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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.

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