Earlier this year, we asked the construction industry's many inventors and innovators to submit proposals for the Department's second-annual "Hack the Building Code" Innovation Challenge, and candidates did not disappoint!

Announced during the Department's 2021 digital construction innovation and safety conference, this year's winners feature five cutting-edge ideas that can help shape the future of New York City’s built environment and make it a safer, more sustainable place.

Our 2021 Winners:

• SafeRise
• SiteSafety
• noya
• Future Insight and AoRa Development
• Kwant.ai

Read more about this year's "Hack the Building Code" innovators in our press release.

A recent study by NYU on the City's landmark climate law (Local Law 97) made some interesting discoveries, finding that carbon trading could boost the City's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conducted by the Guarini Center on Environmental, Energy & Land Use Law At New York University on behalf of the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Sustainability, the report found that a carbon trading program in New York City could generate more GHG reductions, more investment in the local economy, and less local air pollution.

Read the Report

New Yorkers looking to request building construction plans and records from the Department must now submit applications online using DOB NOW: BIS Options.

Requests will be processed within two business days of submission and can be used to acquire drawings, plans or other documents that are not already on BIS and DOB NOW for properties located in New York City.

Read our Service Notice

Check Out Our Guide to Request Records

In our continued effort to promote the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits our City, last week we recognized National Elevator and Escalator Safety Awareness Week, and shared safety tips on the proper elevator and escalator etiquette.

While elevators and escalators are largely considered one of the safest modes of transportation in the City, it still takes a certain amount of precaution and common sense to safely ride these devices.

Follow us on social media to catch up on all of our safety tips and read our full press release on elevator and escalator safety.

Need help understanding building regulations in NYC? Want to talk directly to DOB subject matter experts about your pressing construction-related questions? Have concerns about construction-related harassment in your building?

Then sign up for one of our upcoming live webinars today!

Manhattan Live Q&A Session - Our online borough Q&A Session for people to ask job specific questions about filings in DOB NOW and the Buildings Information System (BIS) or general questions about permits, construction codes, zoning regulations, sign offs, certificates of occupancy, place of assembly, equipment installations, violations and civil penalties, etc. for properties in Manhattan. It also provides a space for attendees to ask job specific questions about permits, violations and DOB regulations. Tuesday, November 30 at 2 p.m. Sign up Here.

Check out the full list of all of our upcoming events.

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And for the latest on sustainability and energy effeciency news at the Department of buildings, sign up for Sustainable Buildings News.