New York City Climate Mobilization Act: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
The New York City Council just passed the Climate Mobilization Act, a set of highly ambitious climate change laws that will significantly impact building owners in New York City. It’s centerpiece, NYC Local Law 97, mandates buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to meet strict greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limits starting in 2024. This new law is expected to reduce cumulative emissions from large buildings at least 40% citywide by 2030 through building retrofits, and 80 percent by 2050.
This Green New Deal places environmental sustainability on the national agenda for possibly the first time. New York’s state and city governments are doing far more than talking about climate change and environmental sustainability — they are doing something about it.
New NYC Local Laws from The Climate Mobilization Act:
LOCAL LAW 97 – GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS LIMITS
Beginning in 2024, buildings over 25,000 square feet will have to meet carbon emissions limits based on the facility’s occupancy group type.
LOCAL LAW 96 – PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) VOLUNTARY FINANCE PROGRAM
PACE will help building owners finance energy efficiency projects that are required by the new legislation in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions citywide.
LOCAL LAW 94 – GREEN ROOFS ON NEW CONSTRUCTION / LARGELY RENOVATED BUILDINGS
Calls for the inclusion of a green roofing zone in new construction and for buildings undergoing certain major renovations. This roofing zone must be comprised of a photo-voltaic (PV) electricity generating system (Solar Panels) or a green roof.
LOCAL LAW 95 – ADJUSTING ENERGY LETTER GRADE RANGES
Starting in 2020, buildings over 25,000 square feet must display energy grades at public entrances. This adjusted the new grading scale to a lower standard, making it easier for buildings to achieve higher grades.
LOCAL LAW 93 – POSTING INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF GREEN ROOFS
Requires the Office of Alternative Energy to post information on its website regarding the installation of green roofs and other resources and materials regarding green roof systems.
LOCAL LAW 92 – GREEN ROOFS ON SMALLER BUILDINGS
Mandates smaller buildings to comply with new green roof standards of Local Law 95 (see above).