In the quest to embrace innovative sustainable solutions in climate change control, reducing greenhouse gas emissions within office buildings is critical if cities hope to meet the increasing influx of citywide Net Zero emissions goals.
New York City’s most prominent climate legislation, the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA), features its most notable and ambitious regulation efforts that apply to commercial real estate buildings — Local Law 97 (LL97).
CRE leaders with properties in the New York City region have likely heard of LL97 (and if you haven’t, or are unsure of how the regulation may affect your building, we have a guide just for you).
But, for those who know about Local Law 97, its benchmarks, its reduction goals, and its penalties, the question you may be left with is … which department is actually enforcing Local Law 97 in NYC?
All about Local Law 97 (LL97)
Local Law 97 is new legislation passed by the City Council in April 2019. The law is included in the CMA act as a quest for the New York Mayor’s ambitious plans for reducing emissions. The LL97 law is established to place carbon caps on city buildings larger than 25,000 square feet. The legislation targets approximately 50,0000 residential and commercial buildings across NYC.
Local Law 97 regulations
The LL97 in NYC regulations provides rules and limits to carbon emissions based on the type of the building.
All buildings above 25,000 square feet will be required to meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission limits by 2024, with stricter limits rolling out by 2030.
Which department will be enforcing Local Law 97 NYC?
LL97 will be implemented by a climate advisory board in conjunction with established working groups and enforced by NYC local authority enforcement agency.
The Climate Advisory Board and the City Council Enforcement Agency: A 16-member Climate Advisory Board and Working Groups will refine and oversee the implementation of LL97. The group comprises NYC’s leading professionals and stakeholders, including the Urban Green Board Members. The City Council Enforcement agency will aid in the enforcement process.
Other departments involved
Department of Buildings LL97 Accelerator Program
The DOB has developed rules and guidelines for building owners to implement in adherence to the LL97. The new rules offer additional clarity for compliance to meet climate goals.
The NYC Accelerator program has already assisted 12,900 buildings in meeting LL97 requirements.
NYSERDA Financial Incentives for LL97
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has unveiled incentive programs for building owners performing building upgrades, installation, planning improvements, and monitoring performance.
Is your building on track for LL97 benchmarks?
Do you need a decarbonization strategy, but are not sure where to start? Or, do you have a strategy, and are looking to maximize your decarbonization efforts with an initiative that promises payback?
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