Benchmarking Corporate Real Estate: Fundamentals of Measurement

Author/s: Clive Warren

Date Published: 1/01/2002

Published in: Volume 8 - 2002 Issue 4 (pages 277 - 285)

Abstract

Benchmarking of corporate real estate performance is an essential tool in the efficient management of assets to support the core business. Many of the performance indicators used to measure property are based on the area of the property occupied. The disparity that exists in the methods of measuring office properties hampers the comparison of properties on a global scale. This paper explores the extent of measurement differences that exist between Australia, Europe and the UK. This paper demonstrates that differences in the methodologies applied to the measurement of office accommodation can lead to discrepancies in the range of 3% or 4% for a typical multi-tenanted office floor. This research demonstrates the need for caution in comparing benchmarks based on area and further illustrates the need for the development of a global standard for measurement.

Download Full Article

Download the Full Article PDF

14445921.2002.11104129.pdf 14445921.2002.11104129.pdf (740kB)

Keywords

Benchmarking - Margin of Error - Measurement - Net Lettable Area

References

  • Bon, R., McMahan, J. and Carder, P. (1998), Property performance measurement: from theory to management practice, Facilities 16 (7/8): 208-214.
  • Douglas, J. (1996), Building performance and its relevance to facilities management, Facilities 14 (3/4): 23-32.
  • Facilities Management Association (1999), Facilities Management Cost Benchmarks, FMA, Melbourne.
  • Facilities Management Association (2002), Churn Report, FMA, Melbourne.
  • FM Datacom (1998), Facilities Management Benchmarking, On-Line Conference, FM Datacom, Jan-March.
  • Gibson, V. (2000), The cost of choice: how corporate real estate managers evaluate business space option, Paper presented at American Real Estate Society annual meeting.
  • Goldin, D. (1998), Facilities Management Benchmarking, On-Line Conference, FM Datacom, Jan-March.
  • Ho, DCW., Chan, EHW., Wong, NY. and Chan, M. (2000), Significant metrics for facilities management in the Asia Pacific region, Facilities 18 (13/14): 545-555.
  • Massheder, K. and Finch, E. (1998), Benchmarking methodologies applied to UK facilities management, Facilities 16 (3/4): 99-106.
  • O’Mara, M. (1999), Strategy and Place, Free Press, New York.
  • Property Council of Australia (1997), Method of Measurement, PCA, Sydney.
  • Property Council of Australia (1994 - 2001), Operating Cost Benchmarks, PCA, Sydney.
  • RICS (2001a), Overcrowded, Under-utilised or Just Right?—Office Space: How Much is Enough?, RICS, London.
  • RICS (2001b), Code of Measuring Practice, 5th Edition. RICS, London.
  • Spendolini, ?. (1992), The Benchmarking Book, Amacon, New York.
  • Varcoe, B. (1993), Facilities performance: achieving value for money through performance measurement and benchmarking, Property Management 11 (4): 301-307
  • Wang, Q. (1998), Activity Based Facilities Management Benchmarking, Facilities Management Benchmarking On-Line Conference, FMDatacom, Jan-March.