New York’s older buildings have various HVAC systems. Multiple repairs have kept these heritage systems running, but they are reaching the end of their sustainability. Owners and managers face challenges mandated in LL95.

Compliance is a significant expense, but you can offset those costs by the significant incentives the state, city, and major utility providers offer. You can install energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems if you know what works for you and how to get your share of HVAC incentives.

The CMA legislates penalties for failing to comply with its processes and aims. A study commissioned by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) warns that by 2030, over 13,500 properties “could face penalties as high as $900 million each year.” Because components of the CMA do not take effect until 2024, there is no data on non-compliance.

The CMA’s key component is LL97. It sets up the ground rules and metrics for compliance. The law established rigorous carbon emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet.

On the plus side, LL97 offers incentives encouraging building owners to act aggressively to increase energy efficiency.

The NYC ENERGY STAR Program promotes energy efficiency in buildings throughout the city’s five boroughs. LL97 customized the federal ENERGY STAR program for New York.

• To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
• To benchmark the energy and water consumption in large buildings (over 25,000 square feet).
• To rate buildings on their energy efficiency compared to similar buildings nationwide.
• To certify the buildings scoring 75 or higher.

The benefits include lower operating costs, increased property value, and environmental benefits.

The NYC ENERGY STAR Program seeks to increase awareness of and demand for advanced clean energy solutions. It strengthens the CMA with an administrative procedure that drives building owners, operators, and tenants with penalties and incentives. The program assigns buildings ENERGY STAR efficiency scores based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s model. The score includes an alphabetical and numerical designation.

• A Score is equal to or greater than 85.
• B Score equals or greater than 70 but less than 85.
• C Score equals or exceeds 55 but less than 70.
• D Score is less than 55.
• F Score reveals that the building’s responsible parties did not submit the required benchmarking information.
• N Score labels the buildings exempted from benchmarking or not covered by the Energy Star program.

Owners of buildings over 25,000 square feet must post their energy rating where the public can see it.

The energy efficiency score starts with the data provided by the building owner, including the building’s size, age, location, occupancy, and 12 months of energy consumption data. Owners must enter the data into the Portfolio Manager, an interactive online tool developed by the EPA.

The Portfolio Manager analyzes the data using an online tool developed by the EPA. The analysis integrates this database with the larger data resources produced by the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS). The results identify the best-performing, worst-performing, and all the buildings in between. This audit facilitates benchmarking and scoring.

STRATCO relieves building owners of administrative burdens and tailors a strategy for improving their buildings’ positions and scores.

• A certified third-party audit focuses on resolutions.
• Analysis of the elements in your ENERGY STAR score drives future decisions.
• A best practices strategy will improve the score.
• Identify applicable incentives offered by government and energy providers.
• Secure rebates for measures completed or installed.

As the premier consultant to New York building owners, STRATCO Property Solutions helps them enhance their capital stack and improve their project yields.

• You will enhance your building’s compliance with current and expected local laws.
• Your projected energy costs will be reduced from your baseline.
• You will get technical integration and advanced building design features.
• You will receive guidance on the financially incentivized installation of energy-efficient and leading-edge products.
• You will learn how to decrease potential fines, improve your score, and appeal the score if necessary.

You might not be happy with your building’s energy efficiency letter grade. However, you can make your building a best-in-class energy user.
STRATCO continues to help owner-operators with its generation of experience navigating local laws and related regulations. It provides comprehensive guidance on obtaining financial assistance and rebates from government and utility providers.