What is Local Law 97?
As part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 is groundbreaking legislation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings – those over 25,000 square feet – in NYC. This law, which came into effect in 2019, is a significant step towards achieving the city’s goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Local Law 97 Deadlines
Buildings covered by Local Law 97 will be required to file a report with the Department of Buildings (DOB) by May 1, 2025 detailing their annual greenhouse gas emissions, then by May 1 of every year after.
Local Law 97 Requirements
More information on the requirements of Local Law 97 can be found on the NYC DOB’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting page.
Complying with Local Law 97 does not have to be costly. Safari Engineering offers an integrated suite of services designed to drive building performance, decrease costs, and overcome any project challenges. As the leading providers in the building energy efficiency industry, we have assisted thousands of buildings in complying with local laws in a cost-effective way.
Local Law 97 Fines
Failure to comply with Local Law 97 results in a Major (Class 2) violation, which can lead to a penalty of $268 per metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions that exceed the building’s emissions limit. Emissions are calculated based on tons of CO2 equivalent per square foot. It’s important to note that non-compliance by failing to report comes with a hefty fine and providing false reports comes with an even heftier fine and potentially jail time.
| Occupancy Group | Space Use | 2024-2029 | 2030-2034 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B – Ambulatory Health | Medical Office | 23.81 | 11.93 |
| M – Mercantile | Retail | 11.81 | 4.3 |
| A – Assembly | Assembly | 10.74 | 4.2 |
| R1 – Hotel | Hotel | 9.87 | 5.26 |
| B – Business | Office | 8.46 | 4.53 |
| E – Educational | School | 7.58 | 3.44 |
| R2 – Residential | Multifamily Housing | 6.75 | 4.07 |
| F – Factory | Factory | 5.74 | 1.67 |
| S – Storage | Storage / Warehouse | 4.26 | 1.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Building owners can conduct an energy audit to determine their emissions and identify areas where they can make improvements to reduce them.
The fines for non-compliance with Local Law 97 in New York City will begin to be issued starting in 2024. The fines will be based on a building’s carbon emissions, with larger buildings facing larger fines. The fines are designed to increase over time to encourage building owners to take steps to reduce their emissions and comply with the law.
Yes, there are exemptions for certain buildings, such as those that are entirely affordable housing, landmarked, or used for religious worship.
It is possible for NYC to become carbon neutral by 2050, but it would require significant efforts from the city government, private sector, and residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources. It’s worth noting that achieving carbon neutrality is a complex and ambitious goal, and it’s not guaranteed that it will be met in 2050, but the city and other cities in the world are taking steps to reduce emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.