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Buildings Emissions Limits Under Local Law 97 of 2019
Certain buildings are subject to annual greenhouse gas emissions limits established by Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL97). These limits were set initially in the Law, but have been updated by the Department through a conversion to Energy Star Portfolio Manager property types.
LL97 Emissions Limits Based on Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) Property Types
Pursuant to the Law, DOB has set revised emissions limits under LL97. The revised limits are based on property types from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) tool, which reflect actual energy consumption patterns in New York City buildings. View the 2024 – 2029 limits based on ESPM property types. Emissions limits for years beyond 2029 were established by 1 RCNY §103-14 and use ESPM property types.
The first compliance reports for buildings covered by LL97 are due by May 1, 2025, and reflect emissions in calendar year 2024.
Get additional information on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting.
Why change to ESPM property types?
LL97 requires this change in order to set fair and more equitable emissions limits. This change maintains high compliance rates and preserves LL97’s overall emissions reductions for the 2024 – 2029 compliance period. This methodology was peer-reviewed by experts at the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
How will this change affect building owners?
Owners whose emissions limits have been lowered (made more stringent) have the option of following either the original limits based on New York City Building Code occupancy groups, or the limits based on ESPM property types, for calendar years 2024 and 2025. Beginning in 2026, all owners must report their emissions using the ESPM property types. If you believe that your building is classified under a property type that is not listed, please contact DOB’s sustainability team at GHGEmissions@buildings.nyc.gov.
How can I get help?
DOB strongly encourages building owners to work with a registered design professional (RDP) to fully understand the potential impacts of these changes. The city-sponsored NYC Accelerator provides free technical assistance to help owners comply with LL97. An Accelerator case manager can connect owners with service providers, incentives, and information on financing.
For more information about the law or the new emissions limits, please contact DOB’s sustainability team at GHGEmissions@buildings.nyc.gov.
Helpful Links
Webinar Video:
Energy Star Portfolio Manager: Property Types & LL97/19 Webinar – Winter 2023
Webinar Presentation:
Energy Star Portfolio Manager: Property Types & LL97/19 Presentation – Winter 2023