Benchmark

Term describing the result of an assessment

In the context of this glossary, a benchmark is considered to be the result of a point in time assessment that can be used to measure future performance against.

A benchmark is created by conducting an assessment process of the topic needing to be evaluated. Taking the result and comparing it against a future assessment provides a strong management technique for demonstrating ongoing performance for the task in question.

For example, for the EU Code of Conduct on Data Centres Energy Efficiency (Code), to manage the required programme of change over time regular benchmarking is recommended to demonstrate improvement in energy efficiency and for executive and corporate reporting purposes.

Assessor provides benchmarking and assessment tools for the Code and further information can be found at http://dimension85.com/EN/assessor.html