Local Law 87 (LL87) is an energy conservation law enacted in New York City (NYC) aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under LL87, building owners are required to conduct energy audits and retro-commissioning measures for their properties. In this article, we will explore what LL87 entails, its due dates, the NYC context, and how building owners can prepare for LL87 audits.
What is Local Law 87?
Local Law 87, also known as LL87, was established by the New York City Council in 2009 as part of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan. Its purpose is to assess and improve the energy efficiency of buildings in NYC. LL87 applies to buildings that exceed 50,000 square feet and mandates them to undergo energy audits and retro-commissioning measures.
Energy Efficiency Report
The cornerstone of Local Law 87 compliance is the Energy Efficiency Report (EER). This report provides a comprehensive analysis of a building’s energy consumption, identifying areas for improvement and recommending energy-saving measures. The EER must prepared by a qualified energy auditor, certified by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Nyc Local Law 87 Due Dates
Building owners need to be aware of the LL87 due dates to ensure compliance. The law has established staggered compliance deadlines based on the last digit of the building’s tax block number. The first compliance deadline was December 31, 2013, and subsequent deadlines fall every ten years. For example, buildings with a tax block number ending in 3 or 4 must comply by December 31, 2023.
NYC Context and Compliance
New York City has a vested interest in improving its environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. As one of the most populous and energy-intensive cities globally, NYC recognizes the importance of energy efficiency in combating climate change. LL87 is one of several local laws enact to achieve the city’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Preparing for LL87 Audits
To ensure a smooth and successful LL87 audit, building owners can take several steps to prepare:
- Familiarize yourself with the requirements: Understand the specific requirements of LL87 and the compliance deadlines that apply to your building. Review the official guidelines provided by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the process.
- Gather necessary documentation: Begin gathering the necessary documentation and records related to your building’s energy usage, systems, and maintenance history. This includes utility bills, maintenance logs, equipment specifications, and any previous energy audits or retro-commissioning reports.
- Engage a qualified energy auditor: It is crucial to engage a qualified energy auditor with experience in LL87 compliance. Look for auditors certified by NYSERDA who possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to conduct the required energy audit and prepare the Energy Efficiency Report.
- Conduct a preliminary energy assessment: Consider conducting a preliminary energy assessment before the official LL87 audit. This assessment will help identify potential areas for improvement and provide insights into energy-saving measures that can implemented.
- Implement energy-saving measures: Take proactive steps to improve your building’s energy efficiency. This may include upgrading lighting systems, optimizing HVAC operations, insulating walls and windows, or installing smart energy management systems. These measures will not only help with LL87 compliance but also lead to long-term cost savings.
- Maintain records and documentation: Ensure that all documentation related to LL87 compliance, including energy audits, retro-commissioning reports, and the Energy Efficiency Report, is properly organize and readily accessible. This will simplify future audits and demonstrate compliance with LL87 requirements.
Conclusion
Local Law 87 is an important legislation in NYC aim at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building owners subject to LL87 must comply with the energy audit and retro-commissioning requirements and submit the Energy Efficiency Report. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documentation, engaging qualified auditors, conducting preliminary assessments, implementing energy-saving measures, and maintaining proper records, building owners can successfully navigate LL87 audits and contribute to a greener and more sustainable New York City.
Also Read: What is Local Law 87 and Why is it Important?