In the United States, commercial buildings consume 39% of America’s energy and 68% of electricity. It also emits 38% of carbon dioxide. According to research, lightning, HVAC, and office appliances comprise most energy used in typical buildings. However, the good thing is that these are easily manageable.
As the adverse effects of the pandemic recede, office buildings begin to retain great value again. Therefore, it is critical to rethink the interaction with the structure and its impact on the environment, especially regarding Local Law 87. Compliance with the law is not a one-day process.
How will NYC’s office tower be affected?
Buildings account for more than two-thirds of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental groups, including the city council, have tackled the issue relentlessly by forcing the government to enact legislation banning fossil fuels, at least in new homes and internal renovations. According to a press release, a similar gas ban could be imposed by 2030.
However, fossil fuels are only a tiny part of the bigger problem. Most buildings in the city, old and new, are energy inefficient, which has become a priority when constructing new buildings. Many facilities use gas connections and window AC units with ancient HVAC buildings. Retrofitting and gut renovation can be costly, especially after a pandemic, but costs tend to be incurred over time. More importantly, a law passed in the name of Local Law 97 ensures that all of the above is stated.
Energy audits show a building’s energy efficiency after inspection, investigation, analysis, and curation of reports on energy flow to improve energy efficiency. This includes research into the building’s essential systems, such as thermal envelope, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), communication systems, domestic hot water appliances, and electrical and lighting systems.
However, retro-commissioning is a comprehensive assessment of how well the HVAC and lighting system works.
Finding an Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) during a backup operation often requires redesigning the control system, repairing dusty dampers, and replacing worn actuators, valves, variable speed drives, and sensors. Building Retro-commissioning will also scrutinize how the facility is used, as inadequate operating procedures mean a waste of energy. Most of the identified ECMS are low / non-cost products. Retro-commissioning aims to make existing systems more efficient through fine adjustments and upgrades rather than relying primarily on major equipment replacements (which may be possible with energy audits).
In addition, this study helps owners make informed decisions when considering internal improvements and avoids future costly pitfalls.
What do building owners need to do?
Local Law 87 NYC clearly states that compliance dates are determined by the final tax assessment number of the building. If the block number ends with 3, the deadline for the report is 2013. Similarly, numbers ending in 4 indicate 2014 as the due date. After the first report is submitted by the due date, Local Law 87 NYC requires the building to offer an “energy efficiency report” every ten years. However, failure to provide the report is a violation resulting in a fine of $ 3,000 for the first year and $ 5,000 each year after.
Exemptions from Local Law 87
– The building received an EPA Energy Star rating 2/3 years before the audit date.
– The building has obtained LEED certification for existing buildings at least four years before the audit due date.
Benefits of early compliance
- Start saving energy faster and get lower energy rates
- Many grants and bonuses are available as incentives, and fierce competition is already occurring.
- You will be given legal flexibility to some extent.
How to choose an LL87 provider?
From the perspective of acquiring professionals, it makes a lot of sense to overwhelm the compliance approach. Here is a list of all the questions you need to ask and the expected answer types. —
1. How long do you offer the LL87 service?
Ideally, it would help if you looked for someone with about five years of experience. That’s because you need a deeper understanding of the subject’s development, current strategies, practical ideas, and more.
2. How fast can energy audits and test runs be performed?
Beware of providers that promise speed. It consumes more than two weeks to complete the course. We recommend a safety period of 6 months.
3. Does your workforce include professional engineers (PEs) and registered architects?
The LL87 fix needs help, as all reports will eventually need to be signed.
4. What is your approach to energy monitoring and performance testing?
Experienced providers look at the building interactively, and the entire building structure is active as part of the resident. In other words, improving one will naturally affect the other. No alterations must be made in isolation.