Local Law 97 (LL97): Goals, Impact & Compliance

How Does Local Law 97 affect my NYC facility, building or complex?

Local Law 97, often referred to as LL97, is a groundbreaking piece of environmental legislation passed by the New York City Council as part of the Climate Mobilization Act of 2019. This law sets ambitious carbon emission reduction targets for buildings, recognizing the significant role they play in the city’s overall carbon footprint. In this article, we will explore the goals of LL97, identify who is affected by this legislation, and provide information on energy efficiency to enhance compliance.

Goals of Local Law 97

Local Law 97 aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in New York City, which account for nearly 70% of the city’s total emissions. The law sets forth the following primary goals:

• Carbon Emission Reductions: LL97 mandates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.
• Environmental Justice: The law seeks to address environmental inequalities by reducing pollution in communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution.
• Energy Efficiency: By encouraging energy efficiency improvements, LL97 aims to foster the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices that will reduce energy consumption and operational costs for building owners.
• Climate Leadership: LL97 positions New York City as a leader in the fight against climate change, setting an example for other cities to follow.

Who Does Local Law 97 Target?

LL97 primarily targets large buildings, as they are responsible for a significant portion of the city’s carbon emissions. The law affects:

• Buildings Over 25,000 Square Feet: Any building in New York City that exceeds 25,000 square feet is subject to the emission reduction requirements set forth by LL97.
• Co-op and Condo Buildings: Residential co-op and condo buildings that meet the size criteria are also subject to the law, ensuring that both commercial and residential properties contribute to the city’s environmental goals.
• City-Owned Buildings: Publicly owned buildings, including those operated by municipal agencies, must comply with LL97 to set an example for private building owners.
• Building Portfolios: Owners of multiple buildings whose combined square footage exceeds the threshold must ensure that each individual building complies with the law.

Proactive Measures to Aid Compliance

Compliance with LL97 requires building owners to take proactive measures to reduce their carbon emissions. Here are some steps to help with compliance:

1. Conduct an Energy Audit

An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a building’s energy use. It identifies areas where improvements can be made to enhance energy efficiency. Building owners should hire a qualified energy auditor to perform an audit and provide recommendations for reducing energy consumption.

2. Upgrade Building Systems

Implementing energy-efficient measures to building systems is crucial for compliance. This may include:

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems:
  For example:

1. Insulation of Steam Lines & Valves: Proper insulation of steam pipes, valves, and fittings will reduce heat loss and improve overall system efficiency. This helps maintain the desired steam temperature and pressure.  Use removable & reusable insulation blankets and jackets for valves and fittings, manufactured to exacting standards.
2. Condensate Recovery: Implementing a condensate recovery system can capture and reuse condensate, which is still hot and contains valuable energy. This reduces the need for additional fuel to heat fresh water.
3. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that all components of the steam system, including boilers, traps, and valves, are regularly maintained. This helps prevent leaks and ensures that the system operates at peak efficiency. Ensure technicians reinstall all removeable insulation blankets after maintenance or inspection.
4. Optimize Boiler Operation: Adjusting the boiler’s operation to match the facility’s steam demand can prevent energy waste. This might involve using variable speed drives or implementing a boiler control system.
5. Upgrade Equipment: Consider upgrading to more energy-efficient boilers and steam traps. Modern equipment often has better efficiency ratings and can significantly reduce energy consumption.  Evaluate needs for removable reusable insulation blankets or shields that might be needed for new equipment.
6. Monitor and Control: Use advanced monitoring and control systems to track steam usage and identify areas where energy is being wasted. Automated controls can adjust the system in real-time to optimize performance.
7. Heat Recovery: Utilize and insulate heat recovery systems to capture waste heat from the steam system and use it for other processes within the facility. This can include preheating feedwater or space heating.
8. Training and Awareness: Educate facility staff on best practices for energy efficiency in steam systems. The importance of implementing and maintaining insulation systems cannot be stressed enough. Components left uninsulated are losing money for your facility. Awareness and proper training can lead to more efficient operation and maintenance practices.

4. Monitor and Report Emissions

LL97 requires building owners to monitor and report their emissions annually. This involves:

• Tracking Energy Use: Utilizing energy management software to monitor and analyze energy consumption in real-time.
• Submitting Reports: Providing annual emission reports to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to demonstrate compliance with the law.

5. Leverage Incentives and Financing

Several incentive programs and financing options are available to help building owners comply with LL97:

• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing: PACE financing allows building owners to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through property tax assessments.
• Incentive Programs:  NYSERDA, National Grid and Con Edison have energy efficiency incentives that can provide financial assistance for qualifying upgrades. The Team at Shannon Global Energy Solutions has vast experience in coordinating Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Projects. Ask us about what’s available for your project.

Partner With Shannon for proven energy efficiency & emissions reduction:

Since 1988, Shannon Global Energy Solutions has saved more than 400 Million Therms and 3.1 Million Metric Ton of CO2 using easy to use and long-lasting Reusable Thermal Insulation blankets providing 50-75% Energy Reduction and reduced fuel costs and GHG Emissions. To substantiate these facts, Level 2 Investment Grade Energy Audits, based on ASTM proven methodology, are provided to the Building Owner and Con Ed for which Incentives are also awarded. Shannon is proud to be a National Grid ProNet Award Winning Partner and Con Ed Trade Ally Partner since 2022.

A Shannon Energy Survey:

Find the missing insulation in your system, like these valves and fittings shown here.  How much do you have to gain by insulating bare components?

Look at the data below. Because of the complex geometry of valves and fittings, they have a lot of surface area. In fact, as shown in the table, the surface area of 60 typical fittings is approximately the same surface area as 334 linear feet of piping.   And no one would leave 334 LF steam piping bare and uninsulated.    Facilities have a lot to gain by insulating the valves and fittings in their systems with high quality reusable blanket insulation systems.

Over a 15-year expected life, the savings are stunning. Not only in BTUs and Therms savings and Reduced Emissions, but in financial savings, and reduced water consumption.  Explore your facilities’ savings potential.

why Specifying Shannon Insultech® Blanket Insulation systems is The BEST mechanical Insulation Solution to improve energy efficiency:

CAD Designed for exact fit & finish

CNC Produced for Accuracy and High Quality

Comprehensive Specifications to accommodate temperature and field condition

Each Blanket includes a Metal embossed ID plate with a QC code for indentification

Integral fasteners for easy off- easy on

Design standards tested to ASTM, UL and ISO

In summary, insulating facility steam system components with high quality removeable, reusable insulation blankets, with custom fit and integral fasteners not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances safety and prolongs the equipment’s lifespan. Consider it a cost-effective asset for better performance and reduced operational expenses.