In New York City, Local Law 87 (LL87) is key to enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. This regulation requires large buildings to complete energy audits and retro-commissioning. The process is complex and carries hefty penalties for non-compliance, highlighting the need for early action. Starting LL87 compliance reporting three or four years ahead is not just wise—it’s essential.
Retro-commissioning is a thorough process aimed at ensuring building systems operate efficiently. One pivotal reason for an early start is the time it takes to perform retro-commissioning, typically a full year. This duration is necessary because consultants must test your building’s systems during both the winter and summer seasons to accurately assess performance and identify inefficiencies. Delaying the start of this process can lead to rushed assessments and potentially overlooked opportunities for improvement.
After finding issues during retro-commissioning, buildings must fix them before the compliance deadline. This rule is mandatory, not optional. Ignoring it leads to fines. Deficiencies vary from minor repairs to major overhauls. This demands strategic budgeting and planning. Starting early gives owners time to systematically tackle these issues. It avoids last-minute, pressured fixes.
The potential for numerous deficiencies highlights the need for strategic financial planning. By initiating the compliance process well in advance, building owners can allocate funds over multiple fiscal years, easing the financial burden. This foresighted approach allows for the careful selection of contractors, competitive bidding, and potentially significant cost savings, as opposed to last-minute, premium-priced emergency services.
An often-overlooked advantage of early compliance efforts is the possibility of requesting a one-year deferral. Identifying the scope of deficiencies through a detailed retro-commissioning report enables building owners to make a well-founded case for deferral if necessary, providing additional time to address complex issues without the risk of immediate penalties.
Speaking of penalties, the financial implications of non-compliance can be steep. Late penalties range from $1,500 to $3,000, but more alarming are the fines for submitting false statements on an LL87 report, which can exceed $100,000. These potential fines underscore the importance of accurate, honest reporting and the financial risks of procrastination.
In closing, while the journey to compliance may seem daunting, the benefits of early action far outweigh the costs of delay. By planning ahead, building owners can navigate the complexities of LL87 with confidence, ensuring a smoother path to compliance and contributing to the city’s environmental sustainability goals.