What is Local Law 33?
Local Law 33 of NYC requires owners of buildings over 25,000 square feet to obtain Building Energy Efficiency Rating labels on an annual basis to display near public-facing entrances. These rating labels show a building’s energy efficiency scores and grades, which are based on their annual energy benchmarking data.
An energy efficiency grade is determined by assessing the property’s efficiency score, resulting in a letter grade (ranging from A to D, F, or N).
An energy efficiency score is the 1-100 ENERGY STAR® Score that a building earns using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s online benchmarking tool, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® to compare building energy performance to similar buildings in similar climates.
Local Law 33 Deadlines
The energy and water consumption of a building must be benchmarked annually by May 1 to comply with Local Law 33. The label must be printed and displayed in a clearly visible location near each public entrance no later than October 31.
Local Law 33 Requirements
The steps to Local Law 33 compliance are as follows:
- Submit benchmarking data by May 1 of every year.
- The energy efficiency grade will be made available by the NYC Department of Buildings through the Building Energy Efficiency Rating label every year on October 1.
- Print and display the label in a conspicuous location near each public entrance within 30 days after October 1 of every year. This label must be displayed until October 1 of the following year.
At Safari Engineering, we manage a diverse portfolio of properties to ensure compliance with Local Law 33. Feeling weary or uncertain about the process? We’re more than happy to take care of it for you.
Local Law 33 Fines
Failure to comply with Local Law 33 and display the Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label by the deadline will result in a DOB violation and a fine of $1,250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of properties that are listed on the Covered Buildings List for benchmarking compliance are also required to comply with Local Law 33 and post their energy efficiency rating labels.
Buildings for which required benchmarking information was not submitted on time will be assigned an “F” grade. The label with an “F” grade must still be displayed the same way as a label with any other grade – within 30 days after October 1 in a conspicuous location near each public entrance to such building until October 1 of the following year.
The label may be printed in color or in gray scale, as long as all information included in the label is clearly visible for the entire year.
Once printed, the label must:
- be displayed either externally or internally in a conspicuous location near each public entrance, so it is visible to the public
- be at a vertical height no less than four feet and no more than six feet from the ground or floor
- not be defaced, marred, camouflaged or hidden from public view
- be displayed year-round and replaced each year with the latest issued version