Final Rules for Local Law 97

Latest Updates from the DOB

The DOB recently announced the latest rules for Local Law 97, the nation’s first emissions limit law for existing buildings. Enacted in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, this legislation is a significant component of the city’s plan to achieve an 80% reduction in citywide emissions by 2050. The long-awaited rules outline alternative compliance pathways for the 2024-2029 period, which include “Good Faith Efforts” and “Beneficial Electrification” projects. This will allow buildings that are over the first set of limits to develop short and long-term decarbonization plans in lieu of paying fines.

What you need to know

The new rules give building owners additional time to develop and implement strategic decarbonization plans for upgrades and retrofits while optimizing their funds.  

Here are some important dates and deadlines:

• Compliance Report or De-carbonization plan for all buildings required to comply must be submitted by May 1, 2025 with yearly reporting due every May 1st
• Emission caps will become more stringent every 5 years
• Emissions will be calculated using benchmarking data, starting with 2024 utility data

Alternative compliance, including “Good Faith Efforts” De-carbonization plan MUST:

• Be completed by a registered design professional
• Outline measures to achieve 2024 limits by 2026
• Outline measures to achieve limits for every future compliance period on time
• Outline measures to achieve net zero by 2050
• Work to achieve 2024 limit must be completed by 2026

How HLZAE Can Help

HLZAE’s Registered Design Professionals, Certified Energy Professionals, and experience with Energy Audits combined with our Full-Service Engineering Design and Consulting services will ensure your goals of meeting requirements for Local Law 97, Sustainable Operation, and Reduced Operating Costs are met. Our engineering project managers are true partners in managing your building’s carbon reduction projects. 

If you have questions on Local Law 97 compliance or would like to move forward with a proposal: