In order to comply with Local Law 87 (LL87), you first need to determine if your building falls under the mandates of LL87. If your building is included in the category covered as designated by the Covered Buildings List, you must submit your Energy Efficiency Reports (EER) to the City of New York by December 31 of the year they are due. You are then responsible for submitting a new report to the city again once every 10 years.
A complete EER includes:
- EERC1 (Professional Certification: Energy Auditor and Owner Statements) form
- Energy Audit Tool
- EERC2 (Professional Certification: Retro-Commissioning Agent and Owner Statements) form
- Retro-Commissioning Tool
What Is Local Law 87?
Local Law 87 requires all applicable buildings to report their annual energy and water use data to the city of New York. This data will be used to benchmark the building’s performance against similar buildings, as well as track progress over time.
What Is the Covered Buildings List?
The Covered Buildings List is a comprehensive list of all buildings affected by LL87. It includes all non-residential properties with at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor area or at least 25 residential units, along with several other types of building, such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Owners of these properties must comply with LL87.
By understanding which buildings are required to benchmark according to this Covered Buildings List, facility managers and building owners can assess their own compliance requirements. In order to benchmark, owners must use the EPA-approved Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This requires entering in detailed information about the building, including square footage and energy consumption. Owners can then compare their building’s performance to others in the same region and determine where they stand in terms of energy efficiency.
Deadlines for Local Law 87
Starting with the calendar year 2013, the first EERs for covered buildings were due in the calendar year, with the last digit of the building’s tax block number corresponding to the year the report was due. We’ve updated the chart below to reflect when your building’s next EER will be due.
| Year first EER is due | 2023 | 2024 |
|
2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|
2032 | ||
| Last digit of tax block number | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Filing Fees for Local Law 87
In addition to the EER, to fully comply with LL87, you must pay a filing fee. These fees include:
| Initial Filing | $375 |
| Extension Request | $155 |
| Amendment | $145 |
Exemptions for Local Law 87
You are exempt from energy audits if your building:
- Earned a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification for at least two of the three years prior to filing an EER,
- Earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings certification within four years prior to submitting an EER, or
- Falls under the category of simple buildings (without central cooling or chilled water systems) that complete six out of seven “simple retrofits”:
- Individual heating controls
- Common area and exterior lighting in compliance with the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC)
- Low-flow fixtures
- Insulated pipes
- Insulated hot water tanks
- Front-loading washing machines
- Cool roofs
You are exempt from retro-commissioning measures if your building:
- Has been certified under the LEED for Existing Buildings rating system within two years before filing the EER, and
- Has earned both LEED points for Existing Building Commissioning – Analysis and Existing Building Commissioning – Implementation.
Violations for Local Law 87
New York City is authorized to issue a violation for any listed building that has not filed an EER by December 31 of the year in which it is due. Failure to submit by December 31 will result in a Class 2 violation and a penalty of $3,000 for the first year. Continued failure to file will result in additional violations on an annual basis of $5,000 for each subsequent year. The city will not accept outstanding EERs until penalties are paid in full.
How to Submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) for Local Law 87 in NYC
Step 1: Understand What an EER Is and Why It’s Necessary
An Energy Efficiency Report is a document that assesses the energy performance of a building and identifies areas where improvements can be made to reduce energy consumption. The report must include all areas of improvement that are applicable to the specific building, such as HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, windows, etc. The purpose of the report is to ensure that buildings in NYC meet minimum standards for energy efficiency, as set forth by Local Law 87.
Step 2: Collect Necessary Information
In order to complete an EER, you must collect and compile all the necessary information about your building’s energy performance. This includes any current energy efficiency measures that are in place, as well as any recommendations or suggestions for further improvements. The data collected should include measurements of the building’s energy usage, such as utility bills and energy audits. Additionally, you will need to obtain a copy of the most recent New York State Energy Code (NYSEC) from the Department of Buildings website.
Step 3: Analyze Data and Make Recommendations
Once you have gathered all the necessary data for your EER report, it’s time to analyze and interpret it. You will need to compare your building’s energy performance with that of similar buildings in NYC, in order to identify areas where improvements can be made. Based on this analysis, you will then need to make recommendations for further updates that can be made in order to meet Local Law 87.
Step 4: Complete the EER Report
Now that you have your data, analysis and recommendations, it’s time to complete the EER report. This will require filling out the form provided by the Department of Buildings and submitting it along with any supporting documentation. Make sure all of your information is accurate and complete.
Step 5: Submit the EER Report
Once you have completed and reviewed your EER report, you can submit it to the Department of Buildings. You must include a cover letter with the submission, detailing all relevant information such as the building’s address, owner’s name and contact information, a list of professionals and their contact information who helped complete the report, etc.
Step 6: Follow Up
Finally, once you have submitted your EER report to the Department of Buildings, it’s important to follow up on its status in order to ensure that it has been received and approved.
How React Industries Simplifies EERs and LL87 in NYC
React Industries is committed to helping businesses in New York City simplify their compliance with Local Law 87, Local Law 97, and Energy Efficiency Reports. Our team of experts is knowledgeable on all the latest regulations and can provide comprehensive assistance that ensures your business meets all requirements.
For those who own or manage a covered building, React Industries offers a comprehensive list of HVAC services designed to simplify the process of compliance. We have years of experience in this area, and our services can help you create an energy efficiency plan that meets all necessary standards and regulations. With our assistance, you will be able to save time and money while ensuring that your building meets all Local Law 87 requirements.
In addition to our comprehensive list of services, React Industries also provides guidance on Energy Efficiency Reports. Our team will work with you to create a detailed report that outlines how much energy your building consumes, as well as how efficiently it is used. This report allows you to make informed decisions about energy-saving initiatives and upgrades, helping your business become more sustainable and efficient.
If you have any more questions about completing or submitting your Energy Efficiency Report, contact our experts today, and we’ll be happy to provide answers.