Local laws are of great importance just like the federal laws- try breaking them and you will see. One of the most prominent of these laws in New York City is the famed local law 84. There is also the local law 87 and all of them pertain to energy benchmarking. Now this is a foreign term to many people but it is also picking up speed quite first not only in New York but across the country.
Benchmarking of energy
LL84 requires all buildings that are over 50,000 square feet in size to benchmark the use of energy and water. Energy benchmarking, for those who may not have a clue about it, is all about comparison of energy use. Buildings that are similar in size and function are compared to each other in terms of the consumption of energy as well as water.
This is a really smart way to keep wastage under control. All buildings should benchmark their usage of energy and water using the EPA Energy Star database before the 1st of May every year. There are companies that help you to do this benchmarking and will retain your information in a portfolio to keep track of your progress.
Energy audit
LL87 is almost similar in nature to the aforementioned local law 84. They are both about energy consumption in New York City. Local law 87 requires that all the buildings that are over 50,000 square feet be subjected to periodic energy auditing and measures of retro-commissioning. The law has its several terms and conditions that apply.
For instance the size of the building does not have to be 50,000 square feet only. Two buildings in the same tax block that amount to 100,000 in size are required to do some energy benchmarking as well. The process is actually simpler than it sounds. You simply need to get a company that will set up the benchmarking account for you then you will be good to go.