We consider new performance measures for vibrational systems based on the H2 norm of linear time invariant systems. New measures will be used as an optimization criterion for the optimal damping of vibrational systems. We consider both theoretical and concrete cases in order to show how new measures stack up against the standard measures. The quality and advantages of new measures as well as the behaviour of optimal damping positions and corresponding damping viscosities are illustrated in numerical experiments. We consider new performance measures for vibrational systems based on the H2 norm of linear time invariant systems. New measures will be used as an optimization criterion for the optimal damping of vibrational systems. We consider both theoretical and concrete cases in order to show how new measures stack up against the standard measures. The quality and advantages of new measures as well as the behaviour of optimal damping positions and corresponding damping viscosities are illustrated in numerical experiments.