NYC Local Law 97 Emissions Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your building's annual carbon emissions, compare them against Local Law 97 (LL97) limits, and project potential penalties for non-compliance.
Annual Energy Consumption:
Enter your building's annual energy consumption data. If a fuel type is not used, leave the field blank or enter 0.
Understanding NYC Local Law 97 (LL97)
Local Law 97 (LL97) is a groundbreaking piece of legislation enacted by New York City as part of its Climate Mobilization Act. It sets carbon emission limits for most buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, with the goal of significantly reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Buildings are a major source of emissions in NYC, making LL97 a critical component of the city's climate strategy.
Who Does LL97 Affect?
LL97 applies to a wide range of buildings in New York City, including:
- Buildings over 25,000 gross square feet.
- Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 25,000 gross square feet.
- Two or more buildings owned by the same person or entity that together exceed 25,000 gross square feet.
Certain building types, such as those with rent-regulated units, affordable housing, and houses of worship, may have adjusted compliance pathways or exemptions, but most commercial and large residential buildings are subject to the law.
How Are Emissions Calculated?
A building's annual carbon emissions are calculated based on its energy consumption from various sources (electricity, natural gas, steam, fuel oils, etc.) and their corresponding carbon emission factors. These factors convert units of energy (e.g., kWh, therms, gallons) into metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). The calculator above uses standard NYC emission factors for common energy sources.
Compliance Periods and Emission Limits
LL97 establishes progressively stricter emission limits over time, divided into compliance periods:
- 2024-2029: The first compliance period, with limits based on 2019 building energy usage data.
- 2030-2034: Significantly stricter limits, requiring substantial energy efficiency upgrades and decarbonization efforts.
- 2035-2039 and beyond: Even more stringent targets, moving towards near-zero emissions.
The specific emission limit for a building is determined by its occupancy group (building type) and its gross floor area. Each building type has a unique carbon intensity target (tCO2e per square foot) for each compliance period.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Buildings that exceed their annual emission limit face significant financial penalties. The penalty is currently set at $268 per metric ton of CO2e over the limit. These penalties are assessed annually, making compliance a critical financial consideration for building owners.
How to Comply with LL97
Building owners can achieve compliance through various strategies, including:
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Improving insulation, upgrading windows, installing efficient HVAC systems, and modernizing lighting.
- Electrification: Switching from fossil fuel-based heating and hot water systems to electric alternatives like heat pumps.
- Renewable Energy: Installing on-site solar panels or purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) from off-site sources.
- Operational Changes: Optimizing building management systems, improving tenant engagement in energy conservation, and regular maintenance.
- Carbon Offsets: In some cases, purchasing carbon offsets may be an option, though the primary focus is on direct emissions reductions.
Using the Calculator
To use this calculator, select your building type and the compliance period you wish to analyze. Then, input your building's gross floor area and its annual consumption for each relevant energy source. The calculator will provide an estimate of your total annual emissions, your applicable LL97 limit, whether you are over or under the limit, and any potential annual penalty.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available LL97 data and common emission factors. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Actual compliance requirements, emission factors, and penalties may vary. Always consult official NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) guidance and qualified professionals for accurate assessments and compliance strategies.