What is Local Law 97?

In 2019 New York City became one of the first cities in the world to aggressively target greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings, setting carbon targets for existing buildings that decrease over time to align with the City’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

New York City previously required buildings over 25,000 SF to report their energy consumption to the City and to conduct periodic energy audits. The new legislation known as Local Law 97 (LL97) additionally sets carbon emissions limits on a square-footage basis for different types of buildings, with higher limits for more energy-intensive uses. Emissions limits will decrease every five years. Buildings that exceed emissions limits will be subject to fines costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

How Does This Affect Your Building?

All buildings over 25,000 SF will need to steadily reduce their emissions over the next three decades to avoid penalties. Even new, code-compliant buildings may exceed the emissions limits within the first ten or twenty years of operation. Older, less-efficient buildings may need to take action now to remain in compliance when the ordinance goes into effect in 2024.

NYC Emission Limits by Building Type

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How to Comply With Local Law 97

As the local electrical grid becomes cleaner, buildings will benefit from some automatic electricity emissions reductions. In most cases, however, that won’t be enough to remain below the limits for the life of the building or systems, so additional strategies which cut emissions even faster will be required.

Building owners can reduce emissions and avoid penalties by carrying out energy efficiency improvements; switching to clean, fossil-fuel-free heating systems; and/or installing or purchasing clean energy and carbon offsets. The best way to find the right path for your building is to consult a qualified engineer.

Need Help?

Vanderweil has extensive experience helping owners to reduce emissions and to comply with local carbon emissions limits. Reach out to us at sustainability@vanderweil.com with questions about your building.