2024 is a big year for building owners in NYC, and it's time to buckle down and tackle the various sustainability and energy-related local laws coming into effect. The changes you make this year to your facilities will have a major impact on your organization's compliance with regulations and potential fines. The Stone House Group is here to help you navigate these multifaceted regulations and comply in a timely manner.
NYC Sustainability Local Law Compliance
The New York City government began responding to climate change in the early 2000’s, passing various local laws to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the city and eventually achieve carbon neutrality. Many of these local laws target building owners and property managers, as buildings make up about two-thirds of the total greenhouse gas emissions in NYC. The Climate Mobilization Act (Local Law 97 of 2019) set the most ambitious standards yet for emissions reductions, setting mandated emissions limits for buildings that will become stricter, and result in higher penalties, over the next decades. All of the sustainability local laws fit together and are often interdependent; performing retro-commissioning (LL87 of 2009), for instance, will result in more efficient HVAC and controls systems, thereby reducing energy consumption (LL84 of 2009) and GHG emissions (LL97 of 2019).
Key Local Laws and Compliance Deadlines
- Benchmarking (LL84 of 2009, LL133 of 2016)
- Applies to buildings over 25,000 SF, or two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 SF
- Includes the collection and reporting of building energy and water usage through Energy Star Portfolio Manager
- Due May 1st annually
- Building Energy Efficiency Grades (LL33 of 2018, LL95 of 2019)
- Requires the Building Energy Efficiency Rating (grade) to be physically posted at a public location
- Score is dependent on energy usage and goes hand-in-hand with benchmarking
- Due Oct 31st annually
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting and Compliance (LL97 of 2019)
- Applies to buildings over 25,000 SF or two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 SF
- Requires demonstrated compliance with GHG emissions limits
- Begins in 2024 and becomes stricter starting in 2030, with steep penalties for emissions over target
- Must work to reduce emissions through energy efficiency and potentially renewable energy projects
- Due May 1st annually (starting 2025)
- Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning (LL87 of 2009, LL132 and 134 of 2016)
- Applies to buildings over 50,000 SF
- Certified professional must conduct an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit and Retro-Commissioning (RCx)
- Due once every 10 years, with due dates staggered depending on tax lot number
- Lighting Upgrades & Submetering (LL88 of 2009, LL132 & 134 of 2016)
- Applies to buildings over 25,000 SF or two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 SF
- Requires that lighting be upgraded to meet NYC Energy Conservation Code by Jan 1st, 2025
- Submetering of electric is mandatory for commercial tenants exceeding floor space limits
Why Should You Care About These Laws?
In addition to being necessary for compliance and avoiding fines, the above laws can provide additional benefits to your building and organization:
- Financial Benefits: Sustainable building practices can lead to lower operating costs through reduced energy and water utility consumption. Investing in modernization projects and practicing proactive facilities management can ensure efficient building operations, leading to long-term cost savings. Best practices in operation and maintenance can prevent costly repairs from deferred maintenance burdens down the road.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Many businesses and organizations are committed to sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Complying with the aforementioned local laws demonstrates your organization's commitment to CSR and to building stewardship, engaging tenants/occupants who value environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
- Healthy Buildings: Complying with NYC sustainable building local laws can result in healthier buildings by reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, and creating a more comfortable and productive environment for occupants. A healthy building can lead to improved employee morale, productivity, and tenant satisfaction.
How The Stone House Group Can Help
The Stone House Group has been providing energy and sustainability consulting services such as energy audits, GHG accounting, energy procurement, building commissioning, and energy benchmarking since our company's inception in 1999. We have a deep understanding of the requirements of NYC's sustainable building local laws and have been helping clients such as Riverdale Country School and Brooklyn Friends School comply with these regulations for several years. Our qualified associates take a holistic approach to our clients’ energy and sustainability needs, considering all aspects of the campus operations and the institutions’ goals.
If you are looking for a partner to help you comply with NYC's sustainability local laws, The Stone House Group is the right choice. We have the experience, expertise, and commitment to help you achieve your compliance goals. Contact The Stone House Group today to learn more about how we can help you comply with NYC's sustainability local laws.