Contrary to popular belief, transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions in New York City are not the primary cause of energy shortfall, according to NYC gas consulting agencies. The NYC Urban Green Council estimates that buildings are responsible for 67% of emissions. Both direct and indirect emissions are created when a facility consumes electricity or steam that was generated off-site using fossil fuels. Direct emissions are those produced by combustion-based heating systems.
Compared to 2005, NYC has set a target of reducing GHG emissions by 80% by 2050. Since emissions fell from 61 million tons to 52 million tons between 2005 and 2016, there has been an improvement. To meet the 80x50 target, however, efficiency increases must be made more quickly.
Making the Switch
By 2025, lighting systems in commercial buildings only will need to be upgraded to meet the new requirements of New York City's Energy Conservation Code. Lighting controls (interior lighting controls, light reduction controls, and automated lighting shutdown), exit signs, tandem wiring, interior lighting power needs, and outdoor lighting are some of the components of a lighting system.
By 2025, tenant areas in commercial buildings greater than 10,000 square feet must also have submeters installed. Owners can allocate electrical charges based on how much power each tenant uses when using a submeter, which monitors the electrical consumption in a specific area of the property as opposed to a master meter, which measures electrical use throughout the whole building. A monthly statement outlining the amount of power used will be given to tenants. This means you will need a trustworthy and reliable energy consultant who can inspect your building.
Performance Evaluation
Owners of mutli-family residential and commercial buildings must evaluate their annual water and energy usage. By May 1 of each year, the necessary data must be input into a free online Portfolio Manager application offered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Buildings may compare their energy usage over time with other buildings of a similar size and kind as well as with themselves, according to the Mayor's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability's online data publication. Residential tenants won't be forced to give their landlord any information.
Property owners that fail to fulfill the impending law's mandatory energy efficiency objective face severe fines. In other words, neither of the two compliance choices is much cheaper than the cost of doing nothing. The standards are based on a baseline rather than the actual building performance to create equal conditions. In an outdated structure with ineffective mechanisms, it is simpler to save 20% since there are several possibilities. The owner only needs to select the least expensive combination that achieves the goal.
Local Law Compliance In NYC
If you want to know more about Jim Slattery and your options when it comes to compliance with energy regulations in New York City, all you have to do is visit us at Slattery Energy.