What is Local Law 87?

Local Law 87 requires buildings greater than 50,000 square feet to perform an energy efficiency audit and implement retro-commissioning measures every 10 years. The process must be completed by December 31st of the year the City of New York requires a particular building to comply. Buildings that fail to comply are fined $3,000 for the first year of non-compliance and $5,000 for every subsequent year of non-compliance.

The energy efficiency study required by Local Law 87 is designed to meet the standards of an American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) Level II Audit and is for the building owner's education only. Further, the law defines a scope of retro-commissioning measures that must be implemented for compliance.