Application of data envelopment analysis to benchmark building outputs

Purpose – To present practical examples of a new approach to facilities benchmarking that uses data envelopment analysis to compare multiple output per m2 ratios. Design/methodology/approach – Demonstrates the first known use in facilities management of a new analytical technique. Findings – A practical comparison of office buildings demonstrates that a combination of high user satisfaction and better than average accommodation efficiency can be obtained. Suggests a threshold density above which user satisfaction will decrease. Research limitations/implications – The full potential for this new approach remains an active research project. Practical implications – The new approach has already been applied in practice.