LL97 Local Law 97 Compliance – Emissions Tracking & Optimisation for NYC Buildings
Local Law 97 compliance is now one of the most critical issues for building owners and managers in New York City. With more than two thirds of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions coming from buildings, LL97 sets binding emissions limits for most properties over 25,000 square feet, with thresholds tightening significantly from 2024 and again in 2030.
Bueno gives owners, operators, and advisers a practical way to manage Local Law 97 compliance day-to-day. Our platform transforms raw energy data into near real-time emissions tracking, fault detection, and optimisation insights that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, avoid penalties, and build a credible pathway to 2030 and 2050 targets.
The Problem – Complex LL97 Rules, Static Data, Rising Risk
Local Law 97 is ambitious by design, but compliance is complex in practice. Many owners are discovering that meeting and maintaining emissions limits is far harder than submitting a one-off report.
Key challenges we see across LL97 portfolios:
Multiple buildings, one tax lot, many pathways
LL97 applies at the building level (BIN) but uses tax-lot (BBL) data to identify covered buildings. Owners with multiple buildings on a lot must understand which ones fall under Article 320, which follow Article 321, and when each compliance date applies.Fragmented and incomplete emissions data
Energy use is spread across base-building systems, tenant spaces, whole-building meters, and sometimes shared plants. Without a centralised data platform, owners struggle to assemble the 12 months of accurate, LL97-ready data needed for reporting and planning.Static annual reporting, no operational feedback loop
The BEAM portal and official guides help with filing, but they don’t tell owners why they’re above or below limits, or which changes will make a real difference. Many teams see their emissions number once a year, with limited visibility between compliance dates.Tightening limits and long-term decarbonisation pressure
LL97’s 2024 caps are only the first step. 2030 limits are substantially stricter, and the city is targeting deep emissions reductions by 2050. Owners need an ongoing optimisation strategy, not just annual LL97 compliance checks.Unclear link between projects and emissions limits
Electrification, plant upgrades, envelope works, and controls changes all affect GHG output differently. Many owners lack a single tool that connects these projects to LL97 emissions limits and penalty exposure.
The Bueno Solution – Turning LL97 Compliance into Continuous Emissions Management
Bueno’s platform is built to make Local Law 97 compliance measurable, manageable, and scalable across portfolios. We connect to your meters, BMS, and major equipment, then convert energy data into live greenhouse gas emissions views, actionable insights, and optimisation opportunities.
Our approach centres on three core modules:
Energy Management – near real-time emissions tracking, LL97 threshold monitoring, and portfolio benchmarking.
Fault Detection & Diagnostics (FDD) – detection of faults and inefficiencies that drive unnecessary energy use and emissions.
Building Optimization – deeper control and sequencing improvements that lock in sustained emissions reductions.
How Bueno Supports Local Law 97 Compliance – Step by Step
Step 1: Connect and Centralise LL97-Ready Data
We integrate with HVAC, lighting, metering, and other key systems to capture near real-time energy use across each building. Data from different fuels and sources is normalised so emissions can be calculated in line with LL97 formulas and occupancy types.
Single source of truth for energy and emissions
Visibility across every covered building, including multi-building BBLs
Data structured to support ESPM and BEAM reporting requirements
Step 2: Track Emissions Against LL97 Limits
Our Energy Management module translates consumption into CO₂e emissions at a cadence suitable for operational decision-making. Each building can be compared with:
Current LL97 emissions limits
Future 2030 limits (and beyond, as they evolve)
Portfolio averages and peer buildings
This lets owners see which buildings are at risk, which are compliant with headroom, and where operational improvements can make the biggest difference.
Step 3: Reduce Emissions with FDD & Building Optimisation
Meeting Local Law 97 compliance is not only about data; it requires day-to-day operational improvement. Bueno’s FDD and Building Optimisation modules help by:
Detecting faults such as extended run times, valve passing, temperature overshoot, simultaneous heating and cooling
Highlighting systems or floors driving disproportionate emissions
Supporting better run-modes that cut waste without compromising comfort
Providing clear, actionable insights to operations teams and service providers
This moves LL97 from a paper exercise to a continuous optimisation program.
Step 4: Simplify Reporting and Evidence for LL97
While owners still need a Registered Design Professional to certify LL97 reports, Bueno makes the data side easier by:
Aggregating energy and emissions data in one place
Providing exportable, structured data sets aligned with LL97 reporting needs
Keeping an audit trail of key operational changes and their impact
This reduces the burden on internal teams and consultants, while creating a clearer story of how the building is improving over time.
Step 5: Plan for 2030 and Beyond
Because limits tighten, owners need to look past initial compliance. Bueno helps with:
Portfolio-level views of which assets are most exposed under 2030 limits
A structured pipeline of optimisation opportunities
A data foundation to support major upgrades, electrification, and financing aligned with decarbonisation goals
Who Benefits – LL97 Stakeholders Across the Portfolio
Owner / Building Portfolio Manager
Understand LL97 exposure across all covered buildings
Prioritise upgrades and optimisation where they reduce penalties most
Protect asset value by aligning operations with long-term emissions limits
Sustainability / ESG Lead
Access reliable, emissions-based performance data for LL97 and broader ESG reporting
Align Local Law 97 compliance with net-zero, CRREM and corporate decarbonisation targets
Demonstrate progress to investors, boards, and external stakeholders using verifiable data
Facilities & Operations Manager
See which systems and schedules are driving excess emissions
Use FDD alerts to fix issues before they impact compliance
Track how operational changes affect both comfort and LL97 performance
Consultants, Engineers & Design Professionals
Work with structured, LL97-ready energy and emissions data rather than ad hoc spreadsheets
Spend less time chasing data and more time on strategy and design
Help clients build longer-term emissions roadmaps supported by near real-time operational insights
Strategic Outcomes – Beyond Minimum LL97 Compliance
Implementing Bueno for Local Law 97 compliance delivers benefits that extend beyond meeting caps:
Reduced penalty risk
Live visibility into emissions vs limits minimises the risk of unexpected non-compliance and associated fines.Lower operating costs
Cutting unnecessary energy use reduces utility spend as well as greenhouse gas emissions.Stronger decarbonisation story
Owners can show a clear link between operational actions, capital projects, and emissions outcomes over time.Future-proofed portfolios
A data-rich foundation supports future regulatory changes, financing linked to performance, and expansion into other performance-based frameworks.
Ready to Turn LL97 Compliance into an Operational Advantage?
Local Law 97 compliance doesn’t have to be a once-a-year scramble. With the right data and analytics, it becomes an opportunity to reduce emissions, lower costs, and future-proof your buildings.
Bueno’s platform helps you:
See where you stand against LL97 limits today
Identify the quickest, most practical ways to reduce emissions
Track and verify improvements across your entire NYC portfolio
Contact Bueno to learn how we can support your Local Law 97 compliance journey – from first reporting through to long-term emissions reduction.
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