{"id":6182,"date":"2026-09-18T09:34:26","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T09:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/?p=6182"},"modified":"2026-09-29T09:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T09:37:16","slug":"ll87-energy-audit-process-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/ll87-energy-audit-process-results\/","title":{"rendered":"LL87 Energy Audit: What Happens During the Process and What to Do With the Results"},"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=\"LL87_Energy_Audit_What_Happens_During_the_Process_and_What_to_Do_With_the_Results\"><\/span><b>LL87 Energy Audit: What Happens During the Process and What to Do With the Results<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you own or manage a large building in New York City, you have probably heard about <\/span><b>Local <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the first step. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/nyc-local-law-87.html\"><b>Law 87 (LL87)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and its energy audit requirements. But knowing that an audit is required is only\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more important question is: <\/span><b>What actually happens during an <a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/ll87-energy-audit-and-retro-commissioning\/\">LL87 energy audit,<\/a> and what should you do after receiving the results?<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An LL87 energy audit looks closely at how a building uses energy, how its major systems operate, and where practical opportunities exist to reduce energy consumption. The process can uncover inefficient equipment, operating issues, outdated controls, and energy conservation measures that may lower operating costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under NYC Local Law 87, certain covered buildings must complete an energy audit and retro-commissioning and submit an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/blog\/what-is-an-energy-efficiency-report-eer\/\"><b>Energy Efficiency Report (EER)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) generally once every ten years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is what building owners should know about the <\/span><b>LL87 energy audit process<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from preparation through implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_LL87_Energy_Audit\"><\/span><b>What Is an LL87 Energy Audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An LL87 energy audit is a detailed review of a building&#8217;s energy use and major building systems. Its purpose is to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency without negatively affecting normal building operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The audit can examine systems such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heating and cooling equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boilers and chillers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumps and fans<\/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;\">Lighting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building envelope conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building automation systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other major energy-consuming equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC&#8217;s requirements use an audit report structure based on the applicable <\/span><b>ASHRAE Standard 211<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> commercial building energy audit requirements. The City also requires information such as building data, equipment inventories, energy use analysis, and identified energy conservation measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The audit is not simply a walkthrough. It is intended to provide building owners with useful information about where energy is being consumed and what improvements may make financial and operational sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Needs_to_Complete_an_LL87_Energy_Audit\"><\/span><b>Who Needs to Complete an LL87 Energy Audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LL87 generally applies to large buildings that meet NYC&#8217;s covered-building criteria. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buildings larger than 50,000 gross square feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain tax lots containing two or more buildings that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain condominium buildings that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NYC Department of Buildings publishes a current <\/span><b>Covered Buildings List (CBL)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that owners can use to determine whether a property is subject to the City&#8217;s sustainability requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because building status and reporting requirements can change, owners should review the current CBL rather than rely only on an older compliance record.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_During_the_LL87_Energy_Audit_Process\"><\/span><b>What Happens During the LL87 Energy Audit Process?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact scope can vary by property, but an LL87 energy audit typically follows several important stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Review_Building_Information\"><\/span><b>1. Review Building Information<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before visiting the property, the energy auditor gathers information about the building.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building size and age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occupancy information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous energy audits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utility bills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy benchmarking data<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Existing drawings and specifications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance records<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous capital improvement projects<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having accurate information available can make the audit process much smoother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, utility data can help the auditor understand how much energy the property consumes and how that consumption changes over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Conduct_a_Building_Walkthrough\"><\/span><b>2. Conduct a Building Walkthrough<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The auditor then visits the property to inspect major systems and operating conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the most important parts of the <\/span><b>LL87 energy audit process<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The auditor may review mechanical rooms, HVAC equipment, electrical systems, lighting, controls, pumps, boilers, chillers, and other relevant areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is to compare the actual condition and operation of the equipment with the information collected during the initial review.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A building may have efficient equipment on paper but still consume more energy than expected because of incorrect schedules, poor controls, equipment settings, or maintenance issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Create_an_Equipment_Inventory\"><\/span><b>3. Create an Equipment Inventory<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The audit includes documentation of major equipment and systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The auditor records information such as equipment type, capacity, age, condition, and operating characteristics where applicable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This creates a clearer picture of the building&#8217;s energy infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can also help owners identify equipment that may need replacement or upgrades in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Analyze_Energy_Consumption\"><\/span><b>4. Analyze Energy Consumption<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The auditor examines the building&#8217;s energy use to understand where energy is going.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy consumption can be analyzed by fuel type and major end uses. The analysis may identify areas where energy consumption appears unusually high compared with expected performance or building operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benchmarking information can be especially useful here.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local Law 84 benchmarking and Local Law 87 audits are closely related from a building-performance perspective. Benchmarking provides annual energy-use information, while the LL87 audit takes a deeper look at the building&#8217;s systems and potential efficiency measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Identify_Energy_Conservation_Measures\"><\/span><b>5. Identify Energy Conservation Measures<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most valuable outcomes of an LL87 audit is a list of potential <\/span><b>energy conservation measures (ECMs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These measures could include improvements such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC control upgrades<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boiler optimization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chiller improvements<\/span><\/li>\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;\">Variable frequency drives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building automation improvements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulation improvements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scheduling adjustments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensor calibration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment replacement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved maintenance practices<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every recommendation will have the same cost or return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some improvements may require very little capital. Others may involve major equipment replacement or renovation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why the results should be reviewed as a long-term building improvement plan rather than treated as a simple compliance checklist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LL87_Retro-Commissioning_Is_Also_Important\"><\/span><b>LL87 Retro-Commissioning Is Also Important<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An LL87 energy audit is only part of the compliance process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered buildings also need to complete <\/span><b>retro-commissioning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of applicable base building systems before filing the Energy Efficiency Report.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retro-commissioning focuses on how existing systems actually operate. It can involve reviewing operating schedules, controls, sensors, setpoints, sequences, and equipment performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose is to make sure building systems are operating effectively according to the building&#8217;s current needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can uncover relatively simple problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, an HVAC system may be operating outside occupied hours, a sensor may be incorrectly calibrated, or equipment controls may not be functioning as intended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fixing these issues can sometimes provide energy savings without requiring a major capital project.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Do_You_Receive_After_the_LL87_Audit\"><\/span><b>What Do You Receive After the LL87 Audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The audit produces documentation that summarizes the building&#8217;s existing conditions, energy performance, and recommended improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The LL87 compliance process also requires the owner to submit an <\/span><b>Energy Efficiency Report (EER)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> containing the required audit and retro-commissioning information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC requires the applicable reports and certification documents to be submitted through the City&#8217;s prescribed process. The audit and retro-commissioning reports must also be retained by the owner for the required period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The report should not be treated as paperwork that gets filed away and forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can become a useful roadmap for future building improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_Building_Owners_Do_With_the_Results\"><\/span><b>What Should Building Owners Do With the Results?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the audit is complete, the next step is to turn recommendations into action.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Separate_Low-Cost_and_Capital_Projects\"><\/span><b>1. Separate Low-Cost and Capital Projects<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by dividing recommendations into categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Low-cost measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may include operational changes, control adjustments, scheduling changes, or maintenance improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Capital projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may include equipment replacement, HVAC upgrades, lighting projects, or building system modernization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes it easier to prioritize the work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Review_Payback_and_Long-Term_Value\"><\/span><b>2. Review Payback and Long-Term Value<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not look only at the upfront project cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimated energy savings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance savings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment life<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating cost reductions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenant comfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available incentives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential impact on future compliance requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A project with a higher initial cost may make more sense over the long term if it significantly reduces operating expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Coordinate_LL87_With_Other_NYC_Building_Laws\"><\/span><b>3. Coordinate LL87 With Other NYC Building Laws<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is particularly important in New York City.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building owners should avoid treating LL87 as an isolated requirement. Audit recommendations may overlap with broader energy and sustainability planning, including <\/span><b>Local Law 97<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Local Law 84 benchmarking, Local Law 88 lighting requirements, and other building improvement initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, an HVAC improvement identified during an LL87 audit may also support a property&#8217;s broader emissions-reduction strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinating these projects can help owners avoid making separate decisions for each law.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Build_a_Practical_Compliance_Roadmap\"><\/span><b>4. Build a Practical Compliance Roadmap<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final step is creating a realistic implementation plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good roadmap should identify:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which measures should be completed first<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimated project costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expected energy savings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsible parties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential financing or incentives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Target completion dates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship to other NYC compliance requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This turns the LL87 audit from a regulatory obligation into a practical building-performance strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_During_an_LL87_Energy_Audit\"><\/span><b>Common Mistakes to Avoid During an LL87 Energy Audit<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several issues can make the compliance process more difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waiting_Until_the_Filing_Deadline\"><\/span><b>Waiting Until the Filing Deadline<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting the audit too late can create scheduling and documentation problems. Owners should understand their LL87 reporting year well in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treating_the_Audit_as_Only_a_Compliance_Exercise\"><\/span><b>Treating the Audit as Only a Compliance Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The audit can reveal opportunities to reduce energy costs and improve building operations. Ignoring the recommendations means missing much of its practical value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Not_Providing_Complete_Building_Information\"><\/span><b>Not Providing Complete Building Information<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing utility records, equipment information, drawings, or maintenance data can slow the process and make analysis more difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ignoring_Retro-Commissioning\"><\/span><b>Ignoring Retro-Commissioning<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy auditing and retro-commissioning address different aspects of building performance. Both are important components of LL87 compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Failing_to_Coordinate_With_Other_Projects\"><\/span><b>Failing to Coordinate With Other Projects<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a building already has plans for HVAC, lighting, controls, or major renovations, those plans should be considered when reviewing LL87 recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_LL87_Energy_Audits\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions About LL87 Energy Audits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_is_an_LL87_energy_audit_required\"><\/span><b>How often is an LL87 energy audit required?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered buildings generally need to complete the LL87 energy audit and retro-commissioning process every ten years and submit an Energy Efficiency Report in the applicable reporting year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_purpose_of_an_LL87_energy_audit\"><\/span><b>What is the purpose of an LL87 energy audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose is to evaluate building energy use and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency while maintaining normal building operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_LL87_only_require_an_energy_audit\"><\/span><b>Does LL87 only require an energy audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. LL87 also requires applicable retro-commissioning and submission of an Energy Efficiency Report to the NYC Department of Buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_after_an_LL87_audit\"><\/span><b>What happens after an LL87 audit?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building owners should review the findings, prioritize energy conservation measures, evaluate costs and savings, coordinate improvements with other NYC requirements, and create an implementation plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_an_LL87_audit_help_with_Local_Law_97_planning\"><\/span><b>Can an LL87 audit help with Local Law 97 planning?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. While LL87 and LL97 have different requirements, information from an energy audit can help owners understand building energy performance and identify efficiency improvements that may support broader emissions-reduction planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_Your_LL87_Audit_Work_for_Your_Building\"><\/span><b>Make Your LL87 Audit Work for Your Building<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>LL87 energy audit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be more than a once-in-a-decade compliance requirement. Done properly, it gives building owners a clearer understanding of how their property uses energy and where improvements may be possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important step comes after the audit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of filing the report and moving on, owners can use the findings to prioritize energy efficiency projects, improve building operations, control long-term costs, and coordinate their strategy with other NYC sustainability requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For owners and property managers, working with an experienced <\/span><b>LL87 compliance consultant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can make it easier to manage the audit, retro-commissioning, reporting, and implementation process from start to finish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cotocon Group provides <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecotocongroup.com\/nyc-local-law-87.html\"><b>NYC Local Law 87 compliance and energy consulting services<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help building owners understand their obligations, evaluate energy efficiency opportunities, and move from compliance requirements toward practical building improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before beginning an LL87 project, always confirm the current requirements, filing procedures, and Covered Buildings List published by the NYC Department of Buildings, as City rules and administrative procedures can be updated over time.<\/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] LL87 Energy Audit: What Happens During the Process and What to Do With the Results If you own or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6185,"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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