Navigating LL97: Strategies for Compliance and Efficiency in NYC Buildings

 

What Is LL97 and Why Should You Care?

If you own or manage a building in New York City, chances are you've heard of LL97, but maybe you're still wondering: What exactly does this mean for me? And how do I stay compliant without breaking the bank?

Local Law 97 is part of NYC’s ambitious climate action plan. It’s aimed at dramatically reducing carbon emissions from the city's buildings — and it’s a big deal because buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gases in New York. The law applies to buildings 25,000 square feet or larger, meaning if your building fits this size, you are affected.

The core of the law is straightforward: it sets emission caps that your building must meet by 2025. If your building produces more carbon than allowed, you could face heavy fines, up to $268 for every ton of excess carbon emissions.

But here’s the good news: staying compliant doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive if you take the right steps early on.

LL97 vs. Local Law 84: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get confused between LL97 and Local Law 84, especially since both laws focus on energy use and emissions. Let’s clear up the differences to help you understand exactly what needs to be done:

Local Law 84 (LL84): Benchmarking

  • What it does: Local Law 84 requires buildings to report their energy and water usage annually. It's about transparency — making sure building owners understand how much energy they’re using and how it compares to other buildings.

  • Focus: This law is focused on data collection, helping you identify where your building might be wasting energy and where improvements could be made.

  • Penalties: While penalties for missing LL84 deadlines are relatively small (just a fine for late reports), it’s still crucial for setting the stage for future action.

Local Law 97: Emissions Reduction

  • What it does: The emissions law goes a step further by enforcing actual carbon emissions limits. Buildings must reduce their carbon footprint to stay within these caps.

  • Focus: It’s about real change in how buildings use energy — reducing overall emissions, rather than just reporting them.

  • Penalties: The penalties for LL97 non-compliance are much more severe. If your building exceeds the emissions cap, fines could be as high as $268 per ton of excess emissions.

While LL84 benchmarking reports your building’s energy use, LL97 takes it a step further, forcing you to reduce emissions or pay hefty penalties.

Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind

Now that you know what the law is, let’s get into the crucial dates. Time is ticking, and acting sooner rather than later will save you from stress and expensive fixes down the road.

  • 2024 (Now): Start by checking your LL84 benchmarking reports. You need this data to see where your building stands in terms of energy use.

  • January 1, 2025: The first deadline for emissions compliance kicks in. By this date, your building must meet the carbon emissions caps set for your building type.

  • 2030: The next phase begins with stricter emissions caps, so getting a head start will ensure you’re ready.

How to Prepare Your Building: 5 Key Steps

You might feel overwhelmed when you think about reducing your building’s emissions. But with a clear plan and some strategic upgrades, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the regulations and even save money in the long run. Let’s walk through the 5 key steps that will help you prepare your building:

1. Review Your Energy Data

Before you can make any improvements, you need to understand your building’s energy use. This is where Local Law 84 benchmarking comes in.

LL84 requires buildings to report their energy and water usage every year. Review these reports to:

  • Understand where you stand: Are you close to the emissions cap, or do you have some wiggle room?

  • Identify areas of inefficiency: Where are you wasting energy, and where could you make changes to reduce consumption?

If you haven’t completed a Local Law 84 report recently, now’s the time to get started. This step is essential to get the data you need for the next moves.

2. Get an Energy Audit

While Local Law 84 gives you the numbers, an energy audit gives you the full picture.

A professional energy audit will:

  • Identify energy hogs in your building

  • Point out areas where you can improve efficiency (think insulation, HVAC, lighting, etc.)

  • Help you prioritize upgrades based on return on investment

Getting a Local Law 87 audit is also important, as it will allow you to identify issues that could prevent you from meeting your emissions targets.

3. Prioritize Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Not all improvements are created equal. Some will give you a better return on investment than others, and you’ll want to focus on the most impactful upgrades first. Here are a few energy-efficient upgrades that will help reduce your carbon footprint:

  • Upgrade to LED lighting: This is a quick win. LEDs consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.

  • Install smart thermostats: Smart systems can adjust heating and cooling in real-time, ensuring your building uses just the right amount of energy.

  • Insulate better and seal leaks: Leaky windows or poor insulation can waste energy and drive up costs. Sealing these leaks will help your building stay comfortable year-round while saving energy.

  • Upgrade your HVAC systems: Older HVAC systems tend to use more energy. Replacing them with energy-efficient models can make a huge difference.

Focus on upgrades that reduce energy use immediately while also helping you meet carbon reduction goals.

4. Consider Renewable Energy Options

If you’ve made all the improvements you can but are still facing a shortfall on your emissions targets, consider renewable energy options.

Here are a few to consider:

  • Solar panels: If your building has the space, solar power is a great way to reduce emissions and even save money on energy costs over time.

  • Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): If solar isn’t an option, you can buy RECs to offset your building’s carbon emissions.

  • Community solar programs: These allow you to buy into off-site solar energy without needing to install anything on your property.

These options can help you meet your emissions goals without having to make costly or disruptive changes to your building.

5. Work with Experts

Understanding these energy regulations can be complicated, especially with the law's technical nature. Working with energy consultants or experts in NYC building codes will help streamline the process. They can:

  • Guide you through the necessary upgrades

  • Identify potential rebates and financial incentives

  • Handle all the required paperwork and documentation for compliance

Expert guidance can also help you prioritize cost-effective solutions that will save you money in the long run.

Why Acting Early Is Key to Your Success

The earlier you act, the better off you’ll be. Here’s why:

  • Lower costs: Prices for contractors, equipment, and materials tend to rise as deadlines approach. Acting early helps you lock in lower prices.

  • More financial incentives: There are currently rebates and tax credits available for energy-efficient upgrades. But they won’t last forever.

  • More time to plan: Tackling emissions compliance doesn’t have to be a mad rush. Giving yourself enough time lets you make smarter, more affordable choices.

If you wait until the last minute, you risk rushing through projects, paying higher prices, and possibly missing your emissions targets.

Ready to Take Action and Avoid Fines?

Understanding the ins and outs of LL97 and its requirements is crucial to ensuring your building’s compliance — and potentially saving you a lot of money. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With the right energy-efficient upgrades and expert guidance, you can stay ahead of the game and avoid hefty fines.

Remember, it’s not just about meeting emissions goals. It’s about setting your building up for long-term success, reducing operating costs, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for New York City.

So, what’s the next step for you?
 Take the first action today by:

  • Reviewing your LL84 benchmarking reports.

  • Scheduling an energy audit to pinpoint where you can improve.

  • Exploring renewable energy options that could work for your building.

Vert Energy Group is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the compliance process and find solutions tailored to your building’s needs.

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