Everything you need to know about New York City's Local Law 84

Cutting back energy use.

New York City Local Law 84 Compliance Guide

How to Prepare for NYC's Energy Reporting Standards

For any NYC buildings over 25,000 square feet, property owners must:

1. Submit annual energy and water usage data by May 1
2. Use the EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager for standardized benchmarking
3. Adhere to annual reporting deadlines to avoid penalties

These requirements allow NYC to assess building performance, set benchmarks, and support sustainability goals through targeted energy reduction strategies. For specific guidelines, see the NYC Department of Buildings resource page.

Local Law 84 Benchmarks

LL84 benchmarking's goal is to monitor energy use across large buildings in NYC, so the city can pinpoint high-usage properties and set a citywide course for feasible emission reductions.

For building owners, benchmarking provides a clear view of your property's energy and water performance. These data insights can:

- Lower your operating costs
- Boost appeal to eco-conscious tenants and investors
- Create a baseline for real, measurable improvements in energy efficiency

Annual Reporting Requirements and Financial Penalties

Annual reports must be submitted using the EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager, which helps standardize the benchmarking process across all buildings above 25,000 square feet.
According to the NYC Department of Buildings, failure to submit a compliant benchmarking report by May 1 results in a $500 penalty.

If compliance is not met by the following quarterly deadline, additional violations incur penalties of $500 per quarter, up to $2,000 per year.

How Local Law 84 Relates to Local Law 33

Local Law 33 complements Local Law 84 by adding a layer of transparency: where Local Law 84 collects data, Local Law 33 makes it public. Under Local Law 33, buildings must display an energy efficiency grade based on Local Law 84's data. This system encourages accountability, providing tenants and investors with energy performance insights to inform their decisions.

By combining Local Law 84's data collection with Local Law 33's public grading, NYC fosters a culture of energy awareness—a move toward an urban environment where buildings actively contribute to sustainability.

What benefits do building owners see from compliance with Local Law 84?

Local Law 84 compliance helps optimize energy use, which can lead to lower operating costs, improved tenant satisfaction, and a more eco-friendly property overall.

Important Notes

- Local Law 84 operates on an annual compliance cycle
- Local Law 84 benchmarks energy use, while Local Law 97 focuses on emission reductions
- Consult qualified professionals for legal compliance guidance

Looking for help benchmarking your energy usage? Read about how Cosmos can help automate your data collection and analysis to stay compliant.