Local Law 97 (LL97), also known as the Climate Mobilization Act, is part of New York City’s comprehensive effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The law mandates strict emissions limits for buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, aiming to significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 2050.

But what buildings fall under NYC Local Law 97? Latitude Compliance dives into the details.

LL97 Covered Buildings

Local Law 97 applies to buildings in New York City that are 25,000 square feet or larger, including residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings. This encompasses a wide range of structures, from apartment complexes to office towers and everything in between. The law sets emissions caps based on building type and occupancy, aiming to drive significant carbon emissions reductions over the coming decades.

“The square footage of a building, as it appears in the records of the Department of Finance, determines whether a building may be subject to Local Law 97 (LL97).

LL97 covers:

  • A building that exceeds 25,000 gross square feet;
  • Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet;
  • Two or more condominium buildings governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 50,000 square feet.

Tax lots are identified by a unique number known as a borough-block-and-lot (BBL). There may be multiple buildings on a BBL. A Building Identification Number (BIN) is a unique identifier for each NYC building. LL97 compliance is required for each BIN on a BBL where the buildings together or separately meet the square foot threshold described above.”

The law’s emissions caps are based on annual carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per square foot, with different limits for different building classifications. For example, residential buildings have a different emissions limit than commercial buildings and certain exemptions and adjustments apply based on factors such as building occupancy and energy sources.

Other guidelines apply, so check with Latitude Compliance about your particular buildings.

LL97 Compliance

To comply with Local Law 97, building owners and managers must take proactive steps to assess and reduce their carbon footprint. This may involve improving energy efficiency, upgrading heating and cooling systems and implementing renewable energy sources. Additionally, building owners must submit annual emissions reports to the city, demonstrating compliance with the law’s requirements.

It’s important to note that Local Law 97 represents a significant shift in how buildings are regulated in New York City, strongly emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the law continues to be phased in and its requirements take full effect, building owners and managers will need to be proactive in addressing their emissions and ensuring compliance with the law.

Get Help from the NYC Local Law 97 Compliance Experts

Local Law 97 applies to a wide range of New York City buildings, aiming to drive significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Latitude Compliance specialists can help building owners and managers familiarize themselves with the law’s requirements and take proactive steps to ensure compliance, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban landscape.

Posted on behalf of Latitude Compliance