Summary
Details
- New York City
New York City's Climate Mobilization Act applies to organizations and individuals covered by the individual local laws within the legislative package. Depending on the provision, this includes owners of large buildings, property developers, and other parties subject to New York City's building decarbonization, green roof, solar energy, and energy performance requirements.
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Background
The Climate Mobilization Act was enacted by the New York City Council in April 2019 as a comprehensive package of local laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the city's building sector. The legislation was developed in response to the fact that buildings account for nearly 70% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions, making them the city's largest source of emissions. It also supports New York City's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aligns with the city's broader climate strategy and the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The Climate Mobilization Act combines several complementary measures addressing building emissions, renewable energy, green infrastructure, financing, and energy performance transparency. Its best-known component is Local Law 97, which introduced legally binding greenhouse gas emissions limits for most large buildings beginning in 2024. Other laws within the package promote rooftop solar and green roofs, expand energy performance labeling, and establish financing mechanisms to support building retrofits. Together, these measures are intended to accelerate the decarbonization of New York City's existing building stock while improving energy efficiency and public health.
Key Provisions
The Climate Mobilization Act includes several major initiatives:
Local Law 97: Establishes greenhouse gas emissions limits for most buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, with progressively stricter limits over successive compliance periods.
Green roofs and solar: Requires many new buildings and major roof renovations to install either a green roof, solar photovoltaic system, or a combination of both.
PACE financing: Creates the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to help finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.
Building energy grades: Expands public building energy performance disclosure through updated building energy labels.
Building decarbonization: Encourages energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, and the replacement of fossil fuel-based building systems to reduce emissions over time.
Current Status
The Climate Mobilization Act remains the foundation of New York City's building decarbonization strategy. Its implementation is now centered on Local Law 97, whose emissions limits began applying in 2024. The Department of Buildings continues to issue rules and guidance, while NYC Accelerator provides technical assistance, financing support, and compliance resources to help building owners meet their obligations.
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