The expert panel
- Daniel Hosko, Commissioning Manager, Aero Performance Group
- Phil Zito, Chief Executive Officer at the Smart Buildings Academy
- David Walsh, CEO and Founder, CIM
- Jim McClelland, sustainability journalist (moderator)
Transcript
Welcome & Introduction
Jim McClelland:
Hello and welcome. Thank you for registering for our CIM-hosted webinar panel discussion. I’m Jim McClelland, founder and editor of SustMeme, and I’ll be your chair for the next 60 minutes.
Today, we’re focusing on how fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) can improve retrocommissioning (RCx) and monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) outcomes in commercial buildings. Our expert panel includes:
We’ll begin with a brief topic introduction from David, followed by a deep-dive discussion into the role of FDD, its benefits, implementation tips, and a forward-looking view on the future of commissioning.
FDD in Commissioning: An Overview
David Walsh:
FDD is transforming how firms deliver commissioning services. At CIM, we've found that continuous, high-resolution data unlocks new revenue streams, drives operational improvements, and deepens client relationships.
It's not just about collecting data; it’s about gaining granular insights that help you act decisively. Our system collects thousands of data points in real-time bypassing traditional site visits and manual exports. This makes audits and fault identification faster and more accurate.
Moreover, it helps organisations retain institutional knowledge even when staff turnover occurs. A well-built FDD system becomes part of your firm’s collective expertise.
How FDD Enhances Functional Performance Testing
Daniel Hosko:
When performing RCx or new construction commissioning, FDD allows us to parse huge volumes of data in real time. We no longer rely on local trend logs or seasonal snapshots. Instead, we can see how systems behave continuously.
We used FDD on a core-and-shell project to track tenant buildouts over several years. It uncovered post occupancy issues that weren’t visible during initial commissioning. This ability to eliminate sampling and move toward total coverage fundamentally changes how we test and validate building systems.
Preventing Performance Drift with FDD
Phil Zito:
We’ve all seen it an RCx project wraps up, and a year later, half of the improvements are gone. That’s performance drift. FDD acts like a watchdog that never sleeps.
It doesn’t replace people it empowers them. Good FDD doesn’t just yell “FAULT”; it tells you what, where, and why. That clarity reduces blame, shortens diagnosis, and drives action.
In one school district, schedules had drifted, and overrides were left uncleared. FDD caught these within hours not months preventing the issues from escalating again.
FDD’s Impact on Measurement & Verification (M&V)
David Walsh:
M&V is where it all comes together. With improved access to data and AI-driven analysis, real estate firms can show measurable outcomes to both clients and regulators.
FDD systems integrate seamlessly with utility data to quantify cost savings. Whether it’s electricity, water, or gas if you can measure it, you can prove your impact. That’s a huge leap forward in how commissioning is validated.
Optimising Engineering Resources
Phil Zito:
Engineering teams aren’t lazy they’re overwhelmed. Urgent tasks dominate their days. FDD provides them with sorted, prioritised, and actionable alerts so they can focus on real problems.
One example: a VA hospital where two techs were managing three buildings. After deploying FDD, they found and fixed a recurring damper fault. That fix alone saved 2% in reheat energy—and gave them the time to go tackle deeper issues.
Revenue Growth through FDD
Daniel Hosko:
FDD helps consultants do more with less. At Aero, it’s not just about identifying faults—it’s a tool embedded in our process. We use it to eliminate sampling, dive deeper into equipment behaviour, and deliver detailed reports that guide client maintenance strategies.
It's also scalable. We’ve standardised metadata across buildings, allowing our team to process insights quickly, no matter the site. That scalability opens doors for ongoing consulting and energy program incentives.
FDD as a Tool for Client Retention
David Walsh:
It’s simple buildings are dynamic, and commissioning can’t be a one-and-done service. FDD allows us to monitor ongoing performance and ensure systems continue to meet tenant and owner expectations.
At CIM, we helped one client reduce HVAC-related complaints from 58% to 7% over six years. That’s a testament to the power of continuous commissioning and performance transparency.
Evaluating FDD Providers: What Matters Most
Daniel Hosko:
You want a provider that understands HVAC not just a software vendor. The analytics are only as good as the setup, so partner with someone who knows buildings and can help integrate FDD into your workflow.
Phil Zito:
Red flags? Platforms that need perfect data to work or only offer demo environments. Green lights? Clear implementation support and user-friendly outputs especially for non-technical building operators.
What Clients Are Asking For Next
Daniel Hosko:
We're seeing demand from clients to modernise outdated infrastructure and ensure new BAS systems are set up properly. There’s also concern about workforce knowledge gaps as seasoned operators retire.
The solution isn’t replacing people—it’s augmenting them. Show how FDD helps them do more with less, and the adoption curve smooths out.
The Role of AI in Commissioning
David Walsh:
AI has been part of CIM since the start. From tagging and data structuring to future features like voice-interfaced diagnostics and live video streaming for fault detection AI is helping us move from raw data to real answers, fast.
Phil Zito:
AI will augment, not replace, engineers. It's about assisting troubleshooting, not automating judgment. The market wants fundamentals first control sequences, HVAC logic and that’s where AI will help most.
Final Takeaways
Daniel Hosko:
FDD is a supplement, not a silver bullet. You need a process to adopt and integrate it—then it makes you better.
Phil Zito:
What you do is predictable—it will be replaced. But if you’re embedded with your clients, you’ll be irreplaceable.
David Walsh:
This is coming—whether from you or a competitor. Use it to build stronger relationships before someone else does.
Closing Remarks
Jim McClelland:
We’re transitioning from “tell me” to “show me.” For buildings, that means performance, measurement, and visibility. Thank you to our panelists—Daniel Hosko, Phil Zito, and David Walsh—and our hosts at CIM. And thank you to our audience.
You’ll receive the webinar recording via email. Please complete the short post-event survey—it helps us shape future sessions.
Thanks for joining us, and see you at the next webinar.
Note this is AI-assisted, so there may be some minor transcription errors.
