Is Your Building Compliant With New York City Local Law 97?
Did you know buildings are the single-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City?
Local Law 97 (LL97) was recently included in the Climate Mobilization Act as part of Mayor de Blasio’s New York City Green New Deal and plan to make the city carbon neutral by 2050 by increasing the sustainability of buildings.
Here’s a breakdown of what LL97 covers, how it will affect you as a building owner in New York City, and some actions you can take now so that your business isn’t negatively impacted by this change.
What is New York City’s Local Law 97?
Local Law 97 went into effect in November 2019. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York City by 40% by the year 2030, and 80% citywide by 2050.
What Does Local Law 97 Cover?
Local Law 97 generally covers, with some exceptions:
- Buildings that exceed 25,000 gross square feet;
- Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet;
- Two or more buildings owned by a condo association that are governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 50,000 square feet.
How Are Building Owners Affected?
To meet the requirements of LL97, building owners like you must find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The easiest way to do so is by improving existing processes with more sustainable options. Smart building controls, for example, are a way to increase efficiency in your building through the automation of components such as your commercial HVAC system, lighting, and window shades.
What Actions Should You Take?
If you’re a building owner whose emission limits have been lowered, meaning, you are mandated to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, you have the option to follow the original limits based on NYC Building Code occupancy groups and/or the limits based on Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM)’s property types through 2025.
By 2026, you’ll be required to report your emissions using the ESPM property types.
Keep in mind that these sustainability changes can also help you save some money while reducing admissions and adhering to local guidelines. The goal of local law 97 is to create incentives for property owners to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, which will ultimately help cut down on their monthly utility bills.
Start reducing your building’s greenhouse gas emissions now—call Air Stream at (516) 747-4700 to discuss sustainable commercial HVAC options.
