Local Law 97 Green House Gas Emissions & Carbon Limit

Building owners can conduct an energy audit to determine their emissions and identify areas where they can make improvements to reduce them.

New York City (NYC) anticipates getting the electricity needed to electrify the existing buildings stock from a variety of sources, including:

Renewable energy sources: NYC has committed to increasing the amount of renewable energy used in the city, such as solar and wind power. The city has set a goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.

Conventional power plants: NYC will continue to rely on conventional power plants that are powered by natural gas and other fossil fuels, until the city reaches its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Energy efficiency measures: NYC will also work to reduce the amount of energy needed to power buildings through energy efficiency measures, such as retrofits and upgrades to HVAC systems, lighting, and building envelopes. This will help to reduce the overall energy demand, and lower the need for additional power generation.

Energy storage: NYC will also look to energy storage solutions such as batteries to store excess renewable energy generated during the day to be used during the night or when renewable energy is not available.

Interconnection: The city may also look to connect to other energy grids to import energy from other states and regions, this will be specially important if the city is not able to generate enough renewable energy to reach its goal.

It's worth noting that the city's efforts alone might not be enough and the state, federal and international cooperation will be key to reach the goal, the city will also need to work with utilities and energy providers to ensure that the power generated is delivered to the buildings in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

It is possible for NYC to become carbon neutral by 2050, but it would require significant efforts from the city government, private sector, and residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

In 2019, the NYC government announced a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of the city’s “green new deal.'' This goal involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transportation, and waste. The city has announced several initiatives to achieve this goal, such as:

Requiring building owners to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions through Local Law 97.

Expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing access to public transportation.

Expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

Increasing recycling and composting to reduce waste.

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will likely require significant investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and infrastructure, as well as changes in behavior from residents and businesses. Additionally, it is important to note that the city’s efforts alone might not be enough and the state, federal and international cooperation will be key to reach this goal.

It’s worth noting that achieving carbon neutrality is a complex and ambitious goal, and it’s not guaranteed that it will be met in 2050, but the city and other cities in the world are taking steps to reduce emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

The fines for non-compliance with Local Law 97 in New York City will begin to be issued starting in 2024. The fines will be based on a building's carbon emissions, with larger buildings facing larger fines. The fines are designed to increase over time, in order to encourage building owners to take steps to reduce their emissions and comply with the law. 

Local Law 97 (also known as the Climate Mobilization Act) applies to buildings over 25,000 square feet in New York City. This includes office buildings, apartments, hotels, and other large buildings. The law applies to both privately and publicly owned buildings.

Exemptions may apply to certain buildings, such as those that are entirely affordable housing, are landmarked, or are used for religious worship.

There are many ways to make a building more energy efficient, and the specific steps will depend on the building's age, construction, and current systems. However, some common strategies include:

Insulation: Adding insulation to walls, attics, and floors can help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Weatherization: Sealing air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can help prevent drafts and reduce energy loss.

Lighting: Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs can save significant amounts of energy.

HVAC: Upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to more energy-efficient models can improve performance and reduce energy use.

Building Automation System: Installing a building automation system can help to optimize the energy use of the building and control the temperature and lighting levels.

Renewable Energy: Installing solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity can help to reduce a building's overall energy consumption.

Energy Audits: Conducting an energy audit can help identify specific areas where a building is using energy inefficiently and provide recommendations for improvements.

Some of these measures may require a significant investment upfront, but in the long-term, they can lead to significant energy cost savings and compliance with local laws such as Local Law 97.

Yes, there are exemptions for certain buildings, such as those that are entirely affordable housing, landmarked, or used for religious worship.

It is uncertain whether all properties in New York City will fully comply with Local Law 97. The law sets emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet and requires building owners to take steps to reduce their emissions, but compliance is ultimately up to the building owners. The fines for non-compliance are designed to increase over time, which may incentivize building owners to take action to reduce their emissions. Additionally, the city offers various programs and incentives to help building owners improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, which may encourage compliance. However, some building owners may not comply due to financial or logistical barriers, or simply a lack of awareness of the law.