Secure Building Council
Secure Building Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs SHIELD, the first AI-powered building security certification, offering three tiers across four pillars (physical, technology, operations, compliance) for building owners, architects, engineers, and property managers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- Headquarters—
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Secure Building Council does
Secure Building Council (SBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2023 and headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, that operates the SHIELD Certification program — positioned as the first AI-powered building security certification. SHIELD evaluates buildings against a four-pillar framework (Physical Security, Technology Security, Operations, and Compliance & Liability) and offers three certification tiers: SHIELD 1 (Baseline Protection), SHIELD 2 (Enhanced Resilience), and SHIELD 3 (Comprehensive Security). The core technology is the SHIELD AI engine, which processes building assessment data to identify risks, generate improvement recommendations, and guide buildings toward certification in real time, with stated capabilities in anomaly detection, recommendation generation, and assessment workflow automation.
SBC serves building owners, property management companies, architects, engineers, designers, and contractors across commercial, residential, and institutional built environments. The organization is supported by a network of more than 20 endorsers and partners — including HID, Wavelynx, ASSA ABLOY, Arup, Allegion, Brivo, Verkada, M.C. Dean, IMEG, SmithGroup, and ZBeta — and is governed by four standing committees (Technical, Outreach, Commercial, Advisory Board) plus an Executive Committee staffed with senior representatives from Meta, Salesforce, LinkedIn, ADP, Broadcom, the MET Museum, and other end-user and vendor organizations.
SBC's revenue model combines four streams: SHIELD certification fees (subscription-based, annual cadence, pricing not publicly disclosed), a Certifying Organization training and licensing program for third-party evaluators, a paid membership program (newsletter archive, webinars, exclusive events), and donations via a "Support the Mission" mechanism. Distribution is through direct enterprise engagement for certification, a channel/VAR layer via trained certifying organizations, and content-led community marketing through a monthly Security Design Newsletter, member-only webinars, events, and social media. The organization also plans to expand globally, with website materials claiming an international footprint.
Secure Building Council firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Secure Building Council
- Legal name
- Secure Building Council
- Website
- https://securebuildingcouncil.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Secure Building Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs SHIELD, the first AI-powered building security certification, offering three tiers across four pillars (physical, technology, operations, compliance) for building owners, architects, engineers, and property managers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Secure Building Council industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Building Security Certification
- NAICS
- Building Inspection Services (54135), Security Systems Services (56162)
- SIC
- Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Safety Compliance, Audits & Risk Assessments (Security Assessments, CPTED) (EDAEACAN)
Keywords
Secure Building Council business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- SHIELD Certification Fees: Buildings can achieve SHIELD Certification at three levels (SHIELD 1, SHIELD 2, SHIELD 3) by meeting the program's rigorous standards for physical security, technology security, operations, and compliance & liability.
- Certifying Organization Network: SBC trains and certifies professionals to become SHIELD Certifying Organizations who evaluate buildings against SHIELD standards, creating a network of qualified evaluators.
- Membership Program: SBC offers membership with benefits including full newsletter archive, access to webinars, exclusive events, and forums.
- Donations and Mission Support: SBC accepts donations to support the mission of creating more secure, resilient built environments through the SHIELD certification program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | SHIELD Certification tiers (SHIELD 1, 2, 3) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Secure Building Council product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Secure Building Council issues SHIELD Certification, the first AI-powered building security certification program, evaluating commercial, residential, and institutional buildings across four pillars: Physical Security, Technology Security, Operations, and Compliance & Liability. Certification is delivered at three tiered levels (SHIELD 1 Baseline Protection, SHIELD 2 Enhanced Resilience, SHIELD 3 Comprehensive Security). The council also trains and accredits a network of SHIELD Certifying Organizations that evaluate buildings against its standards, and runs a paid membership program offering a monthly Security Design Newsletter, webinars, and exclusive events.
Product overview
Secure Building Council offers the SHIELD Certification, the industry's first AI-powered building security certification program. The portfolio consists of the core SHIELD Certification built on four pillars (Physical Security, Technology Security, Operations, and Compliance & Liability), available at three tier levels: SHIELD 1 for baseline protection, SHIELD 2 for enhanced resilience, and SHIELD 3 for comprehensive security. Supporting services include a monthly security design newsletter and member-only webinars providing industry insights and educational content. The organization also operates a certifying organization program that trains qualified professionals to evaluate buildings against SHIELD standards.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SHIELD Certification AI-powered building security certification program for building owners, architects, and operators. Buildings are evaluated against four pillars (Physical Security, Technology Security, Operations, and Compliance & Liability) at three tiered levels: SHIELD 1 Baseline Protection, SHIELD 2 Enhanced Resilience, and SHIELD 3 Comprehensive Security. Designed to protect people and assets, meet duty-of-care obligations, and demonstrate premium operational standards.
- SHIELD Certifying Organization Program Accreditation program that trains and certifies independent professionals and firms to evaluate buildings against SHIELD standards on behalf of building owners. Certified organizations become part of a global network of qualified SHIELD evaluators and deliver certification assessments.
- SBC Membership Program Paid membership providing industry professionals with full access to the monthly Security Design Newsletter archive, members-only live and recorded webinars on security design topics, exclusive events, and forums. Targets building owners, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and security technology professionals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Three-tier certification system (SHIELD 1, 2, 3) provides measurable security levels from baseline to comprehensive protection.
Companies that use Secure Building Council
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Secure Building Council technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature1 record
Secure Building Council partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SmithGroupcoreSmithGroup is a large, integrated architecture, engineering, and planning firm delivering design and technical services across healthcare, education, science & technology, cultural institutions, urban development, and workplace environments.
- ZBetacoreZBeta is a specialized physical security design, consulting, and managed services firm partnering with clients to evaluate risks, recommend security systems, and oversee implementation while maintaining manufacturer-neutral stance.
- The Consulting GroupcoreA minority-owned firm specializing in security and technology consulting for the built environment, providing services in physical security design, technology infrastructure, and master systems integration.
- ArupcoreGlobal professional services firm working across engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory, contributing to major built environment projects from structural and civil design to infrastructure consulting.
- M.C. DeancoreSystems integration and engineering firm specializing in cyber-physical solutions for mission critical facilities, secure environments, and complex infrastructure including power, security, automation, communications, and controls.
- IMEGcoreEngineering, planning, and consulting firm known for designing high-performance buildings and infrastructure with over a century of experience delivering full-service design across markets.
- VerkadacoreEnterprise security-technology firm offering integrated hardware and cloud software for physical-security applications including video surveillance cameras, access control, and environmental sensors.
- WavelynxcoreBuilds next-generation access control systems and secure credentialing solutions including interoperable reader hardware, mobile wallet credentials, and systems integrating with broader building security infrastructure.
- SUMMIT Risk and Resilience ServicesminorExpert-driven physical security, cybersecurity compliance, emergency preparedness, and risk management consulting tailored for government programs, critical infrastructure, utilities, and facilities.
- BrivocoreCloud-based access control and security technology company providing platforms for remote management of doors, mobile credentialing, video surveillance integration, and analytics for smart buildings.
- HID GlobalcoreLeader in identity and access solutions producing secure credentialing technologies including smart cards, RFID tags, biometric readers, and secure identity platforms for physical and logical access systems.
- SentinelminorFull service security consultancy providing clients with expertise in technical and operational security.
- FCS Security ServicesminorProvides tailored high-caliber security solutions including armed/unarmed personnel, tech-enabled patrols, and fixed post support for commercial, data centre, government, educational, and gated-community clients across 26 states and DC.
- Atlas ConsultingminorDelivers integrated, future-ready security designs prioritizing safety, functionality, and long-term maintainability, specializing in low-voltage systems planning for education, healthcare, and commercial environments.
- Group NineminorSpecialized security risk consulting firm offering threat assessment, physical security vulnerability assessments, bespoke training, and expert witness testimony drawing on law enforcement, military, and protective operations experience.
- ASSA ABLOYcoreGlobal leader in access solutions providing innovative technologies enabling secure, seamless movement through buildings with expertise across door hardware, access control, and identity solutions.
- 4LibertyminorCertified woman-owned technical and professional services consulting firm working with utilities on grid modernization, clean energy transition, infrastructure projects, project management, and physical security.
- AllegioncoreEnterprise security technology firm providing hardware and software solutions for physical security applications including access control and security management.
- ParatusminorSecurity consulting and services firm providing risk management and security solutions for built environments.
- NICPminorNational Infrastructure Coverage Program or similar organization focused on critical infrastructure security and protection.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Secure Building Council competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): Develops codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 730/731 for premises security) widely adopted in building safety regulation. NFPA is a broad incumbent whose premises-security standards overlap with SHIELD's physical-security and operations pillars and could either be a partner or competitor.
- UL Solutions: A globally recognized safety science and certification organization that tests, certifies, and develops standards across building products, security equipment, and life-safety systems. UL is a broad incumbent in the certification space that could credibly extend or compete with SHIELD's security-building standards given its existing relationships with building owners and regulators.
- International Code Council (ICC): Develops the model building codes (I-Codes) widely adopted across U.S. jurisdictions, including provisions that govern physical-security and life-safety requirements. ICC represents the regulatory pathway SHIELD would need to integrate with to convert from voluntary to codified standard.
Direct peers
- ASIS International: The leading global professional association for security management, offering certifications (CPP, PSP, PCI), standards, and educational resources. ASIS is the most direct security-domain peer — overlapping on building-security professional certification and standards publishing.
- Security Industry Association (SIA): Trade association representing electronic and physical security product manufacturers and integrators, with active standards, certification, and policy programs. SIA's overlapping vendor ecosystem and standards-development work make it a structural peer in building-security certification governance.
- WELL Building Standard (IWBI): Operates a tiered, third-party-verified building certification focused on occupant health and safety, structured as a mission-driven organization with cross-industry endorsements. WELL is a direct structural analog to SHIELD — same tiered, third-party-certified, nonprofit-style building standard — applied to a different but adjacent occupant-outcome domain.
- BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association): The principal trade association for commercial real estate owners and managers, publishing best-practice frameworks and operating standards for office buildings. BOMA is a primary peer for reaching the building-owner and property-manager segments SHIELD targets.
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC / LEED): Operates LEED, the dominant voluntary third-party building certification standard, organized as a nonprofit with tiered certification levels, member-driven committees, and broad endorsement from architects, engineers, and product manufacturers. LEED is the closest structural analog to SHIELD — same nonprofit-certification business model applied to sustainability rather than security.
- CPTED Society (International CPTED Association): Promotes Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles — designing out crime through built-environment choices — and offers practitioner credentials. CPTED shares SHIELD's design-stage integration thesis and is an overlapping professional-credentialing peer for security-aware design.
Emerging players
- International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC): Membership body for independent security consultants who advise building owners on physical security design and assessments. IAPSC's consultant base overlaps with SBC's SHIELD Certifying Organization program and represents a potential partner or alternative professional-credentialing pathway.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Secure Building Council social profiles
Digital presenceSecure Building Council compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Secure Building Council financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Secure Building Council leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Secure Building Council funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Secure Building Council M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Secure Building Council
What does Secure Building Council do?
Secure Building Council issues SHIELD Certification, the first AI-powered building security certification program, evaluating commercial, residential, and institutional buildings across four pillars: Physical Security, Technology Security, Operations, and Compliance & Liability. Certification is delivered at three tiered levels (SHIELD 1 Baseline Protection, SHIELD 2 Enhanced Resilience, SHIELD 3 Comprehensive Security). The council also trains and accredits a network of SHIELD Certifying Organizations that evaluate buildings against its standards, and runs a paid membership program offering a monthly Security Design Newsletter, webinars, and exclusive events.
Is Secure Building Council a public or private company?
Secure Building Council is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Secure Building Council founded?
Secure Building Council was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
How does Secure Building Council make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. SHIELD Certification Fees are the primary driver. The others are certifying Organization Network, membership Program and donations and Mission Support.
Who are Secure Building Council's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), UL Solutions and International Code Council (ICC). Direct peers are ASIS International, Security Industry Association (SIA), WELL Building Standard (IWBI), BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC / LEED) and CPTED Society (International CPTED Association). International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Secure Building Council have an API?
No public API is recorded for Secure Building Council.
What industry is Secure Building Council in?
Secure Building Council's product category is Building Security Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEACAN, Safety Compliance, Audits & Risk Assessments (Security Assessments, CPTED). Its NAICS code is 54135 and its SIC code is 7381.