// NYC Local Law Compliance
Local Law 97 — New York City's carbon emissions law.
What is Local Law 97?
New York City enacted Local Law 97 in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The law establishes carbon-emission limits for NYC's largest buildings, calculated in tons of CO₂-equivalent per square foot. Covered buildings that exceed their annual limit face a financial penalty.
The first LL97 compliance period began in 2024, with stricter limits taking effect in 2030. According to a 2022 city analysis, 11% of covered buildings exceeded the limits for the 2024–2029 period, and 63% are projected to exceed the limits for the 2030–2034 period — making early planning essential.
$268
per metric ton of CO₂-equivalent over the limit, based on a building's 2024 energy usage and emissions.
11%
exceed 2024–2029 limits
63%
exceed 2030–2034 limits
// Who is covered
Which buildings does Local Law 97 apply to?
Buildings over 25,000 gross square feet
Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 gross square feet
Two or more buildings governed by the same condo board of managers that together exceed 50,000 gross square feet
// Compliance pathways
First, determine whether your building falls under Article 320 or Article 321.
Article 320 covers general covered buildings; Article 321 covers special-case covered buildings. Each has its own set of pathways to compliance.
Article 321 — Special-Case Buildings
Two compliance paths:
Performance-Based Pathway
An energy-compliant building report is certified by a Registered Design Professional (RDP) and shows that the building's calculated 2024 emissions were under the 2030 emission limits.
Prescriptive Pathway
A compliance report by a qualified Retro-Commissioning (RCx) agent demonstrates completion of the 13 Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures (PECM).
Article 320 — General Covered Buildings
Five possible paths:
Non-Covered Building
A detailed review with the Department of Finance (DOF) confirms whether the building falls under the covered-building threshold based on gross square footage.
Excepted Building
No action is required. However, if the building is altered such that the exception no longer applies, it becomes subject to LL97 the first full calendar year after the alteration is completed.
2026 Rent-Regulated (< 35%)
Not obligated to comply with LL97 emission limits until CY2026 — i.e., a reporting due date of May 1, 2027.
2035 Income-Restricted Extension
Not obligated to comply with LL97 emission limits until CY2035 — i.e., a reporting due date of May 1, 2036.
Article 320 Typical Pathway
File an annual emissions report reflecting LL97 emissions compliance for that cover year.
// Know your numbers
How do I determine my LL97 emission limit and level?
Emission limit
Calculated from the emission limits for each space use in your building, applied through a prescribed emissions factor.
Emission level
Calculated from the energy types consumed annually and the prescribed emission coefficients published by the City.
We'll calculate your building's emission level, identify the most cost-effective compliance pathway, and handle the filing — then connect any required upgrades to NYSERDA, utility, and federal incentives.
Get your free consultation// Beyond LL97