NYC Local Law 97 – Tips for Building Owners to Adapt to the Law

The 2019 passage of Local Law 97 is only a small portion of a bigger international strategy to cut carbon emissions. The building industry accounts for about 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in New York City. Given this, building owners are searching for ways to fulfill compliance restrictions beginning in 2024.

Fortunately, the first wave of carbon emission limitations in 2024 won’t be as troublesome to comply with under LL97. However, getting a head start to adapt and comply with this law will be essential to staying under limits in 2024 and the following years until 2030.

 

The Goal of NY Local Law 97

With more stringent requirements set to take effect in 2030, most buildings larger than 25,000 square feet will need to comply with this ground-breaking law’s higher efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards by 2024. The main structures in the city are expected to create 40% less emissions by 2030 and 80% less by 2050.

Who Must Comply With Local Law 97?

• Structures with a gross floor area of more than 25,000;
• A tax lot containing two or more structures totaling more than 50,000 square feet;
• At least two condominium associations’ buildings totaling more than 50,000 square feet and are overseen by the same board of managers.

 

LL97 Non-Compliance Penalties

Non-compliance may result in fines of $268 per tonne of emissions over the specified cap. This may result in annual fines ranging from thousands to millions in certain situations. $5 million is the highest fine that can be imposed on a single building each year.

Moreover, properties not complying with Local Law 97 New York may lose appeal to prospective tenants and owners as higher rents will cover operating expenses. When the authorities impose penalties, it impacts the operating budgets. It means there may be less money available to make the necessary corrections. This could lead to a vicious cycle of fines that is very difficult to break!

 

LL97 Compliance Is a Win-Win For Compliant Buildings

Here, there will be winners and losers! The value of winners who fulfill or surpass the legislative goals will be based on their highly desired properties. 

Compared to their rivals, buildings with efficient operations have far lower energy expenses, increasing net operating income. The positive audited results that follow will foster confidence and enhance the company’s reputation.

 

How To Comply & Adapt To The LL97: Tips for Building Owners

Make Sure You Measure The Building Accurately

Verify the building’s precise gross floor area (GFA). Errors may result in the incorrect estimation of emission limitations and possible penalties.

Recognize The Difference Between The Permitted Limits and your Building’s Performance

Examine the particular effects of LL97 NYC on the building in light of its size, occupancy, age, and energy consumption. Determine the difference between the country’s current GHG emissions intensity and the legal maximum.

Create A Strategy To Close The Gap

Create a decarbonization plan with short- and long-term goals to reduce carbon emissions in compliance with legal standards. Consulting engineers can collaborate to create plans customized to your unique situation and requirements.

Conduct A Cost Analysis To Acquire Financing And Resources That Are Available

The capital costs, non-compliance penalties, lower maintenance costs, and overall tenant comfort must all be included in the decarbonization plan. Also, it must include aspects like the availability of incentives and operational savings through lower energy use.

Find Out If Your Building Is Eligible For A Hardship Consideration Or Adjustment

The proposed new rules may provide several opportunities for penalty mitigation if your building meets certain requirements, such as being a critical facility, having affordable housing units, being owned by a nonprofit organization, being landmarked, or experiencing financial hardship or an unforeseen event that affects its ability to comply with Local Law 97 NYC. Most of these changes necessitate the owner to attempt to comply sincerely.

Submit Your Building Emissions Report On Time And With Accuracy

Every building must submit a building emissions report to the NYC Department of Buildings, which includes information on utilities, building area calculations, and the facility’s location in relation to the threshold. Building owners must submit their annual reports by May 1st.

Economical Ways To Adapt To The LL97

Here are several cost-effective ways business buildings might lower their energy consumption: 

• Power Management: You can save energy when utilizing office equipment or lighting by using a technology like an automated building management system to switch things off when not in use. 
• Improved Lighting: LED light bulbs can save up to 75% of energy expenses.
• Sensor Installation: Sensors can be used for several purposes, such as maximizing the amount of time that a room’s lights are on depending on occupancy or more effectively managing building comfort by enabling better HVAC zone management.

Expert Tip: Try Integrated Approaches & More

Buildings can decrease emissions without switching entirely to electric systems. Air-source heat pump hybrid heating solutions can be engineered to function well in specific scenarios before switching to fossil fuel equipment to handle loads.

Moreover, consulting engineers can identify the best hybrid solution based on the particular needs of the building and the viability of various strategies, given the limits and special features of the structure.

Get Official Report Insight With The Help Of A Local Law 97 Compliance Consulting Firm

Building owners required by New York Local Law 97 to record building carbon emissions with the help of a Local Law 97 compliance consulting firm like us. 

When calculating emissions and consumption, building owners and managers may find it challenging to comprehend the intricate reporting requirements of Local Law 97. These design experts can assist in navigating these regulations. 

So, energy auditors like The Cotocon Group can assist you in better understanding how much energy your building uses and the many steps you can take to cut it. 

Conclusion

Concerned about how to comply with NYC Local Law 97 for your building? The Cotocon Group can offer professional advice on the intricate details of the legislation. We assist you in creating compliance plans tailored to your particular situation. 

In addition, we offer building measurements, decarbonization plans, cost analysis, and building emissions report compilation and filing services. It can save you money and effort to hire a professional consulting expert.