NYC Climate Goals & Legislation

Recognizing the existential threat that climate change poses to New York City and the world, OneNYC:2050 sets our city on the path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Because the energy used in New York City's buildings represents 68% of citywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving the energy efficiency of the city's existing building stock represents the greatest opportunity to reduce citywide GHG emissions.

In order to achieve our ambitious goals, NYC has enacted legislation to significantly cut pollution and emissions from buildings.

Climate Mobilization Act

The Climate Mobilization Act, enacted in 2019, is the largest climate solution put forth by any city in the world. It consists of a slate of climate laws designed to dramatically cut carbon in New York City.
Learn more about the Climate Mobilization Act

Buildings Mandate: Local Law 97
Local Law 97 (LL97) requires buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets, starting in 2024. The Department of Buildings provides guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97. The GHG Emission Calculator estimates a building's carbon penalty as a result of non-compliance with NYC Local Law 97 (2019). Input annual utility information and building characteristics to generate emissions thresholds and resulting estimated penalties for three major penalty periods (2024-2029, 2030-2034, and 2035 and later).
Green Roofs: Local Law 92, 94
Local laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be covered with solar panels, green roofs, or some combination of the two. The laws also require all buildings to reduce urban heat hazards.
Building Energy Efficiency Grade: Local Law 95
Local Law 95 amends the ranges for how energy efficiency grades are calculated as required by Local Law 33 of 2018. Local Law 33 of 2018 required the display of energy efficiency scores and grades for buildings required to annually benchmark their energy and water consumption. The energy label will be displayed near a public entrance and include both a letter grade and the energy efficiency score.
PACE: Local Law 96
Local Law 96 establishes long-term, low-interest Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing to fund upgrades to building energy and water efficiency.

Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC)

The New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) is comprised of New York City local laws and the current Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS). By State law, all local government energy codes, including the NYCECC, must be more stringent than the ECCCNYS.

The updated NYCEEC went into effect on May 12, 2020.
Learn more about the Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC)

Greater Greener Buildings Plan

In New York City, almost two thirds of heat-trapping pollution comes from buildings. The Greener, Greater Buildings Plan set the critical groundwork for subsequent climate legislation around building energy efficiency, energy and water consumption, and more.
Learn more about the Greater Greener Buildings Plan

For more information on NYC's climate goals and legislation please see the NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability.