Local law 87
Energy Audit & Retro-Commissioning
Local Law 87 is a regulation in New York City that requires certain buildings to undergo periodic energy audits and retro-commissioning. Its goal is to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings by identifying and implementing energy-saving measures. Building owners must comply with LL87 mandates, which include conducting audits, optimizing building systems, and reporting findings to the city’s Department of Buildings.Non-compliance can result in fines, making LL87 a crucial component of the city’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
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Local Law 87 Compliance Pathway:
NYC Local Law 87 of 2009 requires buildings over 50,000 square feet to submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) to the Department of Buildings. This report includes energy audit results and retro-commissioning strategies.
To comply, owners must submit their EERs to the City by December 31st of their designated year, once every ten years, following specific steps.
1. Identify compliance requirements and determine the due year for buildings.
2. Perform energy audits and retro-commission base building systems to generate an electronic Energy Efficiency Report (EER).
3. Submit the EER to the City every ten years by December 31st.
Overview:
Local Law 87 (LL87) is a vital piece of legislation in New York City aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Enacted in 2009, LL87 mandates energy audits and retro-commissioning of existing buildings to identify opportunities for energy conservation and improve overall building performance. This law plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing building sustainability, and ensuring compliance with citywide energy efficiency standards.
Key Aspects of Local Law 87:
Energy Audits:
LL87 requires owners of covered buildings to conduct energy audits to assess their energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and recommend energy-saving measures.
Retro-Commissioning:
Building systems must undergo retro-commissioning, a process that fine-tunes and optimizes existing mechanical and electrical systems to operate more efficiently.
Reporting and Documentation:
Building owners must submit energy audit reports, retro-commissioning reports, and documentation of any corrective actions taken to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
Benefits of Local Law 87:
Energy Savings:
LL87 helps building owners identify energy-saving opportunities, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Environmental Impact:
By improving energy efficiency, LL87 contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, making New York City more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Increased Property Value:
Energy-efficient buildings tend to have higher property values and are more attractive to tenants and investors.
Compliance with Regulations:
Compliance with LL87 ensures that buildings meet the city’s energy efficiency standards and avoids potential fines and penalties.
Understanding the Requirements of Local Law 87: A Practical Approach
Determine Eligibility:
Building owners must determine if their property falls under the jurisdiction of LL87, typically based on size and usage.
Conduct Energy Audit:
The energy auditor assesses the building’s energy usage, systems, and operations, identifying areas for improvement.
Retro-Commissioning:
After the energy audit, retro-commissioning is performed to optimize building systems for peak efficiency.
Report Submission:
Building owners must submit the energy audit and retro-commissioning reports, along with any corrective action plans, to the DOB.
Compliance and Follow-Up:
Building owners must address any deficiencies identified in the reports and, if necessary, implement energy-saving measures. Compliance ensures ongoing energy efficiency.
Summary:
Local Law 87 is a cornerstone of New York City’s efforts to enhance building sustainability and energy efficiency. It mandates energy audits and retro-commissioning for covered buildings, providing multiple benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, increased property values, and job creation. By complying with LL87, building owners contribute to a greener, more sustainable city while also ensuring compliance with local regulations and enjoying potential cost savings.
