17 May How NYC Energy-Related Laws are Changing the Built Environment

New York City is home to different types of residential buildings. These establishments are responsible for a significant chunk of the city’s emission limits. In 2009, the city introduced a group of NYC Local Law regulations as part of its green initiative. 

These laws will together help bring down the carbon footprint of the city. So, dive into this article to discover how these regulations will enhance the NYC environment and make it a healthier place to live in. 

Local Law 84

As part of a broader initiative to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings in New York City, the City Council passed Local Law 84 in 2009. Building owners with structures exceeding 50,000 square feet must utilize the Portfolio Manager tool to evaluate and disclose the city’s energy consumption annually. 

Throughout the assessment process, the portfolio manager gathers data on various factors, including energy usage, size, and occupancy of the building. Subsequently, using a standardized metric known as EUI, the Portfolio Manager tool determines the energy efficiency of the building. By May 1 each year, the city is required to receive the benchmarking report. By May 1 each year, the city is required to receive the benchmarking report.

LLL84 NYC aims to promote transparency regarding building energy usage to assist building owners, occupants, and the general public in comprehending and evaluating the energy performance of different structures. This increased level of transparency is expected to encourage property owners to invest more in enhancing their energy efficiency. It will also support New York City in fulfilling its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Local Law 87

According to Local Law 87, owners of structures exceeding 50,000 square feet are obligated to submit an Energy Efficiency Record (EER) every decade. The document must include findings from Energy Inspections and actions taken for Retro-Commissioning to authenticate the functionality of the power usage systems within a structure. The regulations in New York City under LL87 aim to enhance the effectiveness of real estate. 

Services for LL87 compliance are concentrated on identifying and rectifying issues related to energy usage and equipment efficiency. Through detailed audits and retro-commissioning, property owners can enhance energy effectiveness. Consequently, this will result in reduced energy expenditures, decreased emissions, and enhanced property values.

Local Law 88

Energy consumption by non-residential tenants is a major contributor to the total electricity usage in mixed-use buildings. These tenants include commercial entities, non-profit organizations, and medical facilities. Unfortunately, many of them are unaware of their high energy usage. To reduce this consumption, it is essential to implement modern lighting systems and submetering.

The NYC Local Law 88 mandates that mixed-use residential buildings over 25,000 square feet must upgrade their common area lighting to meet the current NYC energy code. Additionally, they must install sub-meters for non-residential tenant spaces exceeding 5,000 square feet and provide monthly power usage statements to these tenants. 

Building owners have until January 1, 2025, to comply with these regulations. But it is crucial for them to start planning now to avoid inconveniencing tenants and residents.

Local Law 95

Energy ratings for buildings in New York City can have a major influence on property owners. If your building receives a lower grade, you could end up paying a lot more in the future. The rating system was put into effect in 2018 through Local Law 33. 

However, a new requirement was introduced by Local Law 95. This law mandates that most building owners prominently display their energy efficiency letter grades at the entrances of their properties. Buildings that measure greater than 25,000 square feet and multiple structures on the same tax lot with a combined area of over 100,000 square feet must comply with NYC Local Law 95. 

Property owners are accountable for their energy consumption and are encouraged to make efficient upgrades. Both visitors and occupants benefit from increased transparency in energy efficiency. It enables them to make informed choices about where they reside and work. If you own or oversee a building in New York City, it is important to understand your obligations under NYC LL95 and leverage the potential benefits it can provide.

Local Law 97

Fossil fuels that provide cooling, heating, and electricity to our structures are accountable for a large amount of carbon emissions in NYC. The City is aiming to tackle these emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in New York by 2050. To reach this objective, NYC has introduced Local Law 97. 

Most buildings bigger than 25,000 sq. ft that exceed emission limits will face yearly penalties starting in 2025 under LL97. Therefore, improving your building’s energy efficiency or implementing distributed energy sources are two methods to decrease its GHG releases. 

By 2024, buildings larger than 25,000 sq. ft must adhere to greenhouse gas emissions and new energy efficiency criteria. Nevertheless, stricter criteria will be enforced by 2030. 

By May 1, 2025, covered buildings are required to submit a report displaying their GHG releases for the previous calendar year (2024). This reporting is obligatory annually and must be prepared by a certified professional. Buildings that fail to submit an annual report before May 1 or go beyond the limits will have to bear fines and penalties. 

Know More About: Local Law 97 Compliance Consulting services

Conclusion

Some building owners might struggle to comply with the LOCAL LAWS because of their complicated nature. Thankfully, you can seek help from compliance consulting services like The Cotocon Group. Contact the experts and avoid heavy penalties. 

FAQs:

Where will I discover the Local Laws in NYC?

Check out the electronic database of the NY Department of State to become aware of all the relevant LOCAL LAWS. 

What happens if I don’t comply with the NYC Local Laws?

Failing to comply with the requirements of the regulations can lead to hefty penalties. Additionally, it will reduce the value of buildings and hamper the reputation of property owners. 

How often should building owners submit benchmarking reports?

Property owners need to submit benchmarking reports annually to the DOB.