Navigating NYC's energy efficiency laws

This is an expert post by Green Potential, a marketplace for building owners and management to find vetted vendors and contractors for projects, including energy efficiency upgrades.

Understanding the Regulations, Benefits, and Resources to Improve Your Building’s Sustainability

New York City is at the forefront of efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the built environment. To assist building owners in complying with local laws and enhancing their sustainability efforts, we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to help you navigate NYC’s energy efficiency regulations effectively.

High Level Insights:

• There are local laws, your project may not need to comply with all of them.
• Some of the laws will give you incentives for your building/owners, while others will not.
• Additionally, take into consideration the technology, the cost, and the payback period; it may not be worth doing all the work.

Understanding the Landscape: Overview of NYC’s Energy Efficiency Laws

New York City has implemented several key energy efficiency laws and regulations that building owners need to be aware of. Everyone is always talking about Local Law 97, but that’s not the only one that matters. To start, it’s crucial to get a broad understanding of these laws:

• Benchmarking (LL84, Local Law 84): This law requires annual energy and water benchmarking for buildings over 25,000 square feet.
• Posting Egrade (LL95, Local Law 95): LL95 dictates that after benchmarking has been completed, the NYC DOB will make the energy efficiency grade, this grade has to be posted near each public entrance to the building.
• Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning (LL87, Local Law 87): LL87 mandates periodic energy audits and retro-commissioning for large buildings.
• Building Emissions Limits (LL97, Local Law 97): LL97 sets emissions limits for mid-sized and large buildings, imposing fines on non-compliance.
• Lighting Upgrades (LL88, Local Law 88): LL88 requires specific lighting upgrades in non-residential buildings.
• Green Roofs and Solar Panels (LL92 and LL94, Local Law 92 and Local Law 94): LL95 mandates green roofs, solar panels, or a combination in new construction.

Prioritizing these laws in the order that best suits your building’s profile and condition is crucial. Start with those that have the most significant impact on your property.

Determining Applicability: What Local Laws Apply to Your Building?

‍Understanding whether your property is subject to specific energy efficiency laws is vital. You can find this information in various public data sources, which expedite the compliance process:

• New York City’s Energy Benchmarking Reports: These reports can help you determine whether your building meets LL84 benchmarking criteria.
• NYC Department of Buildings (DOB): The DOB provides information on audit and retro-commissioning requirements under LL87.
• PlaNYC: NYC’s sustainability plan offers valuable insights into the city’s overall energy efficiency goals.

Benefits of Compliance: Energy Savings, Cost Reduction, and Environmental Impact

‍Complying with NYC’s energy efficiency laws offers numerous benefits:

• Energy Savings: Reduced energy consumption leads to lower utility bills and long-term savings.
• Cost Reduction: Compliance can help avoid fines and penalties associated with non-compliance.
• Environmental Impact: Contributing to NYC’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions.

Access to public datasets can help you calculate potential energy savings and cost reductions, such as the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for benchmarking.

Resources and Support Programs: Getting the Help You Need

‍NYC offers resources and support programs to assist building owners in understanding and meeting these requirements:

• Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs: Explore financial incentives and grants available for energy-efficient upgrades.
• CUNY Building Performance Lab: Offers free classes to help understand the various laws and how they may impact your building.
• NYC Retrofit Accelerator (now NYC Accelerator): Offers guidance on how to start energy efficiency projects and find eligible programs.

Going Above and Beyond Compliance: Long-Term Sustainability

‍While compliance is essential, consider the long-term benefits of going beyond the minimum legal requirements:

• Enhanced Sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices can improve your building’s reputation and attractiveness to tenants.
• Future-Proofing: Preparing for stricter regulations in the future can save you time and resources down the road.

Navigating NYC’s energy efficiency laws can be complex, but with the right knowledge and resources, building owners can comply effectively, save on energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable city.

By prioritizing the most impactful laws and utilizing available resources, building owners can make informed decisions to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency and environmental impact.