Buildings are responsible for nearly two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City, making them a central focus of the city’s efforts to combat climate change. To address this, Mayor de Blasio has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with Local Law 97 as a cornerstone of this ambitious initiative.
Local Law 97: A Bold Plan for Emissions Reduction
Local Law 97, part of the Climate Mobilization Act passed by the City Council in April 2019, is among the nation’s most comprehensive efforts to reduce building emissions. This legislation mandates that most buildings over 25,000 square feet adhere to new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits starting in 2024, with stricter requirements taking effect in 2030.
The ultimate goals are:
A 40% reduction in emissions from the city’s most significant buildings by 2030.
An 80% reduction by 2050.
The law established the Local Law 97 Advisory Board and Climate Working Groups to guide these efforts and provide recommendations for achieving these ambitious targets.
Buildings Covered Under Local Law 97
The law applies to a wide range of properties, including:
Buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet.
Two or more buildings on the same tax lot with a combined size of over 50,000 square feet.
Buildings within the same condo association, governed by a shared board, collectively exceed 50,000 square feet.
While certain buildings are exempt from these requirements, detailed emissions limits and exemptions can be found on the Department of Buildings (DOB) Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting website.
Amendments and Updates
Local Law 97 has undergone updates, including amendments introduced through Local Law 147 of 2019. These changes are detailed in sections §28-320 and §28-321 of the Administrative Code. Property owners are encouraged to visit the DOB website regularly for the latest information and updates on compliance requirements.
Supporting Sustainability
Visit the DOB Sustainability page for more information on how the Department of Buildings drives sustainability efforts across New York City. These initiatives aim to transform New York City into a leader in urban sustainability and carbon reduction.
