{"id":6140,"date":"2026-07-03T13:39:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T13:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/?p=6140"},"modified":"2026-07-10T13:43:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T13:43:06","slug":"local-law-97-emission-factors-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/local-law-97-emission-factors-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Law 97 Emission Factors Explained (Electricity vs Gas vs Steam)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Local_Law_97_Emission_Factors_Explained_Electricity_vs_Gas_vs_Steam\"><\/span><b>Local Law 97 Emission Factors Explained (Electricity vs Gas vs Steam)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><b>Introduction<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many New York City building owners, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/nyc-local-law-97.html\"><b>Local Law 97 (LL97)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shifted the conversation from energy consumption to carbon emissions. Two buildings may use the same amount of energy, yet one could produce significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than the other. The difference often comes down to <\/span><b>emission factors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding <\/span><b>Local Law 97 emission factors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential because they determine how your building&#8217;s electricity, natural gas, and district steam usage translates into carbon emissions. These values directly affect whether your property stays below its assigned emissions limit or faces financial penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you manage a commercial office, multifamily property, healthcare facility, university building, or mixed-use development, knowing how emission factors work can help you make smarter operational and capital investment decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide explains the differences between electricity, natural gas, and steam emission factors, how they influence LL97 compliance, and what building owners can do to reduce carbon emissions while preparing for future compliance periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Local_Law_97_Emission_Factors\"><\/span><b>What Are Local Law 97 Emission Factors?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An emission factor is a standardized value used to convert energy consumption into greenhouse gas emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under <\/span><b>Local Law 97<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, every fuel source has a different carbon intensity. Instead of measuring only how much energy a building consumes, the law measures the total greenhouse gas emissions produced from that energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The calculation is straightforward:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Building Energy Consumption \u00d7 Emission Factor = Annual Carbon Emissions<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, consuming 100,000 kWh of electricity does not automatically indicate whether a building is compliant. The electricity usage must first be multiplied by the applicable electricity emission factor established under Local Law 97.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This approach creates a more accurate representation of a building&#8217;s environmental impact rather than focusing only on energy efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Emission_Factors_Matter_for_LL97_Compliance\"><\/span><b>Why Emission Factors Matter for LL97 Compliance<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many property owners assume lowering utility bills automatically improves compliance. While energy efficiency is important, <\/span><b>carbon intensity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is equally important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different energy sources produce different amounts of greenhouse gases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity has one emission factor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural gas has another.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">District steam uses a completely different calculation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel oil has its own carbon value.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of these differences, replacing one fuel source with another can significantly change a building&#8217;s annual emissions\u2014even if overall energy use remains similar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why Local Law 97 encourages building electrification, cleaner heating systems, and investments in renewable electricity over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Electricity_Emission_Factors\"><\/span><b>Understanding Electricity Emission Factors<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity is unique because buildings do not directly produce emissions when using it. Instead, emissions occur where electricity is generated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The electricity emission factor reflects the average greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing power supplied to New York City&#8217;s electrical grid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As New York increases renewable energy generation through solar, offshore wind, hydroelectric power, and other clean energy sources, the carbon intensity of electricity is expected to decrease over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means buildings that transition from fossil fuel systems to efficient electric equipment may benefit from lower emissions in future compliance periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of electric systems include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat pumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric domestic hot water systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric cooking equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric boilers in certain applications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, electrification alone does not guarantee compliance. Building efficiency still plays an important role because excessive electricity consumption can still result in higher emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Natural_Gas_Emission_Factors_Work\"><\/span><b>How Natural Gas Emission Factors Work<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural gas remains one of the most common heating fuels in New York City buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike electricity, burning natural gas creates direct on-site greenhouse gas emissions. Every therm of gas consumed contributes directly to a building&#8217;s annual carbon footprint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural gas emission factors account for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbon dioxide released during combustion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greenhouse gas intensity of the fuel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standardized emissions calculations required by Local Law 97<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buildings that rely heavily on gas-fired boilers, water heaters, or heating systems often face greater compliance challenges, particularly as future LL97 emissions limits become more stringent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While high-efficiency gas equipment can reduce fuel consumption, it cannot eliminate combustion-related emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"District_Steam_Emission_Factors_Explained\"><\/span><b>District Steam Emission Factors Explained<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many large commercial buildings in Manhattan use district steam for heating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">District steam is generated at centralized facilities before being distributed through underground piping to connected buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although building owners do not burn fuel on-site, emissions are still associated with producing the steam. Therefore, Local Law 97 assigns an emission factor to steam consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steam emission factors consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel used to generate steam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Production efficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distribution losses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greenhouse gas emissions from centralized generation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buildings using district steam often have different compliance strategies compared to buildings using gas-fired boilers because they have less direct control over steam production.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, improving building efficiency still lowers steam consumption and associated emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electricity_vs_Gas_vs_Steam_Which_Produces_Lower_Emissions\"><\/span><b>Electricity vs Gas vs Steam: Which Produces Lower Emissions?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no universal answer because emissions depend on several variables, including building operations, equipment efficiency, occupancy, and future grid improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Energy Source<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Emission Characteristics<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Compliance Considerations<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indirect emissions from the power grid<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expected to become cleaner as renewable energy increases<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural Gas<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct combustion emissions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May become more difficult to maintain under future LL97 limits<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">District Steam<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centralized production emissions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Efficiency improvements can reduce overall emissions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many buildings, the long-term trend favors <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/gas-vs-electric-buildings-nyc\/\">cleaner electricity<\/a> as New York expands renewable energy generation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, every property requires its own engineering analysis before making major equipment upgrades.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Emission_Factors_Affect_Building_Planning\"><\/span><b>How Emission Factors Affect Building Planning<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emission factors influence much more than annual reporting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They affect decisions involving:<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HVAC_modernization\"><\/span><b>HVAC modernization<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing aging heating equipment with high-efficiency electric systems may lower future emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Capital_improvement_planning\"><\/span><b>Capital improvement planning<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building owners often prioritize projects based on expected carbon reductions instead of only energy savings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financial_forecasting\"><\/span><b>Financial forecasting<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower emissions may reduce future Local Law 97 penalties while improving long-term operating costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sustainability_reporting\"><\/span><b>Sustainability reporting<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accurate emissions calculations support ESG reporting, investor requirements, and corporate sustainability goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_Building_Owners_Make\"><\/span><b>Common Mistakes Building Owners Make<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many owners misunderstand how emission factors work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common mistakes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assuming_all_energy_sources_have_equal_environmental_impact\"><\/span><b>Assuming all energy sources have equal environmental impact<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One unit of electricity does not produce the same emissions as one unit of natural gas or steam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focusing_only_on_utility_costs\"><\/span><b>Focusing only on utility costs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower utility bills do not always translate into lower greenhouse gas emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waiting_until_compliance_deadlines\"><\/span><b>Waiting until compliance deadlines<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major equipment replacements require planning, budgeting, permitting, and installation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ignoring_future_compliance_periods\"><\/span><b>Ignoring future compliance periods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emission limits become stricter after the initial compliance period, making long-term planning increasingly important.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Using_outdated_assumptions\"><\/span><b>Using outdated assumptions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local Law 97 guidance continues to evolve, and buildings should rely on current regulations and professional analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategies_to_Reduce_Local_Law_97_Emissions\"><\/span><b>Strategies to Reduce Local Law 97 Emissions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing emissions usually requires a combination of operational improvements and capital upgrades.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effective strategies include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_building_efficiency\"><\/span><b>Improve building efficiency<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce unnecessary energy consumption through:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighting upgrades<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occupancy controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building automation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC optimization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventive maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electrify_where_practical\"><\/span><b>Electrify where practical<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing fossil fuel equipment with efficient electric alternatives may improve future carbon performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Optimize_heating_systems\"><\/span><b>Optimize heating systems<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boiler tuning, temperature resets, and improved controls can reduce fuel consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Upgrade_building_envelope\"><\/span><b>Upgrade building envelope<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better insulation, windows, and air sealing reduce heating and cooling demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monitor_energy_continuously\"><\/span><b>Monitor energy continuously<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing energy monitoring helps identify operational issues before they increase annual emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Professional_Carbon_Analysis_Matters\"><\/span><b>Why Professional Carbon Analysis Matters<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every building has unique operating characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A property using large amounts of electricity may still perform better than a gas-heated building depending on equipment efficiency, occupancy patterns, and overall energy use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional Local Law 97 consultants evaluate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utility consumption<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel mix<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbon emissions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Future compliance risks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital improvement opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial impacts of potential penalties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This analysis helps owners prioritize projects that deliver the greatest carbon reductions with the strongest return on investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_Local_Law_97_emission_factors\"><\/span><b>What are Local Law 97 emission factors?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are standardized values used to convert electricity, natural gas, steam, and other fuel consumption into annual greenhouse gas emissions for compliance calculations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_electricity_always_produce_fewer_emissions_than_natural_gas\"><\/span><b>Does electricity always produce fewer emissions than natural gas?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not necessarily. Electricity generally becomes cleaner as the power grid incorporates more renewable energy, but actual emissions depend on consumption levels and the applicable emission factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_district_steam_have_an_emission_factor\"><\/span><b>Why does district steam have an emission factor?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although buildings do not generate steam themselves, emissions occur during centralized steam production, so Local Law 97 assigns a carbon value to steam consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_switching_from_gas_to_electricity_improve_LL97_compliance\"><\/span><b>Can switching from gas to electricity improve LL97 compliance?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, electrification can reduce future emissions, especially as New York&#8217;s electric grid becomes less carbon intensive. However, each building should undergo a detailed engineering and financial analysis before making major changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_building_owners_prepare_for_future_Local_Law_97_limits\"><\/span><b>How can building owners prepare for future Local Law 97 limits?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building owners should evaluate current emissions, identify high-impact energy conservation measures, develop long-term capital improvement plans, and regularly monitor building performance to remain compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Local Law 97 emission factors is one of the most important steps toward successful compliance. Electricity,<a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/how-building-retrofits-can-help-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-nyc\/\"> natural gas<\/a>, and district steam each carry different carbon intensities, meaning the type of energy your building uses can significantly influence annual greenhouse gas emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than focusing solely on reducing utility bills, property owners should evaluate how each energy source contributes to their overall carbon footprint. Strategic investments in energy efficiency, electrification, operational improvements, and long-term capital planning can help buildings meet current requirements while preparing for stricter future emissions limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As Local Law 97 continues to shape New York City&#8217;s path toward decarbonization, informed decision-making backed by accurate emissions analysis will remain essential for reducing compliance risks and protecting long-term building value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Local Law 97 Emission Factors Explained (Electricity vs Gas vs Steam) Introduction For many New York City building owners, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6141,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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