Local Law 87: Energy Audits & Retro-Commissioning
NYC HVAC regulations and compliance guidance for property owners.
NYC HVAC regulations and compliance guidance for property owners.
Local Law 87 of 2009 is a cornerstone of New York City's Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, requiring buildings over 50,000 gross square feet to undergo periodic energy audits and retro-commissioning studies. The law operates on a 10-year cycle, with specific deadlines determined by the last digit of a building's tax block number. Energy audits must conform to ASHRAE Level II standards, examining building envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, and domestic hot water systems to identify energy conservation measures (ECMs). Retro-commissioning involves a systematic process of evaluating and optimizing existing building systems to ensure they operate according to design intent. Together, these requirements aim to reduce energy consumption across NYC's largest buildings and support the city's ambitious climate goals.
Failure to comply with Local Law 87 results in a DOB violation with penalties of $3,000 per year for failure to file, plus additional fines for late submissions. Buildings that repeatedly fail to comply may face escalating enforcement actions, and non-compliance can negatively affect a building's energy grade under Local Law 33.
We partner with ASHRAE-certified energy auditors to conduct comprehensive LL87 energy audits and retro-commissioning for your building. Our HVAC specialists identify efficiency improvements that reduce energy costs while bringing your systems into full compliance with city mandates.
Local Law 87 applies to all NYC buildings that are individually 50,000 gross square feet or larger, or that are part of a building complex on a single tax lot with a combined area of 100,000 gross square feet or more. This includes commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties.
An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment that identifies opportunities to reduce energy use through upgrades and modifications. Retro-commissioning is a hands-on process that tests and tunes existing systems to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible without major capital investment. LL87 requires both to be completed.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on building size and complexity. The energy audit phase involves data collection, site surveys, and analysis. Retro-commissioning requires testing and adjusting systems over time. We recommend starting at least 9 months before your filing deadline to allow for thorough work.
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