BE MINDFUL OF ENERGY USAGE

NYC Local Law 97, also known as the Climate Mobilization Act, is a piece of legislation that was enacted in 2019 to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York City. The law requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet certain carbon emissions limits starting in 2024, with the limits becoming stricter in 2030 and beyond. This means that buildings must become more energy-efficient in order to comply with the law.

In the case of a new hallway or lobby renovation in a NYC condo building, compliance with Local Law 97 will likely be a major consideration. The renovation will need to be designed and executed in a way that minimizes energy usage and reduces carbon emissions. There are a few key areas that will need to be addressed:

1.     Lighting: One of the biggest energy users in a building is lighting, so it is important to choose energy-efficient lighting solutions. LED lights, for example, use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last much longer.

2.     HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are also major energy users. It may be necessary to upgrade the HVAC system as part of the renovation in order to improve its efficiency.

3.     Insulation: Proper insulation is key to keeping a building energy-efficient. If the renovation involves any changes to the walls, ceiling, or floor, it is important to ensure that they are properly insulated to prevent heat loss.

4.     Materials: The materials used in the renovation can also impact energy usage. For example, choosing materials with a high recycled content or materials that are locally sourced can help reduce the carbon footprint of the renovation.

In addition to these considerations, it may also be necessary to work with an energy consultant or engineer to ensure that the renovation meets the requirements of Local Law 97. This may involve conducting an energy audit to identify areas where energy usage can be reduced, as well as making calculations to determine the building's carbon emissions and ensure that they fall within the limits set by the law.

In summary, compliance with Local Law 97 is an important consideration for any renovation in a NYC condo building. By focusing on energy efficiency and carbon reduction, it is possible to create a renovation that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long term.