NYC has recently passed a lot of new energy laws that your building may need to follow.
The Climate Mobilization Act, 2019: Local Laws 92, 94, 95, 96, 97
The Climate Mobilization Act is the largest climate solution put forth by any city in the world. It consists of a slate of climate laws designed to dramatically cut carbon in New York City, including the following:
Green roofs: Local Law 92, 94
Local laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be covered with solar panels, green roofs, or some combination of the two. The laws also require all buildings to reduce urban heat hazards.
Building Energy Efficiency Grade: Local Law 95
Local Law 95 amends the ranges for how energy efficiency grades are calculated as required by Local Law 33 of 2018. Local Law 33 of 2018 required the display of energy efficiency scores and grades for buildings required to that annually benchmark their energy and water consumption. The energy label will be displayed near a public entrance and include both a letter grade and the energy efficiency score.
PACE: Local Law 96
Local Law 96 establishes long-term, low-interest Property-Assessed Clean Energy financing to fund upgrades to building energy and water efficiency.
Buildings Mandate: Local Law 97
The centerpiece of the Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 requires all buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.
Climate Action Executive Order, 2017: Executive Order 26
Executive Order 26 pledges that New York City will commit to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement, following President Trump's announcement that the United States would withdraw from the accord. Following the Executive Order, New York City published the 1.5 Plan, our roadmap to meeting the Paris Climate Agreement goals.
Long Term Energy Plan, 2017: Local Law 248
Local Law 248 requires New York City to create a long-term energy plan in 2019, and every four years after. It also establishes a city energy policy advisory subcommittee.
80 x 50, 2014: Local Law 66
Local Law 66 of 2014 amends the administrative code of the city of New York and commits to reducing citywide emissions 80% by 2050.
Greener Greater Buildings Plan, 2009: Local Laws 84, 85, 87, 88
Benchmarking: Local Law 84
Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted by owners of buildings with more than 50,000 square feet for public disclosure by May 1. This will bring transparency for energy and water usage and inform building owners and tenants on how to make their buildings more efficient.
Read Local Law 84: Benchmarking Read Detailed Summary of Local Law 84 Read Local Law 84 Final Benchmarking Rule
NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC): Local Law 85
No longer exempting renovations affecting less than half of the building system, Local Law 85 (LL85), the second law in the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan (GGBP), now requires buildings to meet the most current energy code for any renovation or alteration project. LL85's requirement is based on a series of local energy laws, collectively called New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC). NYCECC currently comprises the 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS), Local Law 85 of 2009, Local Law 48 of 2010 and Local Law 1 of 2011.
Read Local Law 85: NYC Energy Conservation Code Read Detailed Summary of Local Law 85 For updates to NYCECC, visit the Energy Code page
Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning: Local Law 87
Local Law 87 requires large buildings to audit, retro-commission, and submit information to the City. The audit and retro-commissioning information includes the following:
Basic team information
General building information
Existing equipment inventory
Energy end use breakdown
Energy conservation measures identified from the audit
Retro-commissioning measures
In alignment with annual benchmarking, these measures will work to optimize buildings' energy performance.
Lighting Upgrades & Sub-metering: Local Law 88
Local Law 88 requires large non-residential buildings to upgrade lighting to meet current New York City Energy Conservation Code standards, and to install electrical sub-meters for each large non-residential tenant space and provide monthly energy statements.
Creation and implementation of a comprehensive environmental sustainability action plan for NYC, 2008: Local Law 17
Local Law 17 of 2008 amends the New York City charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, establishes the requirement for a citywide sustainability plan, and creates the Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.