BOOSTING BUILDING EFFICIENCY WITH FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS SOFTWARE 

INTRODUCTION TO FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS (FDD)

As modern buildings increasingly rely on technology to optimise operations, Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) software emerges as a game-changer in the landscape of smart building management. FDD software is designed to detect anomalies and inefficiencies in building systems, providing actionable insights that facilitate timely interventions. For large commercial landlords in Australia, integrating FDD software can lead to substantial benefits, ranging from energy savings to enhanced occupant comfort. 

MICROSOFT’S ENERGY-SMART BUILDINGS PROGRAM 

A prime example of FDD software in action is Microsoft’s Energy-Smart Buildings (ESB) program, which was launched in 2009. The program aimed to improve building operations, enhance security, and introduce new services to boost productivity and optimise energy use. Initially piloted at Microsoft’s Puget Sound campus, the ESB program identified significant savings of 6-10% in the 13 buildings involved. The success of this pilot led to a global rollout, demonstrating the scalability and effectiveness of FDD solutions. 

KEY BENEFITS OF FDD SOFTWARE 

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings 

• FDD software helps identify and rectify faults in building systems in real-time, leading to significant energy savings. For example, Microsoft’s ESB program resulted in a 23.7% reduction in annual electricity consumption at their Puget Sound campus, with 18.5% of this reduction directly attributable to FDD and related measures. 
• By continuously monitoring and optimising energy use, FDD software can achieve whole-building energy savings of up to 10-20%, often with rapid paybacks in under three years. 

Improved Maintenance and Operational Efficiency 

• Traditional retro-commissioning processes, which might address building issues once every five years, are replaced by continuous monitoring and real-time diagnostics with FDD. This proactive approach ensures that operational problems are promptly addressed, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. 
• The ESB program’s deployment of an analytical layer above existing building management systems enabled comprehensive, campus-wide energy use analysis, leading to more informed and effective maintenance strategies. 

Enhanced Occupant Comfort and Productivity 

• FDD software not only optimises energy use but also enhances occupant comfort by ensuring that building systems operate efficiently and effectively. This leads to better indoor air quality, more consistent temperature control, and overall improved working conditions. 
• Microsoft’s integration of advanced analytics and energy visualisation tools in the ESB program allowed for real-time tracking and optimisation of building performance, directly contributing to improved occupant satisfaction and productivity. 

Scalability and Global Deployment 

• The success of Microsoft’s ESB program at their Puget Sound campus paved the way for a global rollout, demonstrating that FDD software can be effectively scaled across different buildings and geographies. The program was subsequently implemented in major campuses in Northern California, Shanghai, Beijing, Dublin, and Hyderabad. 
• A structured deployment process involving assessment, deployment, operation, and support ensured that each site was adequately prepared and equipped to integrate FDD technologies successfully.

IMPLEMENTING FDD SOFTWARE: STEPS FOR COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS 

For large commercial landlords in Australia considering the implementation of FDD software, the following steps are recommended based on Microsoft’s successful approach: 

Assessment and Planning 

• Evaluate existing building management systems and identify buildings that would benefit most from FDD integration. Key criteria include access to building automation system controls and potential for significant energy savings. 

Pilot Program 

• Start with a pilot in a select number of buildings to test different FDD solutions and approaches. Use this phase to familiarise with the technological and operational aspects of FDD before a full rollout. 

Full Deployment 

• Develop a comprehensive deployment plan, including site readiness, onboarding, tuning, and steady-state operation. Ensure that a consolidated view of energy use across all buildings is achieved for effective monitoring and management. 

Ongoing Support and Optimisation 

• Train building management and site maintenance teams to use FDD tools effectively and track savings. Continuously monitor building performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain and enhance efficiency gains. 

SUMMARY

The integration of Fault Detection and Diagnostics software into building management systems offers substantial benefits for large commercial landlords, including significant energy and cost savings, improved maintenance practices, and enhanced occupant comfort. Drawing inspiration from Microsoft’s successful ESB program, commercial landlords in Australia can leverage FDD technologies to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable building portfolios. By taking a structured approach to implementation, starting with a pilot and scaling up, landlords can ensure that their buildings are optimised for performance and productivity. 

Ready to transform your building management approach? Learn more about how the Asset Assess platform can help you integrate advanced FDD software and achieve substantial efficiency gains. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards smarter, more efficient buildings.