A Special Interest Group has been launched by the building science research centre, BRE, with the Security Institute.
BRE Associate Director and Special Interest Group co-chair, Gavin Jones says: “Rightly so, security is high on everyone’s agenda. We want to see more security professionals engaged both in the development of the built environment, and in helping organisations to operate safe and secure premises. The Group will work to increase opportunities for security professionals and raise the profile of the security industry.”
Mark Tucknutt, Security Institute board member and Special Interest Group co-chair says: “Security is increasingly recognised as a discipline in the built environment, and through this group we hope to promote the benefits of thorough, professional consideration of security in the design process. We invite not only security consultants, engineers and managers but all built environment professionals to participate and help us in designing to reduce the risk of crime and terrorism.”
A recent BRE national security survey created to help identify priorities for new research, standards development, campaigns, events and training in protective security has shown that people have become more security-conscious. Out of over 200 participants that took the survey, 81pc of participants considered security a factor when deciding which property to rent or buy; and over half said they may be influenced by security when deciding whether to attend an event, concert or festival.
Aimed across all disciplines, including security, architects, planners, manufacturers, installers and suppliers, the Group was officially launched at the ‘Planning Today for a Secure Tomorrow’ event at BRE offices in Watford on November 2. The event looked at how the planning system can create safe and secure urban environments. It gained the views of both the public and private sector, including key representatives from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the official National Counter Terrorism Security Office (Nactso) and the Planning Officers Society.
The first meeting of the Group will run in the week of December 4. All security and built environment managers are invited to become involved, and can find out more by mailing [email protected].
