As New York City continues to take significant steps toward sustainability and energy efficiency, building owners must navigate a complex landscape of regulations. One such regulation is NYC Local Law 87, which mandates energy audits and retro-commissioning for certain buildings. Understanding and complying with this law is crucial for property owners who wish to minimize their environmental impact while optimizing energy usage and efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your property for NYC Local Law 87.

Understanding NYC Local Law 87

Introduced as part of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan in 2009, NYC Local Law 87 aims to improve energy efficiency in large buildings, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The law applies to properties over 50,000 square feet, requiring them to undergo energy audits and retro-commissioning every ten years.

The energy audit assesses the building's energy performance, identifying areas that can be improved for efficiency. Retro-commissioning involves tuning the building’s systems to ensure they are operating optimally, which can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs. The first reporting deadline for compliance was set for 2013, and subsequent audits must be completed every 10 years.

Step 1: Determine Your Compliance Schedule

The first step in preparing for NYC Local Law 87 is to determine when your property is due for compliance. If your building is over 50,000 square feet, you should check the last date of your energy audit or retro-commissioning report. Based on this date, you can establish when the next audit is required and begin planning for it well in advance.

For example, if your last audit was completed in 2015, you will need to comply by 2025. Knowing the timeline helps in organizing the necessary steps and avoiding last-minute rushes that could lead to oversights.

Step 2: Conduct a Preliminary Assessment

Before engaging a professional to conduct the required energy audit, it’s beneficial to perform a preliminary assessment of your property. This self-assessment will help identify any obvious inefficiencies or issues that could be addressed beforehand.

Consider the following areas during your preliminary assessment:

• HVAC Systems: Check the condition and efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Are they functioning optimally? Are there any signs of wear and tear?
• Lighting: Evaluate the lighting systems in your building. Are you using outdated bulbs? Consider switching to energy-efficient LED lighting.
• Insulation and Windows: Inspect the insulation in walls and roofs, as well as the seals on windows and doors. Poor insulation can lead to significant energy losses.

By identifying potential issues early on, you can address them before the official audit, ultimately leading to more favorable results.

Step 3: Hire a Qualified Energy Auditor

Once you have completed your preliminary assessment, the next step is to hire a qualified energy auditor to perform the official audit required by NYC Local Law 87. It’s essential to choose an auditor with experience and knowledge of local regulations, as they will help ensure compliance and provide valuable insights.

When selecting an energy auditor, consider the following factors:

• Credentials and Experience: Look for auditors who are certified by recognized organizations, such as the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) or the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Their credentials ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and expertise.
• References and Reviews: Check references and online reviews from previous clients to gauge the auditor's reliability and effectiveness.
• Cost: Obtain quotes from multiple auditors to find a service that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always provide the best value.

A qualified energy auditor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your building's energy performance, providing you with a detailed report that identifies areas for improvement.

Step 4: Understand the Audit Report

After the energy audit is completed, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings. Understanding this report is crucial for making informed decisions about energy efficiency upgrades.

Key components of the report typically include:

• Current Energy Usage: An analysis of how much energy your building consumes, broken down by different systems (e.g., HVAC, lighting).
• Efficiency Recommendations: Specific suggestions for improving energy efficiency, such as upgrading equipment, enhancing insulation, or implementing smart technologies.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: A breakdown of the estimated costs associated with recommended upgrades and the potential savings realized through improved efficiency.

Take the time to review the audit report thoroughly, and consider discussing it with your energy auditor to clarify any questions or concerns.

Step 5: Create an Action Plan

With the information gathered from the audit report, you can create a detailed action plan to implement the recommended energy efficiency improvements. This plan should outline specific steps to be taken, a timeline for implementation, and an estimated budget.

Key Elements of an Action Plan:

• Prioritize Improvements: Identify which recommendations will yield the most significant energy savings and prioritize them for implementation. For instance, replacing an old HVAC system may have a more substantial impact on energy efficiency than changing lightbulbs.
• Set a Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for implementing each measure. Some projects may require immediate attention, while others can be scheduled for later dates.
• Identify Funding Sources: Explore available incentives, rebates, and financing options that can help offset the costs of upgrades. Many programs exist to support energy efficiency improvements, especially for larger buildings.

By organizing your action plan, you can streamline the process of implementing energy efficiency measures in compliance with NYC Local Law 87.

Step 6: Implement Energy Efficiency Measures

With your action plan in place, it’s time to implement the recommended energy efficiency measures. This may involve hiring contractors or specialists to carry out specific upgrades, such as:

• HVAC System Upgrades: Consider replacing outdated systems with energy-efficient models or optimizing existing ones through regular maintenance and tuning.
• Lighting Retrofits: Transition to energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs, which consume less energy and have longer lifespans.
• Insulation Improvements: Enhance insulation in walls, roofs, and attics to reduce energy loss and improve overall comfort levels.

Implementing these measures can lead to significant cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and improved compliance with Local Law 87.

Step 7: Monitor and Maintain

Once energy efficiency upgrades have been implemented, it’s essential to establish a system for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Regular monitoring not only ensures that the systems continue to operate efficiently but also helps identify new opportunities for improvement.

Key Practices for Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections of HVAC systems, lighting, and insulation to ensure they remain in good condition.
• Track Energy Usage: Utilize energy management systems to continuously monitor energy consumption and identify any unusual spikes or inefficiencies.
• Stay Updated on Regulations: Keep abreast of any changes in local laws or regulations related to energy efficiency, ensuring that your building remains compliant.

By actively monitoring and maintaining your building’s energy systems, you can sustain compliance with NYC Local Law 87 and continue to reap the benefits of energy efficiency.

Conclusion: Embracing Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Future

Preparing your property for NYC Local Law 87 is an essential step in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in New York City. By conducting thorough energy audits, implementing recommended upgrades, and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement, building owners can successfully navigate the requirements of the law while benefiting from significant cost savings and enhanced property value.

Ultimately, the commitment to energy efficiency not only contributes to compliance with local regulations but also plays a crucial role in fostering a more sustainable urban environment.

If you are ready to take control of your energy management and explore the potential savings available through expert consulting, consider partnering with National Energy Cost Services, Inc. (NECS). Their team of professionals is dedicated to helping businesses identify opportunities for energy savings and implement effective strategies tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait any longer take the first step toward a more energy-efficient future today!