Local Law 97 requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits, starting in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 and beyond. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) provides guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97. The GHG Emission Calculator estimates a building's carbon penalty because of non-compliance with LL97. Annual utility information and building characteristics are used to generate emissions thresholds and potential penalties for each compliance period (2024–2029, 2030–2034, 2035, and beyond).
Affordable or rent-regulated housing and houses of worship may qualify for alternate or delayed compliance with LL97. These alternative compliance pathways are outlined in Article 321 of the law. Affordable housing building owners may choose the prescriptive pathway and implement applicable energy conservation measures (ECMs) by December 31, 2024, and submit a one-time report to the DOB by May 1, 2025. Alternatively, buildings can choose to demonstrate that their building emissions are below the 2030 limit by 2024 if certain qualifications are met. These qualifications include buildings where more than 35% of units are rent-regulated, HDFC cooperatives, and buildings with HUD project-based assistance. Buildings must submit an Energy Compliant Buildings Report to the DOB to demonstrate compliance by May 1, 2025.
Buildings with at least one rent-regulated unit where up to 35% of units are rent-regulated must meet the applicable emissions limits starting in 2026 and then subsequent limits beginning in 2030. Certain income-restricted housing is not required to meet the applicable emissions limits until 2035 and then must meet subsequent limits.
Buildings on land owned by New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) are required to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a portfolio-wide basis by 40% by 2030 and by 80% by 2050. NYCHA developments in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) programs are also required to comply.
September 2023 Update: DOB published a new set of proposed rules to guide the ongoing implementation of LL97. These rules clarify how the law will be enforced, outline pathways to mitigate penalties, create a new credit for early electrification work, and describe reporting requirements for affordable housing and houses of worship.
The updated prescriptive pathway compliance rules under Article 321 specify which prescriptive energy conservation measures (PECMs) buildings must implement in 2024 and provide inspection and documentation requirements. They also establish penalties for non-compliance and outline opportunities for penalty mitigation, including mediated resolutions.
Learn More About LL97
Explore Incentives