NYC Local Law 97

The Most Important Building Law
in NYC Right Now.

Local Law 97 sets carbon emission limits for buildings over 25,000 sq ft. Starting in 2024, buildings that exceed their limits face fines up to $268 per metric ton of CO₂ — annually. If your current building automation system isn't helping you meet your LL97 targets, a controls upgrade is often the fastest — and most cost-effective — path to compliance.

Talk to Us About a Controls Upgrade →Talk to an Engineer

The Stakes

What Non-Compliance Actually Costs

Penalties are assessed annually on overages. For a mid-size office building 500 tons over its limit, that's $134,000 per year — every year — until you comply.

2024–2029
$268 per metric ton CO₂e over limit
Annual reporting begins 2025
2030–2034
$268 per metric ton CO₂e (stricter limits)
Limits tighten significantly
2035+
TBD — expected to increase
Path to carbon neutrality by 2050

Why Controls First

Building Automation Is the Fastest, Cheapest Path to LL97 Compliance

Most NYC buildings are running HVAC systems on outdated schedules set over a decade ago. Equipment that runs at night when nobody's there. Boilers that don't know it's 60°F outside. Controls that haven't been touched since the last tenant.

Fixing that — before replacing any equipment — typically delivers 20–40% energy reduction. That's often enough to bring a building into compliance for 2024–2029, and significantly reduce the gap for 2030+.

Typical payback: 2–5 years
No equipment replacement required to start
Qualifies for Con Ed & NYSERDA incentives
Produces the documentation LL97 requires
Typical Impact by Measure
HVAC Scheduling & Setpoints15–25%
Demand-Controlled Ventilation5–15%
Chiller/Boiler Optimization5–12%
Lighting Automation5–10%
Fault Detection & Repair3–8%
Energy reduction estimates. Actual results vary by building type, existing conditions, and occupancy.

Our Process

The MJI Energy LL97 Compliance Path

01
Benchmark Your Building
Pull your EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager data to understand your current carbon intensity versus your LL97 limit.
02
Identify the Gap
Compare your actual emissions against your 2024–2029 limit. Even buildings close to the line face risk as limits tighten in 2030.
03
Controls & Automation First
Building automation delivers the fastest, most cost-effective carbon reduction — typically 20–40% before any equipment is replaced.
04
Document & Report
Annual filings to NYC DOB. We provide the data, trend logs, and supporting documentation your compliance team needs.

Common Questions

LL97 FAQ

Which buildings does LL97 apply to?
Buildings over 25,000 square feet in NYC. This covers roughly 50,000 buildings — about 60% of NYC's total building area.
When do penalties start?
The first compliance period is 2024–2029. Annual reports are due May 1 of the following year (first report due May 1, 2025). Penalties are assessed on reported overages.
How are limits calculated?
Limits are expressed as a carbon intensity cap in kgCO₂e per square foot, set by occupancy type. Mixed-use buildings use a blended limit weighted by square footage.
Can I buy carbon offsets to comply?
Yes, but only from approved sources and with limitations. The law prioritizes actual emissions reductions. Offsets are a last resort, not a strategy.
What's the fastest way to reduce my building's carbon footprint?
Building controls optimization. Fixing HVAC scheduling, setpoints, and sequences typically cuts energy use 20–40% with no equipment replacement — the highest-ROI first step.
Are there financial incentives available?
Yes. Con Edison, NYPA, and NYSERDA all offer incentives for qualifying building automation and efficiency upgrades. We help identify and apply for applicable programs.

Your Controls Are Your Compliance Strategy

If your BAS isn't helping you meet LL97 targets, an upgrade can change that. We scope and implement control improvements that reduce your building's carbon intensity — with the documentation your compliance team needs.

Talk to Us About a BAS Upgrade →See Energy Management →