New York City’s Local Law 97, an ambitious climate plan that includes fines for owners of large buildings that don’t significantly reduce carbon emissions, has spawned innovations to address the law’s provisions.
The law aims to cut emissions from New York’s largest buildings 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In 2024, the city will begin fining owners of inefficient commercial and residential properties. Fines would rise significantly in 2030.
To avoid those penalties, a 20-year-old luxury Manhattan residential tower has installed scrubbers that capture exhaust from the building’s two natural gas boilers. The effort is part of a pilot project by startup CarbonQuest that will include five other locations.
A Brooklyn tower with 441 mixed-income residences and 30,000 sf of retail is taking another approach. It will be fully electrified, using power from community solar panels and batteries.
The new law could trigger a $20 billion market in energy retrofits in the city over the next decade. Much of that money will be spent on conventional efficiency upgrades such as adding LED light bulbs, triple-pane windows, and updating HVAC equipment including the addition of heat pumps.
Related Stories
Sustainability | May 16, 2017
1.5 million recycled plastic bottles were used to build this nine-story structure in Taipei
The building is made of Polli-Brick, a building material that comes from 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer.
Green | May 2, 2017
Green buildings don't have to cost more
What impact does sustainable design have on owners with a finite construction budget or developers who won’t own the building after construction?
Sustainability | Apr 20, 2017
The American Institute of Architects select the 2017 COTE Top Ten Awards
In its 21st year, the Top Ten Awards highlight projects that exemplify the integration of great design and great performance.
Sustainability | Apr 19, 2017
Embracing the WELL Building Standard: The next step in green
When you consider that 90% of our time is spent in buildings, how these environments can contribute to workplace productivity, health, and wellness is the logical next step in the smart building movement.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 19, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium delayed until late August
The stadium is now scheduled to open on Aug. 26 in a preseason game between the Falcons and the Jaguars.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2017
Hanging Gardens-inspired CLT residential development proposed for Birmingham
Garden Hill will provide an ‘oasis-like residence’ for Birmingham’s growing, multicultural student population.
Green | Apr 14, 2017
Sunqiao looks to bring agriculture back to Shanghai’s urban landscape
Vertical farms will bring new farmable space to the city.
Sustainability | Apr 13, 2017
How to make a concrete bunker livable
SOM’s design for New York’s second Public Safety Answering Center leans on strategically placed windows and the outdoor environment.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
