In the bustling urban landscape of New York City, energy efficiency is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. With rising energy costs and a growing emphasis on sustainability, achieving higher Energy Star scores for your building can bring both economic and environmental benefits. Here’s how you can enhance your building’s energy efficiency benchmarks.
Understanding the Energy Star Program
Local Law 33 of 2018 amended the Administrative Code of the City of New York regarding energy efficiency scores and grades for buildings required to benchmark their energy and water consumption. Buildings are rated on a scale of 1 to 100, with scores above 75 often qualifying for Energy Star certification. Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria used to evaluate your building, including energy consumption, operating characteristics and occupancy.
Energy Efficiency Recommendations
Latitude Compliance recommends the following actions to improve your building’s Energy Star benchmarks and ratings:
- Conduct an Energy Audit: Before making improvements, it’s essential to know where your building stands. Hire Latitude Compliance to conduct an energy audit. This process will identify areas of inefficiency, such as outdated HVAC systems, inadequate insulation or inefficient lighting.
- Upgrade Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems, which can significantly lower energy consumption. Look for models that are Energy Star certified, as these systems meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Regular maintenance of existing systems is also crucial to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
- Improve Insulation and Sealing: Effective insulation and sealing can drastically reduce energy waste. Check for drafts and areas where conditioned air may escape, such as windows, doors and utility penetrations. Upgrading insulation in walls, attics and basements can lead to substantial energy savings.
- Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Transitioning to energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs can provide the same brightness while consuming less electricity. Consider installing smart lighting systems that adjust based on natural light availability and occupancy, further enhancing energy savings.
- Implement Smart Technology: Smart thermostats, occupancy sensors and automated control systems can optimize energy usage based on real-time data. This not only improves comfort but also significantly enhances energy efficiency, which will positively impact your Energy Star score.
- Encourage Sustainable Practices Among Tenants: Educating your tenants about energy-saving practices can complement your building’s improvements. Encourage them to use energy-efficient appliances, reduce water usage and be mindful of their overall energy consumption. Consider implementing programs that reward tenants for participating in energy-saving initiatives.
Regularly Monitor and Report Energy Usage
Once you’ve implemented improvements, it’s critical to continuously monitor your energy usage. Use Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar software to track performance over time. Regular reporting will help you identify any declines in efficiency and allow for timely corrective action, ensuring you maintain or improve your Energy Star score.
NYC LL97 Compliance Experts
Raising your NYC building’s Energy Star Energy Efficiency Benchmark Scores is not just about meeting regulations; it’s about promoting a sustainable future and ensuring cost savings for your tenants. Partner with Latitude Compliance for help reaching and maintaining compliance. We are NYC’s LL97 compliance experts.
Posted on behalf of Latitude Compliance