{"id":6164,"date":"2026-08-31T13:48:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/?p=6164"},"modified":"2026-09-01T13:52:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T13:52:37","slug":"nyc-energy-grade-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/nyc-energy-grade-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Your NYC Energy Grade Is Coming in October \u2014 Here\u2019s What It Means and What to Do"},"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=\"Your_NYC_Energy_Grade_Is_Coming_in_October_%E2%80%94_Heres_What_It_Means_and_What_to_Do\"><\/span><b>Your NYC Energy Grade Is Coming in October \u2014 Here\u2019s What It Means and What to Do<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York City building owners have another important date to keep on the calendar: <\/span><b>October 1, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That is when the city\u2019s annual Building Energy Efficiency Rating labels become available for buildings covered by the NYC energy grading requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you own or manage a commercial, multifamily, or other covered building, the letter on that label can tell you more than whether your property is performing well. It can also highlight opportunities to reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and prepare for other NYC energy regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under <\/span><b>Local Law 33<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as amended by Local Law 95, covered buildings receive an energy efficiency score and letter grade based on their ENERGY STAR performance. The 2026 label must be posted in a conspicuous location near each public entrance between October 1 and October 31.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what does your NYC energy grade actually mean? And what should you do if your building receives a C, D, or even an F?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_NYC_Energy_Grade\"><\/span><b>What Is the NYC Energy Grade?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NYC energy grade is a public rating of a building\u2019s energy performance. It is based on the building\u2019s ENERGY STAR score, which compares its energy performance with similar buildings using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/portfoliomanager.energystar.gov\/pm\/login.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grading system is straightforward:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ENERGY STAR score of 85 or higher<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>B:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Score of 70 to 84<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>C:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Score of 55 to 69<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>D:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Score below 55<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>F:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Required benchmarking information was not submitted<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>N:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The building is exempt from benchmarking or is not eligible for an ENERGY STAR score<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grade is not simply a measure of how much energy your building uses. It reflects how the building performs compared with similar properties after considering the factors used by the ENERGY STAR system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That distinction matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A large building may naturally use more total energy than a smaller property. What matters for the ENERGY STAR score is how efficiently the building performs relative to comparable buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_October_2026_Matters_for_Building_Owners\"><\/span><b>Why October 2026 Matters for Building Owners<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The October deadline is not a new requirement. NYC has required covered buildings to display energy efficiency grades for several years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is important is that the <\/span><b>2026 label reflects your building\u2019s reported performance for the applicable benchmarking year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For 2026, covered buildings were required to benchmark their 2025 energy and water consumption by May 1, 2026. The resulting energy efficiency grade is then made available through the city&#8217;s process for annual disclosure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The label must be displayed no later than <\/span><b>October 31, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and it needs to remain visible until the next annual label is issued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes October more than a posting deadline. It is a useful annual checkpoint for reviewing your building\u2019s energy performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_an_A_B_C_or_D_Grade_Mean\"><\/span><b>What Does an A, B, C, or D Grade Mean?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>A grade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> generally indicates strong energy performance. However, it does not mean the building has no opportunities for improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>B grade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also a solid result, but owners should still review energy use trends. A building can lose performance over time because of aging equipment, changes in occupancy, operating schedules, or maintenance issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>C grade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deserves closer attention. It suggests that there may be meaningful opportunities to improve energy efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>D grade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be treated as a warning sign. It means the building&#8217;s ENERGY STAR score is below 55 and may indicate significant energy efficiency opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>F grade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is different. It is assigned when required benchmarking information was not submitted. It is therefore primarily a compliance problem rather than a direct measurement of poor energy performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For building owners, the key takeaway is simple: <\/span><b>do not look at the letter grade in isolation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Review the underlying energy data and identify why your property received that score.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_Low_Energy_Grade_Mean_You_Are_Violating_LL97\"><\/span><b>Does a Low Energy Grade Mean You Are Violating LL97?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the most important points for NYC property owners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Local Law 33 energy grade and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/nyc-local-law-97.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local Law 97 greenhouse gas emissions compliance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are related to building performance, but they are not the same requirement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LL33 focuses on the building&#8217;s energy efficiency score and public energy grade. LL97 focuses on greenhouse gas emissions limits for covered buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A building could have a relatively good <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/buildings\/benchmark\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ENERGY STAR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> score and still need to evaluate its LL97 exposure. Likewise, receiving a lower LL33 grade does not automatically mean that the building is over its LL97 emissions limit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, poor energy performance can be an important signal that your building should be reviewed more closely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy waste can increase operating costs and, depending on the building&#8217;s energy sources and systems, contribute to higher emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why an energy grade should be viewed as part of a broader <\/span><b>NYC building energy management strategy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_You_Do_Before_October\"><\/span><b>What Should You Do Before October?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are responsible for a covered NYC property, do not wait until the label appears to start reviewing your building.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Confirm_Your_Benchmarking_Information\"><\/span><b>1. Confirm Your Benchmarking Information<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by confirming that your building&#8217;s required benchmarking report was submitted correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benchmarking is the foundation of the NYC energy grading process. Errors in utility data, property information, floor area, occupancy, or other inputs can affect the quality of the reported information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you manage multiple properties, review each building separately. A portfolio-level review can also help identify properties that are performing significantly below their peers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Review_Your_Previous_Energy_Grade\"><\/span><b>2. Review Your Previous Energy Grade<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look at your building&#8217;s previous grade and compare it with the upcoming result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did the score improve or decline?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has energy consumption increased?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did occupancy change?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Were HVAC systems replaced or modified?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have operating schedules changed?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did utility costs rise?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Were recommended energy improvements completed?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A year-to-year comparison can reveal trends that a single letter grade cannot.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Investigate_the_Biggest_Sources_of_Energy_Use\"><\/span><b>3. Investigate the Biggest Sources of Energy Use<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most buildings, HVAC systems, heating, cooling, lighting, domestic hot water, and other mechanical systems can represent major areas of energy consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/energy-audit.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">energy audit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can provide a more detailed picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A professional energy audit examines how a building consumes energy and identifies practical measures that can reduce consumption and operating costs. The Cotocon Group&#8217;s energy audit services, for example, evaluate building systems and identify energy-saving opportunities while considering occupant comfort and building operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal should not be to replace everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, focus on measures that offer a reasonable combination of energy savings, cost savings, operational reliability, and return on investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Look_at_Building_Controls_and_Operations\"><\/span><b>4. Look at Building Controls and Operations<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy efficiency does not always require expensive equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes the problem is how existing systems are operated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorrect temperature settings, unnecessary operating hours, poor scheduling, simultaneous heating and cooling, poorly calibrated controls, and maintenance problems can all increase energy use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/retro-commissioning-nyc.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">retro-commissioning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be valuable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retro-commissioning examines existing building systems and operating practices to identify low-cost or operational improvements. It can help owners improve HVAC performance, controls, sequencing, maintenance, and overall building efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many older NYC properties, these improvements can be a practical first step before investing in major capital projects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Connect_the_Grade_to_Your_LL97_Strategy\"><\/span><b>5. Connect the Grade to Your LL97 Strategy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your October energy grade should not be reviewed separately from your long-term carbon reduction plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC&#8217;s building regulations are becoming increasingly important for owners of larger properties. Local Law 97 emissions limits are already in effect, with stricter requirements approaching for the 2030\u20132034 period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means building owners should understand not only how much energy their property uses today, but also how current operations could affect future compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy audits, retro-commissioning, electrification, HVAC improvements, lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements, and other energy conservation measures may all have a role depending on the property.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_If_Your_Building_Gets_a_D_or_F\"><\/span><b>What If Your Building Gets a D or F?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not panic, but do not ignore it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you receive a <\/span><b>D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, begin with the data. Identify the systems and operating conditions that are driving energy use. A professional energy assessment can help prioritize improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you receive an <\/span><b>F<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, first determine whether the required benchmarking information was submitted properly and on time. NYC states that an F grade is assigned when required benchmarking information was not submitted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also remember that posting the energy label is itself a legal requirement. Failure to display the required label can result in a <\/span><b>$1,250 DOB violation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The label must be placed near each public entrance, where it is clearly visible. NYC guidance states that it should be displayed at a height of no less than four feet and no more than six feet from the floor and should not be hidden or obscured.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_Building_Owners_Improve_Their_Energy_Grade\"><\/span><b>How Can Building Owners Improve Their Energy Grade?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single upgrade that will improve every building&#8217;s score.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right strategy depends on the property&#8217;s age, size, use, equipment, occupancy, operating schedule, and existing energy profile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common areas to investigate include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC system efficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boiler and heating system performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building controls and scheduling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LED lighting and lighting controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulation and building envelope performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air leakage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic hot water systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenant energy use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renewable energy opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrification opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most effective approach is usually to prioritize improvements based on actual building data rather than making upgrades simply because they are popular.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, an older building may benefit significantly from controls optimization before replacing major equipment. Another property may need a larger HVAC or electrification project to address long-term carbon and energy goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_an_Energy_Consultant_Can_Help\"><\/span><b>Why an Energy Consultant Can Help<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC&#8217;s energy regulations can be difficult to manage when benchmarking, energy grades, audits, retro-commissioning, and emissions requirements are handled separately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experienced energy consultant can connect these pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cotocon Group provides <\/span><b>NYC building energy benchmarking, <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/energy-audit.html\">energy audits<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/local-law-compliance-hub.html\">Local Law compliance<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/retro-commissioning-nyc.html\">retro-commissioning<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/decarbonization-services.html\">decarbonization services<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for building owners and property managers. Its approach is designed to turn building performance data into practical actions rather than treating compliance as a once-a-year filing exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a low energy grade can become the starting point for an energy audit. The audit can identify energy conservation measures. Those measures can then be evaluated against operating costs, potential savings, carbon reduction goals, and other NYC requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That creates a more useful strategy than simply posting the grade and moving on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 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><\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_will_the_2026_NYC_energy_grade_be_available\"><\/span><b>When will the 2026 NYC energy grade be available?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2026 Building Energy Efficiency Rating label will be available beginning <\/span><b>October 1, 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Covered building owners must display it no later than October 31, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_good_NYC_energy_grade\"><\/span><b>What is a good NYC energy grade?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An A or B generally indicates stronger ENERGY STAR performance. An A requires a score of at least 85, while a B requires a score from 70 to 84.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_D_energy_grade_mean_in_NYC\"><\/span><b>What does a D energy grade mean in NYC?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A D means the building has an ENERGY STAR score below 55. It is a sign that the property should be reviewed for energy efficiency opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_an_F_energy_grade_mean\"><\/span><b>What does an F energy grade mean?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An F means required benchmarking information was not submitted. It should be treated as a compliance issue and investigated promptly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_NYC_energy_grade_the_same_as_Local_Law_97_compliance\"><\/span><b>Is the NYC energy grade the same as Local Law 97 compliance?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. LL33 energy grades are based on ENERGY STAR performance, while LL97 focuses on greenhouse gas emissions limits. The two requirements should be evaluated separately but managed as part of an overall building energy strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your NYC energy grade is more than a label on a wall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is an annual snapshot of how your building performs and a useful opportunity to identify energy waste, reduce operating costs, improve comfort, and prepare for increasingly demanding building energy requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As October 2026 approaches, building owners should confirm their benchmarking information, prepare to display the new label, review changes in their energy score, and investigate opportunities for improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your building receives a C or D, use the result as a starting point rather than a final judgment. If it receives an F, address the underlying benchmarking issue immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most importantly, connect your energy grade with a broader plan for energy efficiency and carbon reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buildings that treat annual energy reporting as a source of actionable information, rather than just another compliance task, will be better positioned for the changing NYC regulatory environment.<\/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] Your NYC Energy Grade Is Coming in October \u2014 Here\u2019s What It Means and What to Do New York [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"left-sidebar","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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