What is Local Law 97?

What it is

Local Law 97 was passed in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act. Each covered building gets an emissions limit based on its floor area and occupancy type. Actual emissions are calculated from annual energy use multiplied by emissions coefficients set in the law.

Compliance periods step down over time, with a major tightening in 2030 and further steps toward net zero by 2050. Owners file an annual emissions report, certified by a registered design professional. Some building types follow alternative pathways.

Who it applies to / where it is used

The law applies to most buildings over 25,000 square feet, and to groups of buildings on one tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet. Office, multifamily, hospitality, healthcare and institutional owners are all affected. Check current city guidance for exemptions and the specific limits for your occupancy group.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

Emissions are calculated from measured energy use, so the starting point is complete annual consumption by fuel.

• Annual electricity, gas, steam and fuel oil use for the building
• Floor area by occupancy group
• Records of efficiency measures and their measured effect
• The annual report certified by a registered design professional

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supplies verified energy reductions and carbon inputs per building, well before the compliance year closes.

• Metered consumption by fuel and building, tracked against a projected annual total
• Weather-normalized baselines through aQ EnergySmart to separate real reductions from a mild year
• Peak demand and HVAC optimization where control is enabled, with owner approval
• Exportable evidence through aQ Assurance for the registered design professional