What is Local Law 97? 

In April 2019, New York City passed the 'NYC Climate Mobilization Act.' As part of this legislation, Local Law 97 requires some buildings over 25,000 GSF to meet carbon emission caps by 2024 or pay steep fines. LL97 fines, which can exceed $1,000,000 per year for the worse polluters, will push approximately 30,000 buildings in NYC to make upgrades. Carbon emission caps will be revised in 2030 and again in 2034 till 2050. Owners should be proactive in establishing a plan for compliance. 

How can we help you? 

Paul A. Castrucci, Architects' team of experienced architects and energy consultants can help decision-makers identify and implement LL 97 compliance strategies. We designed a five-phase approach to create a streamlined method for LL 97 compliance and energy cost savings.

By creating a strategic masterplan to address LL 97, building owners and property managers can avoid potential fines while also significantly reducing energy bills and increasing occupant comfort and health. 

To discuss how LL 97 impacts your property, please reach out to Paul or Grayson at [email protected] or 212-254-7060 or read our FAQ below.

1) What is LL 97?

New York City's Local Law 97 (LL 97) requires buildings over 25,000 SF to meet carbon emission caps by 2024 or pay a steep fine. Carbon emission cap allowances will be lowered again in 2030. 

2) What buildings are covered?

LL 97 covers: (a) buildings that exceed 25,000 gross square feet (GSF); (b) two or more buildings on the same tax lots that together exceed 50,000 GSF; (c) two or more buildings held in the condominium form of ownership that are governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 50,000 GSF. 

LL 97 excludes some buildings with income-restricted dwellings till 2034. Buildings with one or more rent-regulated/stabilized units require specific prescriptive conservation measures for 2024 but will likely be needed to meet 2030 emission limits. For more information, please contact Paul or Grayson at [email protected] or 212-254-7060.

3) When do I need to comply?

Covered buildings to comply with building emission limits on and after January 1st, 2024. By May 1st, 2025, and by May 1st of every year after that, the owner of a covered building must file a report with the department.

4) How will I demonstrate compliance?

A registered design professional, hired by the building owner, will submit a report showing compliance to LL 97 May 1st of each year.

5) What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Owners of a covered building will face a civil penalty for not meeting building emission thresholds. This penalty will be no more than $268 multiplied by the ton of CO2 over the building emission limit. Failure to file a report will result in a civil penalty in the amount not more than the gross floor area multiplied by $0.50 for each month not reported.

6) How do I Start the Compliance Process?

We recommend that building owners and property managers take a pro-active approach to LL 97 compliance. Buildings being brought into compliance at the deadline will face cost escalations due to competition for design services and labor. They will miss out on several years' worth of energy reduction savings. We recommend a 5-phase process for compliance (see image above).

7) Why Work with PCA for LL 97 Compliance?

As both architects and energy modelers/consultants, Paul A. Castrucci, Architects (PCA) offers unique expertise to assist decision-makers in identifying and implement LL 97 compliance strategies. By combining our 30+ years of architectural experience and energy efficiency and modeling expertise, we can deliver inventive, streamlined solutions tailored to a specific building's energy profile and economic needs. PCA's architectural team can provide in-depth insight into the constructability, cost, and logistics of proposed solutions.