From November 15 onwards, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) introduced Local Law 92 of 2019 and Local Law 94 of 2019, which will require almost all new buildings and existing buildings under roof renovations to have a solar photovoltaic system, a green roof system, or a combination of both.
Local Law 92 and Local Law 94 are part of the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA), which was adopted by the City Council in April 2019. Also, it is a part of the Mayor’s New York City Green New Deal and the OneNYC 2050 plan. (NYC Buildings, 2019)
Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin mentioned that NYC has to keep making innovative changes towards threats of climate change. She added that buildings are the main reason for carbon emissions in a big city like New York City, and thus introducing new laws will help the mission to make the sector carbon neutral by 2050.
Council Member Rafael Espinal noted that the new legislation on expanding green roofs is advantageous for NYC’s environment and community. Also, he underlines the importance of large metropolitan areas like New York City in order to activate change. By implementing Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019 the green solar roofs will reduce the City’s dependence on fossil fuels, keep the city cooler through the greenery, cut greenhouse gas emissions (and thus reduce energy costs), improve stormwater management, and create better living conditions for the next generations.
