Local Law 84, also known as the New York City Benchmarking Law, requires owners of buildings over 25,000 square feet in New York City to annually measure and report their energy and water usage. Here are some practical tips and step-by-step instructions for building owners to comply with Local Law 84:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Requirements
Read and understand the full text of Local Law 84, including the reporting deadlines, submission process, and compliance requirements. Familiarize yourself with the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, which is the online tool used for benchmarking and reporting.
2. Collect Building Data
Gather all relevant data needed for benchmarking, including utility bills, building characteristics (such as square footage, number of units, and occupancy type), and energy consumption information (such as heating, cooling, lighting, and water usage).
3. Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Account
If you don’t already have one, create an account on the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager website (energystar.gov). This is the online platform where you will enter your building’s data and generate the benchmarking report.
4. Enter Building Data
Enter all relevant data for your building into the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, including utility bills, building characteristics, and energy consumption information. Be sure to double-check your entries for accuracy.
5. Verify Data Accuracy
Review and verify the data entered into the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for accuracy. Make sure that all utility bills are accounted for, and that the data reflects the actual energy and water usage of your building.
6. Generate Benchmarking Report
Use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to generate the benchmarking report required by Nyc Local Law 84. This report will include your building’s energy and water usage, as well as its energy performance compared to similar buildings in the area.
7. Submit Benchmarking Report
Submit your benchmarking report to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) by the annual deadline, which is typically May 1st of each year. The benchmarking report must be submitted electronically through the DOB’s online portal.
8. Retain Records
Retain all records related to your building’s energy benchmarking for a minimum of three years, as you may be required to provide additional documentation upon request from the DOB.
9. Update Benchmarking Data Annually
Remember that Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking, so you will need to update your building’s data in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and submit a new benchmarking report every year.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you find the benchmarking process complex or challenging, consider seeking professional help from an energy consultant or a qualified third-party provider who can assist you with data collection, verification, and report submission.
By following these practical tips and step-by-step instructions, building owners can ensure compliance with Local Law 84 and contribute to the city’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Common Challenges and Best Practices Local law 84
Local Law 84, also known as the New York City Benchmarking Law, has been in effect for several years, and building owners have faced various challenges in complying with its requirements. Here are some common challenges and best practices for building owners to consider:
Common Challenges:
- Data Collection: Collecting accurate and comprehensive data on utility bills, building characteristics, and energy consumption can be challenging, especially for older buildings or those with multiple tenants. Utility bills may be missing or incomplete, and gathering information from different sources may require coordination and effort.
- Data Verification: Ensuring the accuracy of data entered into the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager can be challenging. It may require cross-referencing with different sources, verifying meter readings, and identifying and correcting errors or discrepancies.
- Reporting Deadlines: Meeting the annual reporting deadline of May 1st can be challenging, especially if data collection and verification processes take time. Building owners need to plan and allocate resources to ensure timely submission of benchmarking reports.
- Compliance for Covered Buildings: Determining whether a building is cover by Local Law 84 and subject to benchmarking requirements can be complex, as the law has specific criteria based on building size, occupancy type, and other factors. Building owners need to accurately determine if their buildings are cover and take appropriate action accordingly.
Best Practices:
1. Establish Data Management Procedures:
Develop clear procedures for collecting, verifying, and managing data relate to energy and water usage. This may involve establishing a system for recording utility bills, updating building characteristics, and tracking energy consumption data regularly.
2. Use Standardized Templates
Use standard templates or forms to collect data from tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure consistency and accuracy. This can help streamline the data collection process and reduce errors.
3. Invest in Energy Monitoring Systems
Consider investing in energy monitoring systems, such as automated meter reading (AMR) or building energy management systems (BEMS), to collect and track energy consumption data more efficiently and accurately.
4. Train Staff and Tenants
Provide training to building staff and tenants on the importance of energy benchmarking, data collection, and accuracy. This can help raise awareness and encourage cooperation in providing the necessary data for compliance.
5. Plan Ahead for Reporting Deadlines
Develop a timeline and plan ahead for meeting the annual reporting deadline of May 1st. Allocate sufficient time and resources for data collection, verification, and report submission to ensure timely compliance.
6. Seek Professional Assistance
Consider engaging energy consultants, sustainability experts, or qualified third-party providers to assist with data collection, verification, and report submission. These professionals can provide expertise and streamline the benchmarking process.
7. Maintain Records
Keep records of all benchmarking reports, data, and supporting documentation for a minimum of three years, as require by Local Law 84. This can help with audits or inquiries from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
Complying with Local Law 84 may present challenges, but implementing best practices can help building owners streamline the benchmarking process, ensure accuracy of data, and meet reporting deadlines. By doing so, building owners can contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts and improve their building’s energy performance.
Conclusion
Complying with Local Law 84, the New York City Benchmarking Law, may require effort and coordination, but it is essential for building owners to contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and improve their building’s energy performance.
Common challenges such as data collection, data verification, reporting deadlines, and compliance for cover buildings can be address through best practices such as establishing data management procedures, using standard templates, investing in energy monitoring systems, training staff and tenants, planning for reporting deadlines, seeking professional assistance, and maintaining records. By implementing these best practices, building owners can ensure accurate benchmarking reports and timely compliance with Local Law 84, ultimately leading to more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
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