The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) continues to advance the city’s sustainability goals with the release of critical guidelines for Local Law 97 (LL97) compliance. As of late July 2024, the Article 320 filing guide is officially available, offering essential information for building owners and managers striving to meet the stringent carbon emission limits set by LL97.

Overview of Article 320

The Article 320 filing guide serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the requirements and procedures associated with LL97. This guide is crucial for anyone involved in the operation, management, or ownership of covered buildings in New York City including buildings over 25,000 gross square feet. It outlines the specific steps and measures that must be taken to ensure compliance with the carbon emissions caps that will become increasingly stringent in the coming years. With the official release of Article 320, NYC building stakeholders, who do not qualify for the Article 321 exemption, now have a clear framework to follow, helping them to align their operations with the city’s ambitious sustainability targets.

Understanding Article 320

With the release of Article 320, building stakeholders now have a detailed guide to help them navigate the complexities of LL97 compliance. This guide should be reviewed thoroughly by a Licensed Professional Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, or other qualified agent to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to meet the emissions reduction targets. Besides for meeting the carbon cap, there is also a yearly emissions report that will be due starting May 1st, 2025.

How Latitude Can Help

Navigating the requirements of Local Law 97 (LL97), especially with the latest guidelines and the specific qualifications under Articles 320, can be complex. Understanding how your building falls under these regulatory requirements is crucial for compliance, as they outline different standards and exemptions based on building type, size, and occupancy. Each building is unique, and a compliance path that works for one may not necessarily be available or beneficial for another building of similar size, location, or occupancy type. Latitude, based in New York City, specializes in consulting building owners and property managers to understand and meet these requirements. Our team is equipped with the expertise needed to guide you through the LL97 compliance process, ensuring that your building not only meets the legal requirements but also contributes to a more sustainable future for New York City.

Whether you need assistance with understanding the broader analysis of your building’s sustainability goals, or the specific implications that LL97 has on your building and what your pathway options are, Latitude is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve compliance and position your building for success in a greener, more sustainable New York!

Posted on behalf of Latitude