LOCAL LAW 97

New York City enacted Local Law 97 (LL97) in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, with the main goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Local Law 97 establishes carbon emission limits for NYC’s largest buildings. Covered buildings that exceed annual emissions limits will face an annual financial penalty of $268 per ton of CO2 equivalent over the limit based on 2024 energy usage and emissions. Emissions are calculated based on tons of CO2 equivalent per square foot.

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a new set of proposed rules to guide the ongoing implementation of LL97, which:

• Clarify the mechanics of enforcement and set out penalties for noncompliance.

• Outline penalty mitigation pathways, including what is considered a “Good Faith Effort” to comply with the law’s 2024 carbon limits.

• Create a new credit for early electrification work that building owners can apply toward emissions reduction targets. Two or more buildings owned by a condo association that are governed by the same board of managers and that exceed 50,000 gross square feet.

• Describe reporting requirements and penalties for affordable housing and houses of worship under the law’s Article 321 prescriptive pathway.

• Provide additional guidance regarding requirements for meeting Local Law 88 of 2009: lighting upgrades and submetering.

The first LL97 compliance period is in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030. According to a 2022 city analysis, 11% of buildings required to comply with the law exceeded emissions limits for the 2024-2029 compliance period, and 63% exceeded limits for the 2030-2034 period.

Unlock cost-saving opportunities for your building projects. Explore our curated list of financial incentives available to NYC buildings and work with an NYC Accelerator expert to access the latest information and identify the incentives that best fit your building's needs.

​

NYC Incentives Excel 

• Buildings over 25,000 gross square feet

• Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together are over 50,000 gross square feet

• Two or more buildings owned by a condo association that is governed by the same board of managers and that exceed 50,000 gross square feet

Weatherization protects a building from damage related to the elements. Limiting hazards and destruction increases the eco-friendliness of a structure, decreasing material waste. It also improves the efficiency of internal systems.

​

Reducing cracks and improving insulation lowers utility costs, helping a business save money over time. Weatherization also decreases heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems' electricity consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When companies shrink their carbon footprints, they also increase their appeal to eco-consumers.

Business owners can also show their employees they care by increasing an office's stability in the winter. Improving indoor air quality can protect a worker's health. Reducing localized air pollution from HVAC stress also helps prevent respiratory illnesses.

​

Enhancing the energy efficiency and safety of a building can significantly improve a work environment. Professionals can weatherize a commercial structure using four standard techniques. Over time, employers can save money and improve their sustainability by conducting repairs in the fall.

​

Surveys help in finding what will help identify power loss regions and improve building efficiency. Property management can evaluate the data to support efficiency projects. 

​

​NYS Sustainable Corp. is a company that specializes in energy-efficient solutions for businesses and communities throughout New York state. Our team of experts offers a comprehensive range of services that includes weatherization, building energy audits, renewable energy systems, and more. Our focus is on reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable practices. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and delivering excellent results. If you're looking for a reliable and experienced partner to help you achieve your sustainability goals, get in touch with NYS Sustainable Corp. today.