For property managers, keeping up to date with ever-changing regulations is not easy. However, it is crucial for ensuring success and proactive management of your buildings.
Local Law 97
In the pursuit of a more resilient urban landscape, cities around the world are implementing stringent regulations to curb carbon emissions and address climate change. In New York City, one of the pioneering initiatives is Local Law 97 (LL97), a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or otherwise known as carbon emissions, from buildings. Learn about the Local Law 97 intricacies of compliance pathways and typical projects that align with its goals.
Understanding Local Law 97
Local Law 97, enacted as part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act in 2019, targets buildings over 25,000 gross square feet and holds them accountable for a significant portion of the city’s carbon footprint. As property managers, you play a crucial role in steering your buildings towards compliance with LL97’s aggressive carbon reduction targets – a 40% reduction by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2050.
Pathways to Local Law 97 Compliance:
Achieving compliance with Local Law 97 is multifaceted and involves a custom approach that’s specific to the building.
Depending on your building’s property type, property managers and building owners have several pathways to meet the emission reduction targets.
The Department of Building (DOB) has established four compliance pathways.
| Local Law 97 Compliance Pathways | Property Type | Reporting Requirements & Timeline | |
| 1 | Article 320 / 1 RCNY §103-14 Building Energy and Emissions Limits | >25,000 gross square feet, and non-rent regulated buildings [Standard LL97 filing pathway] | Annual Reporting starting May 1st, 2025 |
| 2 | Article 320 pursuant to § 28-320.3.10.1 Building Energy and Emissions Limits | Rent Regulated Properties | Annual reporting starting May 1st, 2027 |
| 3 | Article 320 pursuant to § 28-320.3.9 Building Energy and Emissions Limits | Income Restricted Properties | Annual reporting starting May 1st, 2036 |
| 4 | Article 321 of Title 28 Energy Conservation Measure Requirements for Certain Buildings | Affordable Housing and Houses of Worship [Alternative compliance requirements apply] | One-time report due May 1st, 2025 |
Article 320 Pathways
There are three Article 320 compliance pathways as follows:
- Article 320 typical pathway
- 2026 Rent Regulated ≤ 35% pathway
- 2035 Income Restricted extension pathway
Article 320 Typical Pathway
If an Article 320 building does not fall into the categories listed in above items A or B, they are required to file an annual emissions report that reflects performance in 2024 (i.e. your building’s initial annual report would use 2024 benchmarking data and be due May 1st, 2025). Most Article 320 buildings fall under this typical pathway.
2026 Rent Regulated ≤ 35% Pathway
If your building has at least one rent-regulated unit and no more than 35% of the building’s total units are rent-regulated, you may delay compliance with Article 320 emissions limits until 2026. You’ll also be required to meet subsequent limits starting in 2030.
2035 Income Restricted Extension Pathway
Income restricted housing is exempt from compliance with Article 320 emissions limits until 2035, and then must meet subsequent limits.
This applies to:
- Mitchell-Lama rentals and cooperatives
- Buildings that have one or more units that are income restricted
Article 321 Pathway
According to NYC’s Department of Buildings, buildings that fall under Article 321 must demonstrate that, for calendar year 2024, either their emissions are below their applicable 2030 limits under Article 320 OR that a series of thirteen prescriptive energy conservation measures (PECMs) have been fully implemented by December 31st, 2024. Article 321 buildings will also be required to demonstrate compliance by filing a one-time report due May 1st, 2025.
This applies to:
- Houses of worship who use 50% or more of the gross floor area as assembly space for religious purposes
- Buildings where more than 35% of units are rent regulated
- HDFC cooperatives
- Buildings that have HUD project-based assistance
Green Future with Local Law 97
Proactively complying and engaging in sustainable projects is not only beneficial to your Local Law 97 compliance, but also an investment in the environment and your property’s well-being.
Metro Group offers comprehensive Local Law 97 energy efficient measures for your building, including:
- Efficient HVAC Systems – Installing advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Green Roof Installation – Enhancing energy efficiency while providing insulation and reducing stormwater runoff.
- Solar Photovoltaic Systems – Harnessing clean energy by installing solar panels on rooftops.
- Smart Building Technologies – Implementing intelligent systems for real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption.
- Energy Storage Solutions – Integrating energy storage systems to manage and optimize energy usage.
Work with Local Law 97 Experts
Metro Group has been the trusted source for building solutions since 1925. Our team of sustainability experts stay updated on any changes or amendments to local laws to ensure accurate and current information. We are your single-source vendor for your entire Local Law 97 journey. Contact us today to get started on your building’s customized Local Law 97 road map.
