NYC LL87 – Energy Audit and Retro-commissioning

Process & Benefits of Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning

Energy audits are excellent ways to enhance energy efficiency and drive better savings. 

Unfortunately, a study shows that only 9% of its respondents performed these audits, which is a reason for concern.

The authorities in NYC passed Local Law 87 in 2009, mandating that certain buildings perform these audits and use retro-commissioning to enhance energy savings.

But what is this piece of legislation all about, and what should you know about it? If you are having the same question, then read this blog to the end to find your answer!

What is Local Law 87 in New York City?

Local Law 87, also known as the NYC LL87, has been in effect since 2009. The law mandates retro-commissioning and energy audits for buildings over 50,000 square feet in NYC. Building owners must conduct these audits regularly and submit the report to the Department of Buildings (DOB). Some of the most important elements of this law include:

• Retro-Commissioning: This requires building owners to optimize the energy efficiency of all the existing systems within the premises. This will enhance the building’s total energy efficiency and minimize any wastage whatsoever. 
• Energy Audits: The next important element of Local Law 87 is the energy audit for NYC buildings. These audits help identify areas for better energy saving, including heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems. 
• Energy Efficiency Reports: The energy efficiency report is the final and another very important element of Local Law 87. This report will include every result of the audit and retro-commissioning evaluation. You must then submit this report to the Department of Buildings (DOB) by the given deadline.
  

What are the Steps Involved in the Energy Audit Process?

While conducting energy audits might seem like a challenge, following the right steps can make things quite easy. So, here are the most important steps you must follow to complete an energy audit properly:

Step 1: Find and Hire a Competent Energy Auditor       

The first step is finding a qualified energy auditor for the job. Make sure to verify whether the auditor has the necessary certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), or another approved organization. The auditor will evaluate different aspects of the building, including its envelope, energy use patterns, lighting systems, HVAC systems, and other energy-consuming systems. 

Step 2: Conducting Site Visits

Now that you have a competent auditor for the job, it is time for the site visit. The auditor will go to the building to assess its energy systems, their condition, and performance. They might even check the relevant utility bills, perform diagnostic tests, and interview the building’s management. This will help them better understand the building’s total energy consumption.

Step 3: Data Compilation and Performance Analysis

The third step of the energy audit process requires the auditor to compile all the data they have collected. They will then conduct a performance analysis to determine areas for saving energy. This comprehensive analysis covers benchmarking the building’s energy use and compares it with the data from other buildings. This will help them identify potential areas for improvement and conserve energy. 

Step 4: Report Preparation    

This is the final step of the energy audit process, where the auditor prepares a proper report. This report summarizes all the audit’s findings along with corrective measures. It will also include several technical elements, such as cost-benefit analysis, implementation recommendations, and calculations for energy savings. 

Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning Help in:-

There are many apparent reasons to use energy audits and retro-commissioning to your advantage. Some of the most important of these reasons include the following:  

1 Reducing Energy Expenses 

The most immediate and apparent benefit is reduced energy expenditure. Problems as small as air leaks that usually go unnoticed but continue to burn pockets to dangerous health risks instigated by carbon monoxide emissions released by faulty equipment are corrected.

2. Increasing Property Value 

Incorporating expert recommendations ultimately makes the building more efficient, which increases the property’s worth. Planting solar panels and LEDs and performing weatherization not only make the building greener and more efficient but also hotter on the market.

3. Showing Environmental Concern 

Businesses, buildings, and all entities must now show some amount of environmental concern, not only from a brand-building point of view—although that’s non-negotiable—but also to genuinely address the rocketing carbon levels.

4. Increasing Employee Comfort 

Checking faulty insulation, air sealing, lighting, air quality levels, etc., also helps increase employee comfort and health, which most definitely boosts their productivity. So, not only is your building doing more business, but it’s also helping employees facilitate it.

Concluding Thoughts 

Complying with the relevant conditions and regulations of Local Law 87 is not just beneficial but essential. As the effects of climate change become more dangerous, it is important to do what little we can.

This is where LL87 NYC stands out as an excellent tool to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener tomorrow. So, make sure you are mindful of this information and use it to your advantage.