How to Report Under Local Law 84 NYC

In an effort to combat climate change and promote energy efficiency, New York City has enacted a series of regulations aimed at large buildings. Among these, Local Law 84 NYC stands out as a key component of the city’s sustainability strategy. This law requires annual energy and water benchmarking for buildings over 25,000 square feet, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding how to report under Local Law 84 is crucial for property owners and managers to ensure compliance and contribute to the city’s environmental goals. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to report under Local Law 84 NYC, outlining the necessary steps, requirements, and benefits of compliance.

Overview of Local Law 84

Local Law 84 was enacted in 2009 as part of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, which aims to improve the energy performance of New York City’s buildings. The law mandates that properties over 25,000 square feet must measure their energy and water usage annually and submit this data to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). By creating transparency and accountability, the law encourages building owners to identify areas for improvement and implement energy-saving measures.

The requirement to benchmark energy and water usage is intended to facilitate comparisons with similar buildings, allowing property owners to assess their performance and identify opportunities for enhanced efficiency. The data collected under Local Law 84 also contributes to the city’s broader sustainability initiatives, helping to reduce overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Who Must Comply?

Local Law 84 applies to a diverse range of buildings, including:

Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties that meet the size threshold.
Residential Buildings: Multifamily residential buildings, including apartment complexes and condominiums, that are over 25,000 square feet.
Institutional Buildings: Facilities such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings that fall within the specified size criteria.

It is important to note that buildings that are less than 25,000 square feet are exempt from the reporting requirements of Local Law 84. However, many smaller buildings may still benefit from benchmarking practices.

The Importance of Reporting

Reporting under Local Law 84 is crucial for several reasons:

1. Compliance with Regulations

Meeting the reporting requirements is mandatory for buildings covered under Local Law 84. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties from the NYC Department of Buildings. Ensuring timely submission of benchmarking data is essential to avoid these consequences.

2. Identifying Energy Efficiency Opportunities

Benchmarking energy and water usage allows property owners to identify inefficiencies in their buildings. By comparing performance data with similar buildings, owners can pinpoint areas for improvement and implement energy-saving measures that can lead to significant cost savings.

3. Contributing to Sustainability Goals

By participating in the benchmarking process, building owners contribute to New York City’s broader sustainability goals. The data collected helps the city monitor progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency across the urban landscape.

4. Enhancing Property Value

Buildings that demonstrate energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly attractive to tenants and investors. Reporting under Local Law 84 can enhance a property’s marketability and potentially increase its value.

Steps to Report Under Local Law 84

Reporting under Local Law 84 involves several key steps. Understanding these steps is essential for property owners and managers to ensure compliance.

1. Gather Necessary Data

The first step in the reporting process is to gather the necessary data related to energy and water usage. This includes:

Energy Consumption Data: Collect data on energy usage from utility bills, including electricity, gas, and steam consumption. The data should cover the entire calendar year.
Water Usage Data: Obtain water consumption data from utility bills or water meters for the same reporting period.
Building Information: Prepare information about the building, including its size, occupancy type, and any relevant characteristics that may affect energy usage.

2. Use the Benchmarking Tool

New York City provides a benchmarking tool known as the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This online platform allows property owners to input their energy and water data and generate a benchmarking report. The Portfolio Manager is user-friendly and guides users through the data entry process.

To use the Portfolio Manager:

Create an account on the Energy Star website.
Add the building’s information, including its address and characteristics.
Input the gathered energy and water usage data for the reporting period.
Compare the building’s performance against similar properties in the database.

3. Generate the Benchmarking Report

Once the data has been entered into the Portfolio Manager, property owners can generate a benchmarking report. This report will include key performance metrics, such as energy usage intensity (EUI) and water usage intensity (WUI), which allow for effective comparisons with other buildings.

4. Submit the Report

After generating the benchmarking report, property owners must submit the required data to the NYC Department of Buildings by the specified deadline. The reporting deadline for Local Law 84 is typically set for May 1st of each year. Timely submission is critical to avoid penalties.

To submit the report:

Log in to the NYC Department of Buildings online portal.
Navigate to the Local Law 84 reporting section.
Upload the benchmarking report generated from the Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
Review and confirm the submission to ensure that all necessary data has been included.

5. Maintain Records

After submitting the report, property owners should maintain records of all data used in the report and any correspondence related to the submission. Keeping organized records is essential for future reporting cycles and can be helpful in addressing any inquiries from regulatory authorities.

Benefits of Compliance

Complying with Local Law 84 and participating in the benchmarking process offers numerous benefits for property owners and managers:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Through regular benchmarking, property owners can identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Implementing energy-saving measures based on benchmarking results can lead to reduced utility costs and operational expenses.

2. Enhanced Building Performance

Benchmarking encourages building owners to invest in energy efficiency upgrades, which can enhance overall building performance. Improved systems and practices contribute to a more comfortable and productive environment for occupants.

3. Access to Incentives and Programs

Many energy efficiency programs and incentives are available to property owners who participate in benchmarking. By demonstrating commitment to energy efficiency, property owners may qualify for grants, rebates, or financing options that support further improvements.

4. Contribution to Climate Goals

By reporting energy and water usage, building owners contribute to New York City’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Participating in Local Law 84 helps create a collective impact that supports a more sustainable urban environment.

Conclusion

Reporting under Local Law 84 NYC is a vital responsibility for property owners and managers of large buildings. By adhering to the reporting requirements, building owners not only ensure compliance with regulations but also contribute to sustainability efforts and enhance the value of their properties. The process of gathering data, using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and submitting reports can lead to improved energy efficiency and significant cost savings.

As New York City continues to pursue its ambitious climate goals, participation in Local Law 84 is more than just a legal obligation; it is an opportunity for property owners to lead in the realm of sustainability. National Energy Cost Services, Inc. (NECS) is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of compliance. Take the first step towards enhancing your building’s energy efficiency and sustainability contact NECS today to learn how they can support your Local Law 84 reporting efforts.