them should be
approached.
Theft & Burglary
Vandalism
Sabotage
Terrorism
Natural Disasters
Arson Attacks & Floods
Different physical security threats can be
addressed within every stage of the design,
implementation, and maintenance of the
property.
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Employed by the physical security industry,
there are three critical elements of an
effective mitigation plan. The Loss Prevention
Certification Board (LPCB) describe this best:
“It is therefore always important
to ensure suitable physical
security measures are in place
and that those measures provide
sufficient delay to enable the
intruder to be detected and a
suitable response mounted to
apprehend the intruder.”
Physical security, as shown in the image above,
is vital within the deter and delay stage of an
attack but not an end-all solution.
The concept of layered physical security
sometimes referred to as defence in depth,
allows for greater resilience.
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Vandalism and theft Case Study: Sequential Security
for Commercial Premises
Countermeasures for this severity of threat
generally fall into the remit of deterrence or
low-profile mitigation. These incidents are (Images above) - With large quantities
generally unplanned, unorganised and pose of valuable goods stored & transported
little to no risk of damage or injury. on and off site, this commercial property
required multiple reinforcements to both
However, without measures meant to guard the personnel entrance, vehicle entrances
against them, they can be challenging to and windows.
handle.
Security measures were specified to
Vandalism of property and destruction of items LPS 1175: Issue 7 SR3 for this medium
can be a significant drain on resources. to high risk environment. For additional
reinforcement in the unlikely case of failure,
Attackers are likely to use tools that can be the Obexion Anti-Ram Gate was installed to
carried on the person and make minimal noise. the internal face of the security shutter.
Countermeasures: A high gallows style steel frame with
reinforced swing and slam posts, the gate
Noticeable guard presence, network-based provides vital protection to the internal
systems, i.e. CCTV or access control, and space should ram-raid attack take place
retrofit physical measures no higher than LPS whilst one, or both, of the sequential security
1175 Security Rating 3 (SR3). shutters were compromised.
For further information on this case study, click
here.
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Sabotage and espionage Case Study: Bespoke Security for
MK Gallery
For buildings that house items of high value,
like Art and cultural exhibitions, insurance is a
necessity. (Images above) - One of the most bespoke
projects of recent years, MK Gallery is an
The Government Indemnity Scheme (GIS) incredibly impressive new public gallery
supports cultural buildings to exhibit art by designed by 6a Architects.
offering an alternative to insurance.
The exhibition loading area required an
However, one of the many stipulations is high- abnormally large shutter, but lacked the
performance physical security. headroom to support a standard motor.
Countermeasures: Devising a unique system with a bespoke
motor specification that reduced the
Extensive personnel procedures to increase headroom required, an Obexion MD SR4
the chances of early detection. Shutter was installed.
Physical emergency lockdown products The high specification was one of the GIS
(Government Indemnity Scheme) general
conditions, as part of the gallery’s support
from Arts Council England.
For further information on this case study, click
here.
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Acts of terror
For buildings relevant to the local government and occupied
by politic figures, more severe acts of sabotage or terror
are also a concern.
Attacks are incredibly challenging to predict, but there are
patterns, such as multiple locations.
For buildings relevant to the local government and occupied
by politic figures, more severe acts of sabotage or terror
are also a concern.
Attacks are incredibly challenging to predict, but there are
patterns, such as multiple locations.
Countermeasures:
Centred around delaying an incident. This allows occupants
to move to a safe location. Internal safety enclosures with
heavy-duty physical reinforcements offer better protection
than no protection at all.
The inclusion of countermeasures against Hostile Vehicle
Mitigation (HVM) involves limiting the number of vehicles
that access the site and provide protection against vehicle
impact.
Charter Global Ltd | www.charter-global.com | 0845 050 8705 9
Security
Standards
Security standards are used to represent different levels of protection. They
are commonly used in the specification and supply processes to ensure that
products meet clear requirements.
Physical security standards are developed by In particular, the initiative aims to ‘design
different government and independent bodies out crime’ for new and refurbished homes,
both inside the UK and globally. commercial premises, and car parks.
Different participants such as government, SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme –
police, insurers, risk consultants and the Police Preferred Specification – provides
architects all contribute to the creation of a recognised physical security standard for all
physical security standards to ensure security security products that can deter and reduce
equipment and services deliver the levels of crime. The scheme ensures that products
performance required to protect against have been independently tested to a relevant
criminal and terrorist threats. security standard and are fully certified by
an independent third-party - commonly a
Secured by Design United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
certification body.
The official police security initiative that works
to improve the security of buildings and their The scheme also requires regular re-testing
immediate surroundings to provide safe places and annual inspection of the manufacturing
to live, work, shop and visit. facility to ensure quality and performance are
maintained.
For further information on security standards,
read our guide here.
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Loss Prevention Standard 1175 (LPS 1175)
The LPS 1175 standard is one of many The performance ratings SR2
physical security standards by the Loss
Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). through to SR8 are the most
relevant, specifically designed to
This particular standard focusses on the imitate different risk scenarios.
physical security of ‘intruder resistant building
components’, which includes strong-points, LPCB approval ensures that security products
security enclosures, free-standing barriers, provide a reliable delay and means of detection
and any products that fall within those required to protect against intrusion.
categories, such as doors, security shutters,
fencing or even key safes. In order to retain certification, manufacturers
must undergo ongoing auditing to ensure that
The LPS 1175 standard comprises a number they have thorough and effective quality control
of security ratings with test requirements of procedures in place in their manufacturing
ascending intensity. These are measured in processes.
terms of attack tools and time available to
the attacker, and enables specifiers to select This is another factor that contributes
products according to the risks their property to LPCB’s popularity with specifiers and
face. architects – not only does the mark guarantee
a security resistance, but it also guarantees an
These ratings are split into eight different effective Quality Control process.
levels. Each one intended to represent a
distinct threat scenario. For further information on LPS 1175, read our
guide here.
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PAS 24
PAS 24:2016 is a Product Assessment Specification. It
details the test methods and acceptance criteria relevant
to the security performance of door sets and windows
intended to resist methods of attack associated with the
opportunistic burglar.
The products that have been certified to this standard
intend to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and
other buildings.
PAS 24, like most British Standards, is a
minimum standard. This means that there
are no higher or lower grades for security,
and so products that are tested to the
specifications of the standard either pass
or fail.
Once products have passed the certification tests, the
factory and the manufacturing processes are also examined
by a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)
accredited Certification Body.
EN 1627
EN 1627 represents the European Standard for the
burglar-resistant classifications of domestic and commercial
doorsets, windows, curtain walling, grilles, and shutters.
In the UK, the British Standard Institute (BSI) is in charge of
implementing the standard.
There are 6 resistance classifications (RC) that determine
the level of burglar resistance offered by a security product.
RC1 – RC3 C4 – RC6
Primarily focused on the levels of Associated with the
attack associated with the casual more experienced
or opportunistic intruder – uses or professional
stealth to avoid attracting attention intruder.
and utilises hand-held tools or
levers to facilitate forced entry.
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Security Standard
Governing Bodies
BRE LPCB
At the top level of building product certification Loss Prevention Certification Board is
is the Building Research Establishment, known part of the BRE Group. It specifically offers
as BRE. accreditation to security systems and
products that meet strict standards and test
They are an independent and impartial, requirements.
research-based consultancy group, who
offer testing and training in aspects of built It is the leading centre for fire & security
environments. product testing and approvals, with nearly 70
Loss Prevent Standards (LPS) in effect.
Principally, they help the government and
businesses make informed decisions on Each LPS standard looks at ensuring a product
essential, construction-based purchases. can effectively perform to the required level
within various layers of a property: perimeter,
facade, interior space, enclosures, and asset.
This is built up from the very basics of
adequate security to protecting property and
people from terror attacks.
The LPS security standards are based on
grading structures, developed over time on
proven crime science.
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Physical Security
Measures
An effective physical security solution should deter or delay an attacker, and
should be complemented by a suitable means of detection and appropriate
response.
A system of interdependent layers of security Charter Global offers products
is the most effective method for protecting a certified to a wide range of
property, and it starts at the perimeter.
physical security standards.
Placing vehicle-restricting obstacles along the The most distinguished are
borders of your premises or at least at critical Secured by Design and LPS 1175.
entry points will instantly make an attack less
likely of being successful.
Obexion: the most comprehensive range of
Depending on the required level of security, high-security LPS 1175 shutters. Certified
visibility, aesthetics, and type of application, by the LPCB to LPS 1175 Issue 7 SR2
you will find a wide range of vehicle barrier through to SR5.
systems such as fences, gates, roadblocks,
and bollards. Equilux: security shutters with a completely
unique approach to home security.
Specifically designed for residencies of ultra-
high net worth individuals.
Inregr8: integrated security to applications
within the Education, Commercial,
Healthcare and Community sectors.
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Registering entry and exit activity
When it comes to access into the general premises or
high-value asset spaces, you are challenged with two risks:
someone external trying to break in, and personnel with
authorized access who could misuse their level of permission.
Consider using authentication systems that can be
incorporated into locking devices, for example, smart cards or
biometric scans, both effective physical security measures for
recording the identity of persons entering.
High-quality locks
Invest in high-quality locking mechanisms. Both doors and
windows should be perfectly secured with quality locks that will
not break easily nor are in an outdated state.
Remember, any lock you implement will render useless if it is
not appropriately and constantly secured.
For some applications, you will need to establish policies
that require access points to be locked anytime a room is
unoccupied. It is also vital to have a clear outline/overview of
staff that hold keys or have access to keycodes.
Video surveillance
If video surveillance is placed correctly, you will benefit from 3
functions this physical security measure offers.
1. When placed strategically, preferably in highly visible
locations and pointing to critical areas of observation, it will
serve as an effective deterrent.
2. A constant feed that can receive real-time notifications in
case of an altercation. Modern camera systems will monitor
continuously or integrate with motion detection
3. Recorded footage will serve useful for incident assessment
or historical analysis, and as a substantial piece of evidence
in court. Make sure you have high image quality from your
cameras.
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Alarm systems
A classic. Via the use of perimeter sensors,
motion sensors, contact sensors or glass
break detectors, alarm systems can be
triggered to alert security staff when
unauthorized access is attempted.
These commonly work in integration with
physical barriers, mechanical elements or even
by manual trigger.
Keep in mind this physical security measure
will only be useful if it is followed by a quick
response when triggered.
Security lighting
Intruders are less prone to enter well-lit areas
for fear of being seen.
We recommend strategically placing light
over doors and other entrances to facilitate
observation of people coming in and out.
Make sure to place light in areas difficult to
tamper with, for example poles, and ensure you
have a backup power supply in case intruders
try to cut the electricity off.
Pro tip: it is preferable to use low-intensity
widespread light instead of high-intensity
narrow light because the latter can create unlit
blind spots.
If you are interested in finding out more
information on how to reinforce the physical
security of your property, contact a member
of our team today for assistance from
professionals.
For further information on security measures,
read our guide here.
Find this guide valuable? You can find similar
content here
Charter Global Ltd | www.charter-global.com | 0845 050 8705 16
Obexion Security Shutters are manufactured
in the UK and have been tested and certified to
LPS1175, Issue 7, SR2 through to SR5.
Applicable for high-risk properties, the Obexion
range of security shutters have been rigorously
tried and tested in different attack scenarios
to effectively protect against multiple risks.
Equilux Shutters are specifically manufactured
to ensure unobtrusive security whilst
enhancing the original and unique features of
luxury homes.
Tailored to the home’s design & architecture,
the mechanics of security shutters can be
integrated within the very fabric of the building
– removing the need for an unsightly hood box.
For applications that require a built-in
security shutter – Integr8 Shutters offers
specialised solutions that do not compromise
on specification, building restrictions and
aesthetic.
A comprehensive range of curtain styles, lath
profiles and security ratings available, and the
ability to either house the roller shutter within
a structural lintel, or a non-structural box.
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