New York City Local Law 97 Explained
In New York City, buildings contribute to two-thirds of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the government has implemented a sustainability initiative, known as Local Law 97.
Primary Goals
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40% reduction in building emissions by 2030.
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80% reduction by 2050.
Impacted Buildings
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NYC buildings exceeding 25,000 sqft.
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Properties with two or more buildings on a single tax lot, totaling more than 50,000 sqft.
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Condo associations that govern two or more buildings with a combined total exceeding 50,000 sqft.
Maximum penalties for exceeding emission limits amount to $268 per ton of CO2 beyond the set threshold.
Failure to submit reports incurs a monthly charge of $0.50 per square foot until the report is received.
Recent Updates
Adjustments Application Updated to January 1, 2025
Who qualifies for adjustments?
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Non-profit Healthcare Facilities and Special Circumstances can apply for adjustments.
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Special circumstances include 24-hour operations, health and safety operations, high-density occupancy, energy-intensive technologies, and more.
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The adjustment for annual building emissions for 2024-2029 is 70% of the 2018 emissions.
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To qualify, emissions must exceed 2024 limits by over 40% and be due to a special circumstance.
DOB New Set of Rules Published September 12, 2023
Fines Mitigated for "Good Faith Efforts" for 2024-2029 Compliance Period
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Building electrification efforts in addition to existing benchmarking and GHG reporting mandates
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Submitted decarbonization plan in addition to existing benchmarking and GHG reporting mandates
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Implementing recommended Energy Improvement Measures
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GEMM assists building owners in understanding and meeting compliance requirements.
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Provides Energy Masterplans to mitigate fines
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Provides expertise to save both money and time for building owners.