We’ve long heard that one of the many benefits of a green certification — specifically, the plaque conferred to a building that achieves a green certification — is that the certification is an easy way for occupants and visitors to know that the building has met certain targets and made concerted efforts to be green. The plaque is like a “nutrition label” for the building.
New York City is taking that idea one step further. With Local Law 33, which became officially the law last year, and which is scheduled for implementation next year, New York buildings will be given a grade from A through D for energy efficiency. They’ll also be required to display that grade for all to see.
The grades will be required for buildings over 25,000 square feet, according to the NY Times. Buildings must submit their latest energy reports (essentially their Energy Star Portfolio Manager report) by May 2020 to get their energy efficiency grade. The grade is based on Energy Star score, with buildings over 85 getting an A. An Energy Star score of 70-84 gets you a B, 55-69 is a C, and anything less than 55 is a D. As well, the buildings must show the “year of compliance” to show that the building is up to date in its grade.
This energy grading system, and its transparency, is an important step to the city’s long-term energy efficiency and climate goals. Buildings that still have grades of D in 2024 will be subject to financial penalties.
This post was submitted by Greg Zimmerman, executive editor, Building Operating Management and FacilitiesNet.com. Read his cover story about Chris Walinski and his mission to make open offices flexible and productive.
