NYC Local Law 97 Compliance: Interior Window Inserts are a Smart Solution

Below, we explore the significance of Local Law 97, what it means for building owners and tenants, and practical steps to enhance building energy efficiency.

In New York City, skyscrapers and other large buildings are responsible for nearly 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions is crucial for reaching the city’s ambitious climate goals, which include eliminating 6 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

NYC Local Law 97 is a groundbreaking initiative that sets emissions limits based on building occupancy classifications. It aims to cut emissions from large buildings by 40% by 2030 and by an impressive 80% by 2050 (compared to 2005 levels).

But what does Local Law 97 mean for building owners and tenants?

Simple: if you aren’t already thinking about how to make your building(s) more energy efficient, it’s time to get started. The City of New York reports that 89% of buildings are already on track to comply with 2024 limits, but many still need to take steps to meet the tighter emissions targets coming in 2030.

Whether you’re currently working toward 2024’s emissions goals or looking ahead to 2030, building owners should start by identifying key areas where energy is being lost. From temperature controls to plumbing to fixtures like windows and doors, large buildings provide numerous opportunities to improve efficiency.

Windows are often a significant culprit in energy inefficiency. According to the US Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, and during cooling seasons, approximately 76% of sunlight entering standard double-pane windows turns into heat.

Practical measures for reducing building emissions include:

These are all great places to get started, but if your goal is to reduce emissions, improving the efficiency of your windows is a powerful place to start.

Window coverings like curtains and films can help mitigate heat loss, but they aren’t as effective or durable as more permanent solutions like new, energy-efficient windows. However, replacing your windows entirely isn’t always an option, especially when you own a large building.

That’s where interior window inserts like Cityproof Citiwindows® come in.

Interior window inserts are installed on the inside of your existing windows, creating a buffer zone between the exterior window and the new interior insert. This buffer not only reduces sound but also significantly improves energy efficiency by providing an additional layer of insulation against extreme outdoor temperatures.

Each Cityproof Citiwindow insert is custom-built and precisely measured to fit your existing window frame, ensuring there are no gaps and providing a perfect seal.

This can lead to annual energy savings of up to 30%.

Interior window inserts offer numerous benefits beyond energy efficiency:

NYC Local Law 97 sets strict emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet, affecting up to 50,000 of NYC’s largest buildings. It impacts residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, with specific exemptions for certain types like affordable housing. Non-compliance will result in hefty fines based on the amount of a building’s excess emissions.

To support building owners in meeting these new requirements, the law also offers financial incentives and technical assistance for necessary upgrades and improvements.

Adopting interior window inserts is a smart and efficient way to not only comply with NYC Local Law 97 but also enhance the comfort and value of your building. By taking proactive steps today, building owners can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for New York City.