NYC is committed to sustainability, targeting 50% renewable energy by 2030 and an 80% emissions reduction by 2050. The Greener, Greater Buildings Plan focuses on 15,000 large buildings, addressing nearly half of the city’s energy consumption. LOCAL LAW 88, part of this plan, mandates lighting upgrades and submeter installations for commercial occupants by 2025. 

Understanding that there are problems with how efficient things are, the law’s goal is to change to LED lights because they use less energy – about 18%. The wide-ranging GGBP policy includes setting standards, making rules for energy use, checking systems and fixing old buildings to improve their overall use of energy.

What is Local Law 88 NYC?

Back in 2009, New York City brought in a new rule called LOCAL LAW 88 without making much noise about it. Now, the people who own buildings really must pay attention because there are important rules about checking how much energy is used and changing lights that they have to follow. They need to be ready by January 1, 2025. This law says that if you have big spaces where businesses run – anything bigger than 10,000 square feet – or whole floors of this size with many different businesses on them, you should put special meters to track electricity use for each tenant space. 

Rules apply to buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, groups of buildings on one tax area more than 100,000 square feet, and condominiums with a single managing board over 100,000 square feet. LL88 requires the owners to submit report papers before time runs out. After January 1st, those who own these buildings must give their renters a paper every month that shows how much electricity they used and what it costs if measured by submeters.

At the same time, LL88 requires that building owners must make their lighting systems better by January 1, 2025 so they meet the standards of NYC Energy Conservation Code. Like submetering, this also involves sending in reports by a set date to show that upgrades were done and match technical requirements.

The main aim of LL88 is to cut down on how much energy people use. It works with the idea that if tenants get frequent information about their power usage and what it costs, they will want to save more energy. By using submetering, we can watch closely how much electricity each tenant uses; this helps us create special programs for saving energy better. Upgrading lighting systems aligns with technological advancements, promoting energy efficiency.

Although the deadline for compliance is in 2025, it’s wise to plan ahead for submetering and improving lights. It’s especially good to do this when buildings are empty so that you can avoid extra expenses and trouble later on. LL88 looks at both submetering and lighting as a full plan for making New York City buildings use less energy. This fits well with bigger plans for sustainability and promotes teamwork between those who own the building and their renters in working towards common goals of saving energy.

Article 310 and Article 311

Articles 310 and 311 from LOCAL LAW 88 NYC describe the rules for improving light systems and putting in electrical sub-meters inside big buildings. This law, LL88, is for buildings that are more than 50,000 gross square feet or if there are several buildings on one tax property adding up to over 100,000 gross square feet. It also includes condominiums with the same management board that together are bigger than 100,000 gross square feet. The upgrade requires changes to the lighting systems so they follow New York City Energy Conservation Code rules before January 1, 2025. Building owners must turn in reports that show they are following these requirements. 

Also, Article 311 says that for spaces used by tenants larger than 10,000 square feet, there has to be a separate meter for each space starting from this deadline too. Tenants who have their own sub-meters need to get a statement every month that shows how much electricity they used and what it costs. This includes showing the percentage of space rented when they share sub-meters with others. These rules are made to help big buildings use energy better and be clearer about usage, which matches New York City’s plans for being more sustainable.

Non-Compliance Penalties

If building owners with roofs fail to submit their reports on improving lighting according to section 28-310.3, they will be charged $1500 annually until they comply with the regulations. Moreover, not providing the necessary reports for installing individual electric meters as mandated by section 28-311.5 will result in a similar fine of $1500. If you fail to install sub-meters in tenant spaces as required by section 28-311.3, it will lead to a penalty of $500 for every space lacking this device.

Details About Local Law 88 NYC

LOCAL LAW 88 (LL88) in New York City outlines submetering and lighting upgrade requirements for covered properties. Submetering involves meter installation, monthly statements, and detailed consumption breakdowns for floors with multiple tenants sharing a single meter. Gradual upgrades are accepted to avoid tenant disruption, with the Department of Buildings (DOB) recommending planned installations during turnover. LL88 applies to single buildings exceeding 50,000 sq. ft., groups of two or more buildings on the same tax lot or under condominium ownership totaling at least 100,000 sq. ft. 

Certain exemptions exist, such as properties under occupancy groups R-2 and R-3, houses of worship in group A-3 exempt from lighting upgrades but subject to metering, and small residential properties for 1 to 3 families fully exempt. Areas meeting NYC energy code requirements after July 1, 2010, or with compliant lighting power density, isolated by doors and divisions, are exempt from upgrades.

What does it mean for Building Owners?

LOCAL LAW 88 NYC (LL88), effective from 2025, mandates lighting upgrades and submeter installations for building owners, despite initial challenges. LL88 brings long-term benefits, aiding owners in identifying energy waste, benchmarking systems, and enhancing maintenance operations. 

The law promotes energy efficiency, offering a substantial return on investment. Owners have ample time for strategic implementation and lease adjustments. LL88 empowers tenants with consumption data, encouraging energy conservation. The collaborative approach reduces disputes and contributes to NYC’s sustainability goals by significantly cutting energy demand.

Optimizing Commercial Tenant Energy Use in Mixed-Use Buildings

In buildings with both homes and businesses, it is recommended that the owners put separate meters for electricity, gas, water and systems used by everyone. This is not mandated by LOCAL LAW 88. However, doing this helps to control carbon outputs before the new limits from LOCAL LAW 97 start to apply. Working together with businesses renting spaces, changing the rental agreements, and using less energy are all part of a big plan to make the entire building use energy in a better way.

Conclusion

LL88 mandates lighting upgrades and submetering in NYC buildings, with a report certifying completion required. The report must be submitted by a registered design professional, licensed master electrician, or licensed special electrician, ensuring compliance with the 2016 NYC Energy Conservation Code and NYC Electrical Code. Hiring Local Law 88 NYC compliance solutions like The Cotocon Group is advisable due to technical complexity.

FAQs

What buildings does LOCAL LAW 88 NYC (LL88) apply to?

Structures over 50,000 sq. ft., multiple buildings over 100,000 sq. ft., or condos over 100,000 sq. ft.

When is the compliance deadline for LL88 lighting upgrades?

January 1, 2025, aligning with NYC Energy Conservation Code standards.

Are there exemptions from LL88 requirements for building owners?

Yes, LOCAL LAW 88 penalties exemptions for certain occupancy groups, compliant properties after 2010, and small residential properties.