{"id":5932,"date":"2026-03-06T10:33:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/?p=5932"},"modified":"2026-03-17T07:16:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T07:16:43","slug":"calculate-carbon-limit-local-law-97","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/calculate-carbon-limit-local-law-97\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Calculate Your Building\u2019s Carbon Limit Under Local Law 97"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How to Calculate Your Building\u2019s Carbon Limit Under Local Law 97<\/b><\/h2>\n

New York City\u2019s Local Law 97 (LL97) is one of the most ambitious climate laws in the United States. It was created as part of the Climate Mobilization Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which account for nearly 70 percent of New York City\u2019s total emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n

For building owners and property managers, understanding how to calculate a building\u2019s carbon limit under Local Law 97 is essential for avoiding penalties and planning long-term energy improvements. The law applies primarily to buildings larger than 25,000 square feet and establishes strict carbon emission limits that become progressively tighter over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you own or manage a building in New York City, calculating your building\u2019s carbon limit is the first step toward compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Local Law 97 Carbon Limits<\/b><\/h3>\n

Local Law 97 sets annual carbon emission limits for covered buildings. These limits are based on two main factors:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The building\u2019s occupancy group<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The building\u2019s gross floor area<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Each occupancy category\u2014such as residential, office, hotel, or retail\u2014has a specific emissions intensity limit measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per square foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To determine the allowed emissions for your property, you multiply the emissions limit for your building type by the total floor area of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This calculation determines the maximum carbon emissions your building can produce in a given year without facing penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The limits are stricter in future compliance periods, which means buildings that meet today\u2019s requirements may still need upgrades in the coming years.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 1: Determine if Your Building Is Covered<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Before calculating carbon limits, building owners must confirm whether their property is subject to Local Law 97 compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The law generally applies to:<\/b><\/p>\n