October 13, 2016
On October 13, 2016, the New York City Council approved two (2) important amendments to Local Law 88, solid steps towards Mayor de Blasio’s ardent quest for New York City to emerge as the global leader in sustainability and resiliency - keeping the promises outlined in One City, Built to Last Plan developed by the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.
The amendments: Approved in Council on October 13, 2016
Int. No. 1160 was drafted in committee by Council member Costa G. Constantinides (in conjunction with the Mayor), to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of sub-meters in certain tenant spaces
Int. No. 1165 was drafted in committee by Council member Donovan J. Richards (in conjunction with the Mayor), to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to upgrading lighting systems in certain buildings
We can expect greater calls for stronger standards and reporting requirements in the months and years ahead. All required for New York City to catch up with global applications. New York City was ranked the 20th of the leading sustainable cities globally, and third behind Boston and Chicago in the United States according to the 2015 Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index.
The Amendments: Updates to Local Law 88
Submetering: This bill expands the sub metering requirements to owners of buildings 25,000 gross square feet or larger. Prior, Owners of building 50,000 gross square feet or larger were required to upgrade the lighting systems in their buildings so that they are in compliance with the standards for new systems set forth in the New York city energy conservation code.
Lighting: This bill expands the lighting upgrade requirements to owners of buildings 25,000 gross square feet or larger. Prior, Owners of building 50,000 gross square feet or larger were required to upgrade the lighting systems in their buildings so that they are in compliance with the standards for new systems set forth in the New York city energy conservation code.
New Language and Reporting Requirements are laid out in both amendments.
New York City’s Climate Targets: A Roadmap for New York City’s Buildings, the One City Built to Last Plan outlined a pathway to 80 by 50, we will need to reduce GHG emissions from the energy used to heat, cool, and power our buildings by 30 percent from 2005 levels over the next decade. City government can lead the way, and will commit to achieving a 35 percent reduction in emissions in the next ten years.
Background: The One City Built to Last plan set out to achieve these goals by 2025
Complete efficiency improvements in every City-owned building that has significant energy use and install 100 MW of onsite renewable power.
Implement leading edge performance standards for new construction that cost- effectively achieve highly efficient buildings, looking to Passive House, carbon neutral, or “zero net energy” strategies to inform the standards.
Develop interim energy performance targets for existing buildings to be met through both voluntary reductions and new regulations, such as performance standards and measure-based mandates, which would be triggered if adequate reductions are not achieved.
The plan is deployed under One City, Built to Last, a long-term scheme to improve the energy efficiency of NYC buildings and to adapt to more renewable energy sources. Buildings contribute to three-quarters of the total emissions in the city every year. . Council member Constantinides remarked, “seventy percent of carbon emissions come from buildings, this legislation requiring sub meters in certain tenant spaces will place the city closer to its goal to meet 2025 targets."
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