Its getting closer! NYC’s Local Law 97, which will result in large fines (6-figures per year for energy-inefficient buildings) goes into effect in 2024. Some building owners and managers believed that that the new mayor would repeal or greatly soften LL 97. No. The rule was modified in December and the limits for 2024 made more stringent than the original version. The time to plan and make changes is now, if not already past.

CCES has helped a number of building owners and property managers assess where their buildings stand on compliance with LL 97 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits.

In 2020, although LL 97 was 4 years away, the owner of an office building in Midtown Manhattan supplied CCES with total annual energy usage data for 2019, the last “normal” year of activity before the pandemic. CCES determined that if their energy usage remained the same in 2024, they would not comply and be fined about $100,000 per year. They then had CCES develop energy-saving measures and project manage 3 of them. The 3rd strategy is currently being implemented.

They already see major savings in their utility bills and we project compliance with LL 97 on time for 2024. An early and wise approach to determine where they stand and work to avoid large fines.

Another Midtown Manhattan office building had a different approach. They were aware of LL 97 and decided to implement energy upgrades first. They then brought in CCES for the LL 97 evaluation, looking at 2019 and 2022 energy data. The analysis showed that if they have the same energy profile in 2024 as in 2019, they would have to pay a 5-figure fine annually. But using 2022 data, with activities normal again and upgrades in place, they were not only met their LL 97 limit, but were under it with a buffer in case unforeseen events happen (severe winter or summer, rise in tenant activities).

CCES’s analyses for a Queens warehouse and 2 Manhattan multifamily buildings showed each barely complying with the LL 97 limit. They were advised to research even modest changes to reduce energy use to have a buffer to prepare for 2024 and beyond.

CCES can perform an assessment of where your building stands with LL 97 given 12 months of organized total electricity and gas usage and oil, and steam purchases. We can tell you whether your building, if it uses the same energy profile in 2024 is likely to comply with LL 97 or not and what the fine would be (based on current schedule). And if you do not or barely comply, CCES can then perform an energy audit to advise you on the best feasible strategies and to reduce energy usage and manage their implementation to comply with or reduce a potential fine and to give you an acceptable buffer. Contact CCES today at 914-584-6720 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..