Vulnerability definitions
The Loss Prevention Standard (LSP 2082 : Issue 1.0), published by BRE Global in 2017, defines vulnerability as: ‘A weakness to a security threat which reduces the security of a facility.’
A Guide To Climate Change Impacts, On Scotland’s Historic Environment, published by Historic Environment Scotland in October 2019, defines vulnerability / sensitivity as: ‘The features of an asset that we can influence or control in order to make it more or less susceptible to a particular hazard.’
Water safety in buildings, published by the World Health Organization in 2011, states: ‘Vulnerable groups or populations are people who might be vulnerable to the effects of exposure because of their development stage (e.g. children) or because of pre-existing health conditions (e.g. asthmatics and air pollution).’
Anticipate, react, recover; Resilient infrastructure systems, published by the National Infrastructure Commission in May 2020, states: ‘In the context of infrastructure systems, a vulnerability is a characteristic of the system or weakness in the system that has the potential to lead to partial or full failure of the system.’
The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), states: ‘Vulnerability is a measure of the extent to which a community, structure, service or geographical area is likely to be damaged or disrupted, on account of its nature or location, by the impact of a particular disaster hazard.’
Glossary: Resilience, published by the Department for International Development in 2016, defines vulnerability as: ‘The likelihood that assets will be damaged or destroyed when exposed to a hazard event.’
See also:
- Resilience.
- Vulnerable consumer.
- Vulnerable customer.
- Vulnerability index.
- Vulnerable road user.
- Vulnerable species.
- Security vulnerability.
- Sensitivity analysis.
- Sensitive area.
- Sensitive ecological habitat.
- Sensitive Information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE National Security Survey.
- BREEAM Safety and security.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Convergent threat.
- Design basis threat.
- Facility Security Risk Management Plan.
- Facility security manager.
- Loss Prevention Certification Board.
- Project security manager.
- Resilience.
- Risk.
- SABRE.
- Security.
- Sensitive area.
- Sensitive ecological habitat.
- Sensitive Information.
- Sensitivity analysis.
- Threat.
- Vulnerable customer.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.