New York City’s Local Law 97 (“LL97”) is a mandatory regulation in effect since 2024 and a transformative step in urban sustainability. Part of the Climate Mobilization Act of 2019, it aims to cut greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from large buildings by 40% by 2030. As a property owner or manager, understanding and complying with LL97 is critical to avoiding hefty penalties and supporting the city's ambitious climate goals.

Understanding LL97 compliance

Buildings over 25,000 square feet are the primary focus of LL97, as they contribute 70% of NYC’s carbon emissions. This law sets annual carbon emission limits for such properties based on their size and use. Exceeding these limits will result in fines of $268 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). The law requires building owners to annually report emissions and energy use, with compliance reports due starting 2025.

The challenge for property owners

Complying with LL97 requires balancing operational efficiency with financial investment. Many buildings may need retrofitting, energy-efficient systems, or renewable energy solutions. Non-compliance penalties can escalate over time, making proactive planning critical. This poses particular challenges for owners of older buildings with outdated infrastructure.

Leveraging the Secure platform for compliance

Navigating LL97’s complex requirements can be daunting. Secure, powered by Retransform, is a smart building ecosystem designed to simplify this process. It features an automated LL97 compliance system that:

• Tracks energy efficiency and carbon limits for your assets.
• Files compliance reports directly to LL97 authorities.
• Integrates with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a critical tool for meeting LL97 regulations.

With its user-friendly design, all of these functions can be managed with just a few clicks. Additionally, Secure enables:

• Decarbonisation project simulations, allowing owners to decide whether to invest in upgrades or pay fees for exceeding carbon budgets.
• Holistic building data, analytics, and benchmarking for informed decision-making.
• Digital twins and AI-enabled controls to transform buildings into intelligent, self-managing ecosystems.
• Support for ESG initiatives, reducing carbon footprints with advanced data visualisation dashboards that provide metrics like water usage, waste, and indoor air quality, aligned with frameworks such as GRESB and accreditation schemes.
• Emission tracking to monitor carbon emissions in real time against LL97 thresholds.
• Liability identification for pinpointing LL97-liable assets, calculating potential emission fees, and simplifying compliance reporting.
• Energy emissions analytics that offer benchmarking, efficiency scores, grades, and ENERGY STAR reports to improve energy performance.
• Decarbonisation modelling to simulate retrofitting projects’ impact on greenhouse gas emissions and compare financial benefits against potential LL97 fines.

By leveraging these capabilities, Secure empowers property owners to ensure LL97 compliance, enhance building performance, and unlock long-term sustainability opportunities.

Preparing for a sustainable future 

LL97 is a bold regulatory step towards a greener NYC. While its implementation presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovation in building management and energy efficiency. By leveraging tools like the Secure platform and proactively investing in sustainable practices, you can navigate LL97 successfully and contribute to a more sustainable urban landscape.

Ready to simplify LL97 compliance? Let the Secure platform guide you every step of the way.

About Retransform

Retransform, an Apex Group company, is a global real estate service provider offering Proptech, Technology Solutions and Business Managed Services to commercial, retail, residential, and corporate real estate customers. Retransform are experts in developing and implementing state-of-the-art technology tailored to their clients’ business requirements. With offices across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Australia, Retransform serves over 300 customers, supporting more than 2 billion sq. ft. of real estate globally.

Ready to take the next step toward a more sustainable future? Learn more and request a demo today!