NYC’s Local Law 97

Local Law 97 was enacted in April 2019 as a way to lower carbon emissions from buildings larger than 25,000 square feet. Passed as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, the law requires NYC’s largest buildings to meet more stringent energy efficiency and emissions standards by 2024. These standards will again be tightened in 2030, with the ultimate goal being to reduce CO2 emissions produced by the city’s largest buildings by 80% by 2050. (nyc.gov, 2021)

In addition to buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, the law also applies to two or more buildings in the same tax lot that combine to exceed 50,000 square feet. Exceptions include:

· An industrial facility used for generating electricity

· A city building

· A housing development owned by NYC housing authority

· A rent regulated accommodation

· Places of worship

An amendment was passed in November 2020 which mandated that buildings of more than 25,000 square feet with 35% or fewer rent-regulated units must also meet the same 2024 emissions goals. (urbangreencouncil.org, May 2021)

Overall, the law affects 40,000 buildings across New York City, nearly 60% of the total building area in the metropolis. It is one of the few laws worldwide that requires existing buildings be retrofitted or renovated to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. (nypost.com, 2019)

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