Our Insights
How Smart Building Analytics Transforms Building Performance
January 5, 2026
Every building has untapped potential: hidden chances to use less energy and stretch the life of your systems. Fault Detection Diagnostics (FDD) and Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBC) are helping building owners and operators unlock that untapped value from their facilities. They act like a building’s “check engine” light and mechanic by spotting issues early and saving money in the process.
WHAT ARE FDD & MBC?
Fault Detection Diagnostics are software tools that continuously analyze building systems and identify when equipment is not operating as intended. These tools apply algorithms and rule-based logic to detect issues like sensor drift, valve leakage, simultaneous heating and cooling, plant and air handling inefficiencies.
Monitoring-Based Commissioning builds on traditional commissioning by using ongoing data collection and analytics to ensure that building systems are operating efficiently over time. Unlike one-time or seasonal commissioning efforts, MBC offers a continuous loop of data monitoring, performance benchmarking, diagnostics, and corrective action.
Both FDD and MBC rely on real-time data from Building Management Systems (BMS) and software analytic platforms. To be effective, they also need a BMS with up-to-date sequences of operation and fully functional equipment, including sensors, controls, actuators, etc. Studies have shown that many of the negative impacts from faulty sensors and actuators occur within the first 10 years of a building’s operation. Without early detection, these issues can quietly decrease performance and drive-up costs long before equipment is expected to reach end of life.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Here’s how FDD and MBC typically operate:
- Data Acquisition: Sensors collect data on temperature, pressure, flow rates, equipment runtimes, energy consumption, etc.
- Analysis and Detection: Software platforms apply algorithms and logic rules to detect deviations from expected performance.
- Prioritization: Detected faults are filtered and prioritized based on severity, energy impact, and cost. These priorities should be identified and aligned with business goals prior to implementing FDD and MBC.
- Notification and Action: Building operators receive automated alerts and reports highlighting issues and recommended actions.
- Resolution and Verification: Issues are resolved, and the system verifies that performance has improved post-intervention.
FDD and MBC platforms often include dashboards and reports that help track KPIs and document savings, forming a feedback loop that enables proactive facilities management.
COST & PAYBACK
The cost of implementing FDD and MBC varies depending on the size and complexity of the building, the systems involved, and the platform selected. Broadly speaking, initial setup costs can range from $0.10 to $0.50 per sq. ft. with an annual subscription or support ranging from $.05 to $.20 per sq. ft.
The savings from these systems are substantial with many building portfolios report 8-10% annual energy savings, with some achieving 15-16%. Because of those savings, simple payback periods tend to fall between 1-3 years for existing buildings, rising to about 4+ years when major equipment or infrastructure work (or for new construction) is needed.
FDD and MBC represent a shift from reactive operations to predictive and proactive building management. By investing in these technologies, building owners gain a deeper understanding of how their facilities perform and unlock measurable improvements in efficiency and cost control.
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing system or embedding intelligent analytics into new construction, WB Engineers+Consultants has the expertise to design, integrate, and commission these systems as part of a comprehensive optimization strategy.
