NYC Local Law 87

Local Law 87 (LL87) focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability measures for buildings. As we enter mid-2023, it’s essential to understand the compliance obligations and begin the necessary steps to meet the requirements of LL87. This blog will guide you through the compliance process and highlight the importance of starting early.

 Local Law 87

The law mandates that buildings over 50,000 square feet undergo Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning every ten years. This process aims to identify areas of inefficiency and recommend measures to enhance the building’s energy performance.

 Compliance Deadlines

The compliance deadlines for Local Law 87 are based on the last digit of the tax block number associated with the building. Building owners must comply with LL87 by the end of the year indicated by their respective deadline. Here are the deadlines for the upcoming years:

Buildings with tax block numbers ending in 3: December 31, 2023
Buildings with tax block numbers ending in 4: December 31, 2024
Buildings with tax block numbers ending in 5: December 31, 2025

Importance of Early Action

Starting the compliance process well in advance of the deadline is highly advisable for several reasons:

Scheduling Flexibility: By initiating the process early, you have more flexibility in scheduling audits, retro-commissioning activities, and any necessary repairs or upgrades. Waiting until the last minute may result in rushed decisions and limited availability of qualified professionals, leading to potential delays or non-compliance.

Time for Evaluation and Planning: Early action allows you to evaluate your building’s energy performance comprehensively. By identifying areas of improvement sooner, you can plan and budget accordingly, making it easier to implement necessary upgrades or repairs within a reasonable timeframe.

Avoiding Penalties and Fines: Non-compliance with Local Law 87 can result in hefty penalties and fines. By starting early, you minimize the risk of missing the deadline and incurring these financial burdens.

Compliance Process

The compliance process for Local Law 87 involves the following steps:

Hiring Qualified Professionals: Engage certified energy auditors and retro-commissioning agents with expertise in LL87 compliance. These professionals will conduct the required audits, evaluate systems and equipment, and propose energy-saving measures.

Energy Audit: An energy audit is conducted to assess your building’s energy use and identify potential areas for improvement. This includes evaluating heating, cooling, ventilation systems, lighting, insulation, and other factors that contribute to energy consumption.

Retro-Commissioning: Retro-commissioning involves testing and optimizing building systems to ensure they perform efficiently. It includes assessing HVAC systems, controls, and other critical components to identify and correct any deviations from optimal performance.

Report Submission: Once the audits and retro-commissioning activities are completed, a report must be submitted to the Department of Buildings (DOB). The report outlines the findings, proposed energy-saving measures, and a timeline for implementation.

Implementing Recommended Measures: After receiving the audit report, it is crucial to prioritize and implement the recommended measures within the specified timeframe. This may include upgrades to equipment, insulation, lighting systems, and more, depending on the audit’s findings.

Filing Compliance Documentation: Finally, the compliance documentation, including the audit report and certification of retro-commissioning, must be filed with the DOB to demonstrate compliance with LL87.

Conclusion

NYC Local Law 87 is a very important part of NYC Sustainability Laws. As the compliance deadlines approach, building owners and managers must take proactive steps to ensure compliance. Initiating the process early provides the time and flexibility necessary to evaluate energy performance, plan for upgrades, and schedule audits and retro-commissioning activities. By complying with Local Law 87, you avoid penalties and fines while setting yourself up on the right path towards NYC Local Law 97. So, don’t delay—start your compliance journey today by reaching out to The Cotocon Group.