Contact Lynch Energy Solutions… we can guide you on the right path towards developing a detailed compliance strategy and that will:
Studies have been completed by NYC Department of Buildings over the past decade, and the benchmarking data reveals that 20% of NYC buildings will NOT be compliant according to 2024 emissions limits, and 75% will not comply with 2030 standards.
Even if you are currently in compliance…it is advised to have a professional review your GHG emissions and trends. The recent change in commercial office hours and workplace modifications with the Coronavirus may not reflect your energy and GHG emissions accurately.
Substantial reduction of energy consumption and the resultant GHG emissions can be a complex situation. Existing buildings with original equipment/systems operating with conventional fuel sources may require more than just a simple “tune-up” or replacement.
Lynch Energy Solutions will develop a thorough LL97 Compliance Plan that will provide the guidance and solutions you need for your building.
As an essential part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 (LL97) establishes rigid limits on a building’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (which account for 70% of all emissions citywide.) The City’s long term plan for building emission reduction includes mandating emission limits in 2024, lowering those limits again in 2030 (40% emission reduction) and eventually cut total emissions 80% by 2050. Substantial fines may be imposed for building that are not in compliance at each milestone.
Reporting of your building’s metering and GHG emissions starts on January 1, 2024 and continues for the entire calendar year, so understanding your current GHG data is a crucial preliminary step in preparing for Local Law 97. Penalties established for LL97 dramatically change from the typical “one-time” violation fee to a calculated penalty amount based on your building’s performance and excess GHG amounts above the NYC limits (more information on that topic below).
LL97 includes buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. If you have been annually reporting your building energy usage data according to the NYC Benchmarking Law, LL84, you will be required to follow the LL97. The only buildings that are exempt are city-owned buildings.
Building Owners will be required to submit an emissions report for calendar year 2024 to the Department of Buildings by May 1, 2025. There will be a fine of $0.50 per sq. ft. per month If you miss the May 1 reporting deadline. The LL97 report, which is required to be certified by a registered design professional, will determine if your building is in compliance. LL97 Carbon emissions documentation is a yearly requirement, so an updated report must be submitted by May 1st for every successive year. If your building found to not be within the compliance requirements and GHG thresholds, the report must indicate the amount the GHG limit was exceeded. Note: The NYC requirements for the annual GHG Emission report are currently in development.
The LL97 GHG emission values are associated with your building’s energy usage. Building emissions are calculated by utilizing the amount and type of energy consumed by the building (Examples: kWh of electricity; kbtu of natural gas; kbtu of #2 or #4 fuel oil; or kbtu of district steam.) The building energy usage data you have entered for the NYC Benchmarking Law LL84 will provide you yearly GHG emissions value. The Greenhouse Gas Emission limits are established based on the building’s square footage and space usage (Ex: Commercial Office, Multi-family Residential, etc.)
Buildings over the pre-determined emissions limit will be subject to an annual fine (calculated by multiplying $268 by the GHG emissions value in excess of the limit and the square footage). The efficiency of building systems and age of envelope/roofing systems are a factor in emissions levels, the occupancy type can also increase emissions levels.
The cost of ensuring compliance is contingent on the status of your GHG emissions compared to the NYC limits, and what that excess GHG amounts to. Basically… the specific cost of ensuring compliance is unknown until your GHG emissions are evaluated and a preliminary Compliance Plan is established. If you are over the limit the cost range could include only small changes to operations or possible expensive major capital upgrades.
The first step is to ensure your benchmarking and GHG emissions values you will be submitting to the city are accurate and the direction these values have been tending the past few years.
If capital improvements are required, Local Law 96 details a low cost financing program called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). The PACE program allows a property owner to finance the up-front cost of energy or other eligible improvements on a property and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment. The unique characteristic of PACE assessments is that the assessment is attached to the property rather than an individual. Property owners that voluntarily choose to participate in a PACE program repay their improvement costs over a set time period—typically 10 to 20 years—through property assessments, which are secured by the property itself and paid as an addition to the owners' property tax bills.
Building occupants directly and indirectly control a significant portion of energy use, which typically recognized in plug loads (which is typically 30% of overall building energy use). An emphasis should certainly needs be placed on tenant education and behavioral change strategies.
Lynch Energy Solutions incorporates Tenant/Occupant Energy Efficiency Strategies into energy management programs and LL97 Compliance Plans.
We believe that the best solutions come from working together. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that meet their specific requirements.
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