Local Law 87 (LL87) is a New York City law that requires large buildings to conduct energy audits and retro-commissioning every 10 years. The law was passed in 2009 and went into effect in 2014. LL87 is the first law of its kind in the United States, and it is widely seen as a model for other cities and states. LL87 is intended to help cities reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs, while improving the comfort and safety of their buildings.
LL87 applies to buildings with a total expected annual energy use of more than 50,000 kWh per year. This includes most large commercial buildings, such as office buildings and apartment buildings, as well as industrial and manufacturing buildings. The law requires these buildings to conduct an energy audit and retro-commissioning every 10 years, and to report the results to the city.
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of a building’s energy systems and energy use. It is conducted by a qualified engineer or auditor. The auditor will inspect the building’s energy systems and equipment, and measure the energy use of the systems. The audit will also include a review of the building’s energy bills. Based on the audit, the auditor will make recommendations for improvements to the building’s energy systems.
What is Retro-Commissioning?
Retro-commissioning is the process of optimizing existing building systems to ensure that they are working as efficiently as possible. This includes inspecting and adjusting the equipment, as well as adjusting the control systems of the building. The goal of retro-commissioning is to reduce the energy use of the building, while improving the comfort and safety of the building.
Retro-commissioning is a critical part of LL87 compliance. The auditor will make recommendations for improvements to the building systems that will reduce the energy use of the building. The building owner is then required to implement these recommendations within one year of the audit.
LL87 Compliance Requirements
LL87 requires covered buildings to conduct an energy audit and retro-commissioning every 10 years. The building must also report the results of the audit to the city. The city will use this information to ensure that the building is in compliance with LL87.
The building must also submit an LL87 Compliance Plan to the city. The plan must include a schedule for implementing the auditor’s recommendations. The plan must also include a timeline for the completion of the retro-commissioning, as well as a timeline for submitting the report to the city.
The building must also submit an annual report to the city, detailing the progress of the building’s energy efficiency efforts. This annual report must include information about the building’s energy use, as well as the progress of the retro-commissioning and the implementation of the auditor’s recommendations.
Benefits of LL87 Compliance
LL87 compliance can help building owners reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. By improving the efficiency of their buildings, building owners can save money on their energy bills. LL87 compliance can also help improve the comfort and safety of the building, by making sure that the building systems are working as efficiently as possible.
LL87 can also help cities reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs. By ensuring that buildings are as efficient as possible, cities can reduce their overall energy use and carbon emissions. This can help cities meet their goals of reducing their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Local Law 87 is an important law that requires large buildings to conduct energy audits and retro-commissioning every 10 years. The law is intended to help cities reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs, while improving the comfort and safety of their buildings. LL87 compliance can help building owners reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions, while helping cities meet their goals of reducing their carbon footprint.
