Compliance & Legislation

Energy Performance Laws

New York and New Jersey are leading the nation in building energy legislation. Understand your obligations — and how Rich Energy Solutions helps you meet them.

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What You Need to Know

The Regulatory Landscape Is Changing Fast

Cities and states are enacting aggressive building performance standards that carry real financial penalties for non-compliance. Whether you own commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use property, staying ahead of these mandates is no longer optional — it's a business imperative.

Local Law 97New York City

NYC Local Law 97

Climate Mobilization Act — Carbon Emissions Caps

Effective2024

Enacted as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 sets carbon emissions caps on most NYC buildings over 25,000 sq ft. Buildings that exceed their cap face fines of $268 per metric ton of CO₂ over the limit — penalties that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Caps tighten significantly in 2030 and again in 2035.

Penalty ExposureUp to $268/metric ton over cap annually
Official Resource

Key Requirements

Applies to buildings over 25,000 sq ft in NYC
Fines of $268/metric ton of CO₂ over the cap
Phase 1 caps: 2024–2029 | Phase 2: 2030–2034 | Phase 3: 2035+
Annual compliance reports due May 1 each year
Covered buildings must benchmark energy use via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Local Law 84New York City

NYC Local Law 84

Annual Energy & Water Benchmarking

Effective2010

Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking of energy and water consumption for NYC buildings over 25,000 sq ft using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. The data is submitted to the city and made publicly available, creating transparency and accountability across the building stock.

Penalty ExposureUp to $3,000/year for non-compliance
Official Resource

Key Requirements

Mandatory annual benchmarking for buildings 25,000+ sq ft
Submission deadline: May 1 each year
Data is publicly disclosed by the city
Non-compliance fines up to $3,000 per year
Local Law 88New York City

NYC Local Law 88

Lighting Upgrades & Sub-Metering

Effective2025

Local Law 88 requires non-residential buildings over 25,000 sq ft to upgrade lighting to meet current energy code standards and install electrical sub-meters for tenant spaces over 10,000 sq ft. These upgrades must be completed by January 1, 2025.

Penalty ExposureFines for non-compliance with lighting and sub-metering requirements
Official Resource

Key Requirements

Lighting upgrades required to meet current NYC energy code
Electrical sub-metering required for tenant spaces over 10,000 sq ft
Compliance deadline: January 1, 2025
Applies to non-residential buildings over 25,000 sq ft
NJ BPUNew Jersey

New Jersey Energy Master Plan

Statewide Decarbonization & Efficiency Goals

Effective2019

New Jersey's Energy Master Plan sets a goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 and drives aggressive utility incentive programs through the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The Direct Install Program and MultiFamily Program are key mechanisms for achieving these goals — providing grant funding to help building owners upgrade aging equipment at little or no cost.

Penalty ExposureNo direct penalties — incentive-driven compliance framework
Official Resource

Key Requirements

100% clean energy goal by 2050
Utility incentive programs funded through the NJ BPU
Direct Install Program: up to 100% grant funding for small commercial
MultiFamily Program: up to 70% grant funding for affordable housing
Administered through PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, and other utilities
Our Process

How Rich Energy Solutions Helps You Comply

Navigating building performance laws is complex. Rich Energy Solutions provides end-to-end support — from benchmarking and energy audits to design, installation, and compliance documentation — so you can meet your obligations without disruption to operations.

01

Energy Audit & Benchmarking

We assess your building's current energy use and establish your baseline in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

02

Compliance Gap Analysis

We identify which laws apply to your property, calculate your current emissions or energy use vs. the applicable cap, and quantify your penalty exposure.

03

Upgrade Design & Funding

We design the right package of energy efficient measures and secure available utility incentives and financing to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.

04

Installation & Documentation

Our certified trade allies handle all installation work and provide the compliance documentation you need for annual filings.

Don't Wait for a Penalty Notice

The compliance deadlines are here. Let Rich Energy Solutions assess your building's exposure and put together a plan to bring you into compliance — often at no upfront cost.

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