Local Law 97: Requirements and Future Changes for Building Owners in NYC

Local Law 97: Requirements and Future Changes for Building Owners in NYC

New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97) is a critical component of the Climate Mobilization Act, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings. As building owners strive to meet compliance, understanding the requirements and forthcoming changes is essential for sustainability and legal compliance.

What is Local Law 97?

LL97 mandates that buildings over 25,000 square feet reduce their carbon emissions, starting in 2024, with increasingly stringent limits set for 2030 and beyond. The law targets buildings responsible for 70% of NYC’s carbon footprint, focusing on reducing emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.For official details on Local Law 97, visit the NYC Climate Mobilization Act Website.

The Role of Energy Metering in Compliance

Energy metering is fundamental to meeting LL97 requirements. Accurate metering of electricity, gas, steam, and water consumption allows building owners to monitor real-time energy use, identify inefficiencies, and allocate energy costs to tenants fairly. Submetering each tenant space ensures precise tracking, which is vital for reporting to the NYC Department of Buildings.

Advanced energy monitoring systems enable automatic data collection and analysis, simplifying the process of compiling reports required under LL97. By providing continuous insight into energy performance, these systems help identify areas where efficiency improvements are needed to stay within emission limits.

Learn more about building energy performance standards from the NYC Department of Buildings.

Requirements for Building Owners

1. Benchmarking and Reporting: Building owners must track and report energy consumption, including tenant usage, to the NYC Department of Buildings. 

2. Carbon Emission Limits: Annual emissions must not exceed specified limits based on building type and size. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines—up to $268 per metric ton of CO2 over the limit.

3. Energy Efficiency Measures: Building owners should implement energy-saving technologies such as HVAC upgrades, smart lighting, and renewable energy systems to stay within limits.

4. Annual Reporting: Beginning in 2024, owners must annually submit a report certified by a registered design professional, detailing compliance with emissions limits.

Future Changes and Adjustments

Starting in 2030, emissions limits will become even stricter, requiring deeper retrofits and innovative solutions to meet targets. Building owners should plan for long-term investments, including electrification, on-site renewable energy generation, and advanced energy management systems.

The city may also introduce adjustments to emission limits and compliance pathways to accommodate different building types and evolving technologies.

Preparing for Compliance

To stay compliant, building owners should conduct energy audits, implement submetering for tenant spaces, and leverage energy management software. Regular monitoring, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement will be crucial to maintaining compliance. Incorporating automated energy metering can streamline reporting and ensure accurate data submission.

For guidance on energy audits and compliance strategies, consult the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Conclusion

Local Law 97 represents a significant shift toward sustainable building practices in NYC. Building owners must act proactively to reduce emissions, plan for future requirements, and integrate efficient technologies. Leveraging energy metering systems will not only help in achieving compliance but also drive long-term energy savings and operational improvements. As regulations evolve, staying informed and prepared will be essential for success and avoiding financial penalties.

To learn more about how we can help, please email us at sales@emergentenergy.us or visit www.emergentmetering.com, www.emergentenergy.us