Local Law 97 is New York City’s building emissions law that sets annual greenhouse gas emissions limits for large buildings. The law requires owners to track, report, and reduce emissions over time.
New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97) is a cornerstone of the Climate Mobilization Act, requiring most buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet strict new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits. While these mandates present challenges, they also offer a clear pathway to operational cost savings and long-term property value.
Compliance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your building type—whether affordable housing, commercial office, or a co-op—your requirements and deadlines will vary.
Our team of energy engineers simplifies the process by helping you:
To help NYC building owners stay ahead of the 2030 deadlines, we offer a full suite of compliance and engineering services:
Accurately track your building’s carbon footprint. We provide a comprehensive “Readiness Assessment” to identify where your building stands today and what upgrades are needed for tomorrow. Learn more about our LL97 Emissions Reporting Services.
A Bright Power energy audit gives you a building-specific roadmap — from low-cost operational improvements to partial electrification — so you can take the right steps toward compliance without guesswork. Learn more about our LL97 Strategy Services.
If your building is struggling to meet limits, we help verify and submit “good faith effort” documentation for future compliance, helping you navigate potential mediated resolutions
Software and support – the complete package – to create a phased, actionable roadmap for reducing carbon emissions and LL97 fines through the 2035 compliance period.
The cost of inaction is high. LL97 penalties are calculated based on how much a building exceeds its carbon limit, and can result in annual fines in the six- or seven-figure range for large properties.
The Benefits of Early Action:
Local Law 97 is New York City’s building emissions law that sets annual greenhouse gas emissions limits for large buildings. The law requires owners to track, report, and reduce emissions over time.
Generally, buildings in NYC larger than 25,000 gross square feet, or two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet, must comply.
Buildings 25,000+ square feet must comply, including many multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Some buildings may be exempt or have special rules. Check the LL97 Covered Buildings List to learn more.
The first set of emissions limits took effect in 2024. Significantly more stringent limits begin in 2030.
Fines are currently set at $268 for every metric ton of CO2 over the building’s assigned limit, charged annually.
Owners must file an annual emissions report for each covered building, including building information, gross floor area (GFA), energy use, and calculated emissions. The annual report is generally due June 30th, with the option to pay extra to submit at the end of August (for the prior calendar year), unless the City announces additional extensions.
No. NYC’s Local Law 84 (LL84) requires reporting annual energy usage, while Local Law 97 requires submitting an annual emissions report and also meeting the carbon emissions limits set by the law. Benchmarking helps you understand your energy usage, but LL97 determines whether your building is under its emissions cap – and whether you face penalties for exceeding it.
The annual LL97 report must be certified by a Registered Design Professional (RDP), such as Bright Power. As an RDP, Bright Power stamps and submits filings to ensure compliance. The filing is submitted through the DOB’s BEAM Portal.