Local Law 97 of 2019

New York City Council
Territorial extent| Whole of New York City
Enacted by| New York City Council
Enacted| March 2019
Status: In force

Local Law No 97 of 2019, passed as a part of the Climate Mobilization Act by the New York City Council in March 2019,[1] requires large (over 25,000 square feet in 2017) existing buildings in New York City reduce their emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. This law is unique and novel in its aim, because it targets existing buildings and requires owners to invest in renovation and retrofitting to make their buildings more energy efficient. Other similar laws have been passed worldwide, but target only new construction projects.[2] The New York Post has called the law "one of the most ambitious climate legislations for buildings enacted by any city in the world."[3]

This law reflects the city's aim to reduce overall emissions by 80% by 2050.[4] All buildings (residential and non-residential) account for 71% of New York City greenhouse gas emissions,[5] and the large existing buildings impacted by this law alone account for about 30% of citywide emissions.[1] The law also aligns with and begins to implement plans laid out by New York US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Green New Deal legislation co-sponsored by Senator Markey.[4]

The law is estimated to cost businesses about $4 billion USD, but some of those costs will likely create future energy savings. Some of the retrofits buildings can consider implementing to abide by the new law could include investing in better insulated windows, dimmable lights, more efficient air conditioners and heating systems. This law affects 50,000 of New York City's 1 million buildings.[2]

Carbon Emissions Limits for Buildings

Local Law 97 is a legislation introduced by New York City to limit carbon emissions from buildings. It is a part of the city's efforts to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Covered Buildings
* Buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger.
2. Compliance Periods
* The compliance period starts in 2024 for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
* The compliance period starts in 2025 for buildings between 25,000 and 50,000 square feet.
3. Emission Limits
* The emission limits are based on the occupancy type of the building (e.g., residential, office, retail, etc.).
* The limits are expressed in lbs CO2e/sq ft per year and differ for each occupancy type.
* The limits are set to decrease every few years, aiming for continuous emissions reduction.
4. Penalties
* Buildings that exceed the emissions limits are subject to penalties and fines.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 DiChristopher, Tom (2019-04-18). "New York City embraces pillar of AOC's Green New Deal, passing building emissions bill" (in en). https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/18/new-york-city-council-passes-bill-to-cut-building-emissions.html.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Domonoske, Camila (2019-04-23). "To Fight Climate Change, New York City Will Push Skyscrapers To Slash Emissions" (in en). https://www.npr.org/2019/04/23/716284808/new-york-city-lawmakers-pass-landmark-climate-measure.
3. ↑ Nonko, Emily (2020-01-16). "NYC buildings prepare to drastically reduce emissions to avoid penalties" (in en). https://nypost.com/2020/01/16/nyc-buildings-prepare-to-drastically-reduce-emissions-to-avoid-penalties/.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Foderaro, Lisa W.; Flegenheimer, Matt (2014-12-19). "Building Toward a Goal of Reducing Emissions in New York City by 80 Percent" (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/20/nyregion/building-toward-a-goal-of-reducing-emissions-in-new-york-city-by-80-percent.html.
5. ↑ "Climate Mobilization Act" (in en-US). https://council.nyc.gov/data/green/.

## Further reading

* Information from New York City Council website

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