/How does Local Law 97 work?

As part of the Climate Mobilization Act, New York City passed Local Law 97 (LL97) in 2019, with the primary objective being carbon neutrality by 2050. The biggest buildings in NYC are subject to carbon emission restrictions set by Local Law 97. Based on energy use and emissions in 2024, covered buildings that above yearly emissions limitations will be subject to an annual financial penalty of $268 per ton of CO2 equivalent beyond the limit. The units of measurement for emissions are tons of CO2 equivalent per square foot.

When is Local Law 97 going to be enforceable?

Stricter limitations will take effect in 2030, with the first LL97 compliance period beginning in 2024. As per the research conducted in 2022, 11% of the buildings that had to adhere to the rule did not meet the emissions limitations for the compliance period of 2024-2029, and 63% did not meet the standards for the 2030-2034 timeframe.

Local Law 97 applies to which buildings?

Structures larger than 25,000 gross square feet.
More than two structures totaling more than 50,000 gross square feet on the same tax lot.
A condominium association owns two or more buildings over 50,000 gross square feet that are overseen by the same board of management.

What new proposed regulations did DOB issue in September 2023?

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has released a fresh set of suggested guidelines to direct the continuous application of LL97, which include:

• Describe the procedures for enforcing the rules and specify the consequences for breaking them.
• Describe the procedures for mitigating penalties, such as what constitutes a "Good Faith Effort" to adhere to the law's 2024 carbon limitations.
• Provide building owners with a new credit that they may use to meet their emissions reduction goals for early electrification work. A condominium association owns two or more buildings
• Over 50,000 gross square feet are overseen by the same board of management.
• Explain the Article 321 prescriptive approach of the law's reporting obligations and penalties for affordable housing and houses of worship.

 

Because fossil fuels are utilized to power, cool, and heat our buildings, they account for about 70% of NYC's carbon emissions. A component of the city's strategy to reduce these emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in NYC by 2050 is Local Law 97 (LL97). Beginning in 2025, most structures over 25,000 gross square feet and exceeding emissions restrictions will be subject to yearly penalties under LL97.

Adding distributed energy resources or making adjustments to enhance energy efficiency are two ways to lower the emissions from your building. Free help with energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades is provided by NYC Accelerator. We'll assist you in lowering the energy and emissions from your building, meeting LL97 deadlines, and avoiding yearly penalties.