Introduction 

In New York City, the skyline is not only a symbol of ambition but also a canvas for sustainability. At the forefront of this eco-conscious movement is Local Law 84 (LL84), part of the broader Greener, Greater Buildings Plan designed to cut the city’s carbon footprint. LL84 requires buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to annually measure and disclose their energy and water consumption through benchmarking. 

Why should building owners and managers care about this law? Local Law 84 is not just about adhering to a set of rules—it represents a commitment to energy efficiency, an aspect that is rapidly becoming a gold standard in real estate property management. This benchmarking initiative is a significant move toward a more sustainable cityscape, carrying implications for the environment, the community, and the bottom line of each affected property. 

Importance of Local Law 84 Compliance 

Non-compliance with LL84 can lead to more than just a slap on the wrist. Building owners face substantial fines for failure to report or inaccurately reporting their energy and water usage. These economic penalties are designed to incentivize building owners to take the law seriously. 

Yet, fines aside, compliance with LL84 serves a greater purpose. Buildings that meet the requirements of the law often see a reduction in their energy costs, thanks to the improvements made following an energy audit. These savings can be significant, especially for larger buildings with high energy consumption. Furthermore, LL84-compliant buildings contribute to New York City’s larger goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fight against the ever-looming threat of climate change. 

 Understanding the Local Law 84 Deadlines  

The key to LL84 compliance lies in understanding and meeting its deadlines. Each year, by May 1st, covered buildings must submit their previous year’s energy and water use data to the city’s Benchmarking Portal. This requirement includes a vast array of property types, from large multifamily residential buildings to commercial and mixed-use properties.  

Owners of newly constructed buildings that meet the size threshold must start benchmarking no later than the calendar year following their first full occupancy. Staying ahead of these deadlines is not only crucial to avoid penalties but also to ensure ample time for data verification and any needed follow-up actions. 

Identifying Your Building Type 

Recognizing your building’s classification under LL84 is central to understanding your specific responsibilities. The law makes distinctions among various property types, requiring different levels of reporting and energy efficiency standards. For instance, a commercial building will face different audit requirements compared to a residential complex. 

To pinpoint where your building stands, consult the LL84 compliance guide. Knowing your building type will not only help you understand the nuances of compliance but also what kind of energy measures will be most effective for your property. 

Steps to Ensure Your Building is Safe from Local Law 84 Deadlines 

Compliance with LL84 is a multi-step process that begins with a comprehensive energy audit. This evaluation pinpoints inefficiencies and areas for improvement in a building’s energy usage, serving as the framework for subsequent retro-commissioning efforts. 

After the audit, property owners should invest in targeted retro-commissioning. This may involve upgrades such as the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems or LED lighting. It might also mean enhancing building insulation or sealing leaks that contribute to energy waste. Upon implementing these measures, documentation, and reporting are crucial. Accurate records must be maintained and presented in the benchmarking process to prove compliance. 

Educational resources like the NYC Retrofit Accelerator can provide valuable guidance on carrying out energy efficiency measures effectively. 

 Navigating Local Law 84 with Professional Help  

For many property owners, the technicalities of LL84 can be daunting. Energy professionals play a critical role in this scenario, offering expertise in building compliance and commercial energy audits. These specialists can manage the entire compliance process from start to finish, guaranteeing that a building meets the benchmarking standards without disrupting normal operations. 

From the initial energy audit to planning and implementing retro-commissioning measures, and through to completing all required documentation, these professionals can handle the demands of the energy efficiency law. Their involvement can make the difference between a smooth path to compliance and a last-minute scramble to meet deadlines. 

Conclusion 

Complying with Local Law 84 is more than just meeting regulatory requirements; it’s a step toward a more energy-conscious way of managing properties. With the annual May 1st deadline for benchmarking, time is of the essence for building owners and managers to ensure that their properties are aligned with the law’s standards. 

By understanding the law, identifying your building’s requirements, implementing necessary energy efficiency measures, and perhaps most critically, seeking professional assistance, you can avoid penalties and contribute to a greener, more sustainable New York City. Don’t wait until the deadline is upon you. Take the steps now to ensure that your building is safe from the Local Law 84 deadlines.