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US Local Law 97 (LL97), part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, mandates ambitious carbon emissions reductions for buildings over 25,000 square feet. Starting in 2024, this regulation applies stringent limits on carbon emissions, targeting a citywide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. LL97 impacts both commercial and residential buildings, making compliance essential for property owners, managers, and operators who must meet these goals or face penalties.
Why Local Law 97 Matters for Building Owners and Managers
Buildings in NYC account for nearly 70% of the city’s total carbon emissions, primarily due to heating, cooling, and lighting systems. LL97 targets these sources by setting annual emissions limits that decrease over time. Non-compliance penalties start in 2024 and can escalate significantly if the building exceeds its emissions limits, creating a financial incentive to reduce emissions through energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
For building owners and managers, LL97 isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about maintaining property value, staying competitive, and contributing to New York City’s sustainability goals. Achieving compliance with LL97 necessitates a thorough approach to monitoring and reducing building emissions, and Bueno’s analytics platform is designed to support this.
Key Compliance Deadlines for LL97
- 2024 – Initial Compliance Date:
Starting in 2024, buildings must meet their first set of emissions limits. Failure to do so will result in fines calculated based on the excess emissions produced. - 2030 – Stricter Emissions Limits:
By 2030, emissions limits will become even tighter, pushing buildings to implement more sustainable and advanced energy strategies to achieve significant reductions. - 2050 – Carbon Neutrality Target:
New York City aims for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, bringing most buildings close to net-zero emissions.
Each compliance period encourages incremental reductions, fostering continuous improvement in building energy performance. However, this staged approach requires effective monitoring and data analysis to track progress and adjust strategies, especially as limits tighten over time.
Building Emissions and How They’re Calculated
LL97 uses a standardised calculation to determine allowable emissions limits, based on a building’s occupancy type and total area. The emissions formula factors in:
- Fuel Type: Different fuels (natural gas, electricity, steam, etc.) produce varying levels of emissions.
- Building Usage: Occupancy type, such as residential, office, retail, and healthcare, affects the emissions cap.
- Electricity Source: Emissions from electricity are weighted based on NYC’s average grid emissions.
For each kilowatt-hour of energy consumed, specific carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalents are used to estimate the building’s emissions. This calculation, however, depends heavily on the integrity and accuracy of the data. Bueno’s near real-time monitoring ensures accurate, timely data collection to help buildings remain compliant with LL97’s standards.
Bueno Analytics: Supporting LL97 Compliance with Real-Time Monitoring and Optimisation
Bueno’s platform is designed to meet the comprehensive data needs of Local Law 97 compliance. By collecting energy data from various sources such as HVAC systems, lighting, and other critical infrastructure, Bueno provides actionable insights through near real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.
1. Enhanced Data Collection for Compliance Reporting
Bueno’s Energy Management Module centralises data collection, connecting to systems throughout a building. This near real-time data monitoring provides a detailed look at energy consumption patterns and emission sources, crucial for accurate reporting under LL97.
- Continuous Emissions Tracking: Bueno’s platform tracks emissions at five-minute intervals, ensuring data accuracy and timely reporting.
- Benchmarking and Comparisons: Users can compare current emissions with LL97 thresholds, helping teams adjust strategies before they exceed limits.
- Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: Bueno’s solution integrates seamlessly with HVAC, lighting, and metering systems to provide a holistic view of a building’s energy footprint.
2. Predictive Maintenance and Fault Detection
Bueno’s Fault Detection & Diagnostics (FDD) Module identifies operational inefficiencies and equipment faults in real time. This proactive approach ensures that energy-intensive equipment operates efficiently, preventing unnecessary emissions and optimising building performance.
- Proactive Equipment Monitoring: Bueno’s FDD module enables predictive maintenance by identifying faults early, reducing the risk of energy waste.
- Automated Fault Detection: Using AI and ML, Bueno detects deviations and inefficiencies in building systems, allowing operators to resolve issues before they impact compliance.
3. Building Optimisation and Energy Reduction
Bueno’s Building Optimisation Module is central to reducing energy consumption, helping buildings achieve the stringent emissions limits set by LL97.
- AI-Driven Optimisation: AI and machine learning algorithms adjust system parameters to maintain optimal performance, reducing energy waste.
- Customised Solutions: Bueno’s platform is customisable, allowing building managers to set energy and emissions targets aligned with LL97, NABERS, and other certifications.
- Carbon Reduction Tracking: By aligning with New York City’s emissions goals, Bueno helps buildings achieve up to 20-30% energy savings, supporting long-term compliance with LL97.
Reporting Requirements Under LL97 and How Bueno Simplifies Compliance
To demonstrate compliance with LL97, buildings must submit annual reports detailing their energy usage and emissions. These reports require consistent, accurate data and clear documentation. Bueno’s platform simplifies reporting with features tailored to LL97:
- Automated Data Aggregation: Bueno consolidates data across systems, producing comprehensive energy and emissions reports in line with LL97’s requirements.
- Customisable Dashboards: Custom dashboards allow building managers to track key performance metrics and emissions in real time.
- Real-Time Alerts: Bueno’s platform can send alerts if emissions approach LL97 limits, allowing for immediate action to avoid penalties.
- Detailed Reports for Audits: The platform generates detailed, audit-ready reports, making it easy to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits.
Key Benefits of Bueno Analytics for Local Law 97 Compliance
1. Significant Emissions Reduction
Through continuous monitoring, predictive analytics, and energy optimisation, Bueno enables significant reductions in building emissions. Facilities using Bueno’s platform have reported up to 30% savings on energy usage, supporting LL97 compliance and broader sustainability goals.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency
By identifying inefficiencies and potential system faults, Bueno’s platform not only reduces emissions but also optimises building operations. This results in lower utility costs, prolonged equipment life, and an enhanced tenant experience.
3. Comprehensive Energy Management
Bueno’s platform centralises data from multiple building systems, creating a single source of truth for energy management. This holistic view allows teams to identify inefficiencies and address them proactively.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Bueno provides building owners and operators with actionable insights based on high-quality data, facilitating informed decisions about maintenance, capital investment, and sustainability initiatives.
5. Scalability Across Portfolios
Bueno’s modular platform is designed to scale, making it ideal for property managers overseeing multiple buildings. The system can monitor and optimise each property while providing consolidated insights for an entire portfolio, enabling consistent LL97 compliance.
Preparing for the Future: Beyond Compliance
Local Law 97 is expected to become even more stringent in the coming years. Buildings that prioritise compliance early on, by investing in data-driven tools like Bueno’s platform, will be better equipped to meet future emissions standards and avoid the financial impact of non-compliance.
How Bueno Can Help Achieve Sustainability and Energy Savings
Bueno’s platform is a valuable partner in achieving Local Law 97 compliance, but its benefits extend beyond regulatory adherence. By optimising building operations and promoting sustainability, Bueno supports building owners in reaching their decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals. The platform’s near real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimisation features make it an ideal solution for facilities aiming to lead in sustainability while improving their bottom line.
Key Takeaways:
- Compliance with Confidence: Bueno ensures that buildings meet LL97 requirements through detailed monitoring and reporting, supported by data-driven insights.
- Energy Savings and Cost Reductions: The platform’s energy management capabilities enable significant cost savings while aligning with emissions reduction goals.
- Scalable, Customisable Solutions: Bueno’s flexible platform adapts to each building’s unique needs, making it a sustainable choice for compliance and beyond.
Conclusion: Leading the Way in Building Performance with Bueno Analytics
Local Law 97 presents a critical opportunity for NYC buildings to set a new standard in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Bueno’s comprehensive analytics platform empowers building owners and managers to not only meet but exceed these regulations. By focusing on continuous improvement and leveraging the latest in AI and machine learning, Bueno supports the creation of sustainable, high-performance buildings.
Key Links:
- NYC Department of Buildings – Local Law 97 Compliance
NYC Department of Buildings Local Law 97 Resources
This page includes official resources, guidelines, and updates on compliance requirements and deadlines for LL97. - Carbon Emissions Calculator for NYC Buildings
NYC LL97 Carbon Emissions Calculator
A tool that helps building owners calculate carbon emissions to meet LL97 benchmarks. - NYC Sustainability Dashboard – Progress and Compliance Tracking
NYC Sustainability Dashboard
This resource provides building owners and stakeholders with a dashboard to monitor sustainability progress, which aligns with LL97 goals. - U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – LEED and Sustainability Standards
USGBC LEED Resources
Many buildings aim to align with LEED standards, which can support LL97 goals for energy efficiency and emissions reduction. - Energy Star Portfolio Manager – Building Benchmarking Tool
Energy Star Portfolio Manager
An industry-standard tool for tracking energy and water consumption, which aids in understanding emissions levels as required by LL97. - Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex) – LL97 Compliance Guidance
Building Energy Exchange – LL97 Resources
BE-Ex offers detailed compliance guidance, training resources, and industry insights for LL97.
Contact us to learn more about how Bueno’s platform can help your building achieve Local Law 97 compliance and lead the way in sustainable urban development.
