Benchmarking: The Benefits and Limitations in Research Space Planning

Published January 27, 2016 on labdesignnews.com

In this month’s column for Lab Design News we explore what benchmarking really means when it comes to designing labs.

Benchmarking is a useful tool to compare performance metrics from one project to another. When planning new research space, using benchmark data assists the decision-making process as it enables the client to understand what peer institutions are doing in similar situations. Benchmark data can also compare metrics between different researchers within an organization. However, when relying on benchmark data, it’s important to keep in mind some of its limitations. Data gathered by multiple institutions or companies can be difficult to compare as metrics aren’t always calculated in the same way. While comparable data can provide insight into possible solutions, benchmark data alone does not solve unique, complex problems. With over 40 years of laboratory experience at PAYETTE, we have a robust benchmarking database built upon our experience, which helps us frame those unique, complex problems. Often, we use benchmarking as the first step in the planning process as it applies to a project’s sustainability goals as well as department or floor planning.