[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By: Zach Hurchalla
With the initiative for clean and renewable energy continuing throughout the US, New York City is doing their part by passing progressive legislation which could have a lasting impact on the New York City energy and real estate development markets.
In April 2019, New York City passed Local Law 92 (LL92) and Local Law 94 (LL94) as a part of the Climate Mobilization Act. This local legislation is an addendum to the current New York Building and Administrative codes which had no such green initiatives. Both LL92 and LL94 include various policies in response to variables such as building height, current rooftop uses, and the degree of slope on said roof.
Aside from a handful of exceptions which include water towers, antennas/building equipment, and roofs with aerial access, all roofs must be equipped with either solar panels, green roofs, or a combination of both.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”What are the Requirements of Local Laws 92 and 94?”]
Example #1
- Condition: Building has a continuous roof area of 200 square feet or more (100 square feet or more in buildings up to five stories), and a slope below 2:12.
- Requirement: If such condition is met, the roof must be equipped with a solar panel system, a green roof, or a combination of both. If shading prohibits the energy generation from the solar panels to be less than 4 kW, a green roof is then the only option. A minimum solar panel efficiency of 15% must be met.
Example #2:
- Condition: Building has a continuous roof area of less than 200 square feet (less than 100 square feet in buildings up to five stories), and a slope below 2:12.
- Requirement: Due to small square footage, a combined sustainable roof is prohibited. The building must be fully covered with solar panels if 4kW of electricity is attainable. If not, the roof must be fully green and covered with vegetation.
Example #3:
- Condition: Building has a continuous roof area with a slope higher than 2:12.
- Requirement: The building roof must be fully covered with solar panels. Solar is the only option as the steepness of the slope prohibits a green roof.
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What Does This Mean for Building Owners and Operators?
LL92 and LL94 opens the door for building owners and operators to enter the renewable energy market when building regulations are met. Prior to the passing of LL92 and LL94, renewable energy was unavailable for purchase within the confines of NYC. This not only does not promote shared value between businesses and city residents but also shuts off a valuable economic avenue in which businesses and property owners alike can save money.
Although the addition of a sustainability initiative mandated by law within New York City will have positive impacts on the overall health of the city, building owners may be feeling stressed and confused about how to properly comply with these new laws. To make sure your building is in full compliance, we recommend reaching out to a third-party energy consultant such as EEP to provide cost predictions and estimated returns. A consultant can simplify the transition to renewable energy and guide you to the best solution that combines economic returns within the confines of your building space.
Contact the EEP team today to make sure your building is in compliance with LL92 & LL94.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1597161920919{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Zach Hurchalla is a summer intern at Evolution Energy Partners. Zach is a rising sophomore at Bucknell University, studying Finance in the Freeman School of Management.
References:
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/local-laws-92-and-94-of-2019
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/newsletters/DOB_BN_LL92-94_111519.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]