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What is Local Law 97?

Local Law 97 (LL97) is a vital component of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, targeting significant reductions in carbon emissions from buildings over 25,000 square feet. The law is designed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and includes compliance milestones starting in 2024.

Building owners have multiple compliance pathways to comply, particularly for affordable housing, but face substantial fines for surpassing emissions caps.

Key Features of LL97:

  • Carbon Caps: Sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions for covered buildings.
  • Compliance Periods: Rolling accountability will start in 2024, with increasing stringency toward 2050.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Heavy fines for exceeding carbon caps—up to $268 per metric ton of emissions over the limit.
  • Retrofits and Upgrades: Encourages building owners to adopt energy-efficient retrofits or invest in renewable energy systems.
  • Support Programs: Various programs and incentives are available to reduce financial and operational burdens on building owners.

Recent Updates to LL97 (2024)

On December 20, 2024, the NYC Department of Buildings published the final version of its third rules package for Local Law 97. This third major set of rules creates new support for affordable housing retrofits, clarifies adjustments for financially constrained buildings, and fills in other provisions required by the law.

What is the Difference Between Local Law 97, Local Law 87, and Local Law 84?

Law Focus Applies To Key Requirement Penalties
LL97 Carbon emissions caps Buildings >25k sq. ft.; certain affordable housing exceptions Meet annual emissions limits starting in 2024 Fines up to $268 per metric ton over cap
LL87 Energy audits & retrofits Buildings >50k sq. ft. Conduct & file energy audits every 10 years. Penalties for late/non-compliance
LL84 Energy & water benchmarking Buildings >25k sq. ft. File annual energy & water usage reports Fines per day of delayed reporting

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What are the requirements for building owners to comply with LL97?

1. Emissions Limits

LL97 establishes specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limits based on a building’s occupancy type. These limits are phased in over time:

2024-2029 Compliance Period:

  • Starting in 2024, buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. must not exceed their prescribed emissions caps.
  • Approximately 20% of buildings will need immediate action to meet 2024 limits.

2030 and Beyond:

  • Emissions caps will become significantly stricter in 2030.
  • By 2050, NYC aims to reduce total building emissions by 80%.
  • Owners must implement long-term energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies to remain compliant.
2. Annual Emissions Reporting
  • Owners must file an annual emissions report with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) by May 1st each year.
  • Reports must be certified by a licensed design professional (e.g., PE, RA).
  • Failure to report can result in penalties of up to $0.50 per square foot per month.
3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Retrofits

To comply with LL97, building owners should consider:

  • Upgrading HVAC systems (high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, or VRF systems).
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste.
  • Installing LED lighting and advanced lighting controls.
  • Optimizing building automation systems (BAS) to enhance energy management.
  • Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels to offset emissions.
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Fines for Non-Compliance with LL97

Building owners who fail to comply with Local Law 97 (LL97) will face significant financial penalties. The fines are structured as follows:

1. Exceeding Emissions Limits

  • If a building’s annual emissions exceed the allowed cap, the owner will be fined: $268 per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent over the limit.
  • This could lead to millions in penalties for large buildings with excessive emissions.

2. Failure to File Annual Emissions Report

  • Owners must submit a certified annual emissions report by May 1st each year.
  • Failure to file results in a fine of $0.50 per square foot per month until the report is submitted.

3. False Reporting or Misrepresentation

If a building owner submits false or misleading emissions data, they may face:

  • $500,000 fine for falsification.
  • Additional legal and regulatory actions.

How to Avoid LL97 Penalties

Application Claim Form Filling

To prevent costly fines, building owners should:

- Conduct an energy audit to assess current emissions.

- Implement energy efficiency upgrades like HVAC retrofits, LED lighting, and insulation.

- Monitor emissions in real-time using Building Automation Systems (BAS).

  • Explore renewable energy options such as rooftop solar systems to offset emissions.
  • Submit annual compliance reports on time to the NYC Department of Buildings.
Application Claim Form Filling

How NY Engineers Can Help You Achieve LL97 Compliance

With Local Law 97 (LL97) imposing strict carbon emissions limits, compliance is crucial to avoid penalties and reduce building operating costs. At NY Engineers, we specialize in energy efficiency solutions that help building owners meet LL97 requirements seamlessly.

Why Choose NY Engineers?

  • Our team of certified engineers is experienced in conducting energy audits and carbon assessments to ensure compliance with LL97 regulations.
  • We deliver accurate energy simulations and modeling to optimize your building’s systems and minimize carbon emissions.
  • We provide cost-effective compliance strategies, including HVAC upgrades, electrification, renewable energy solutions, and alternative compliance pathways.
  • Our streamlined process ensures faster project completion, reducing compliance risks and helping you save both time and money.
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