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Overview:

Local Law 84 (LL84) is a significant piece of legislation in New York City that addresses energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Enacted in 2009 as part of the city’s comprehensive sustainability program, PlaNYC, LL84 focuses on collecting and analyzing energy and water consumption data from large buildings to drive improvements in resource conservation and environmental impact reduction.

Mandatory Reporting:

LL84 mandates that owners of buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet or properties with multiple buildings on the same tax lot must report their annual energy and water usage data to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). This data includes electricity, gas, steam, and water consumption.

Benchmarking:

Building owners are required to use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online benchmarking tool, to compile and submit their energy usage data. This benchmarking process allows building owners to compare their properties’ energy performance against similar buildings in the city.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

LL84 provides valuable insights into a building’s energy and water consumption, empowering owners and operators to make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements.

Energy Savings:

By tracking energy usage and identifying areas for improvement, LL84 encourages building owners to implement energy-saving measures, reducing operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Impact:

The law contributes to New York City’s broader sustainability goals by promoting resource conservation and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

The Process:

Data Collection:

Building owners collect information on energy and water usage, typically with the help of utility bills and sub-metering systems.

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager:

Building owners input their data into the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, which calculates an ENERGY STAR score and provides benchmarking results.

Reporting:

Annually, building owners submit their benchmarking reports to the DOB, which is typically due by May 1st of each year.

Compliance:

Non-compliance with LL84 reporting requirements can result in penalties, making it essential for building owners to adhere to the law.

Summary:

Local Law 84 (LL84) is a crucial element of New York City’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in its building stock. By mandating the reporting of energy and water usage data and encouraging benchmarking, LL84 drives data-driven decision-making, energy savings, and environmental progress, contributing to the city’s broader commitment to a greener and more efficient urban environment.

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