Several years ago, a local law was passed as part of New York City’s effort to combat global warming. This law provided that as of 2020, buildings larger than 25,000 square feet are required to post a Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label containing the building’s energy efficiency grade at each public entrance. The label must be posted at each public entrance of your building by October 31, 2020. If you have not done so, luckily the solution is simple, all you are required to do is access the Department of Buildings (DOB) NOW portal to download your label and post it in a conspicuous location at each public entrance of your building. The label must be displayed at a vertical height no less than four feet and no more than six feet from the ground or floor level of your building and it must not be defaced, marred, camouflaged, or hidden from public view. The label must be displayed year-round and replaced each year with the latest issued version.

Buildings that fail to comply will face an annual fine of $1,250 and a Department of Buildings violation. However, not all buildings larger than 25,000 square feet are required to comply. Buildings with an N grade, that contain a data center, television studio, and/or a trading floor that is larger than ten percent of its gross floor area are exempt from compliance. Some mixed-use buildings that do not meet requirements for a score and multifamily buildings with fewer than 20 units may receive an N grade and be exempt from compliance.

If you are unsure whether your building is required to comply, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gallet Dreyer & Berkey, LLP, where we will assist you with any questions or concerns regarding the energy efficiency grading system and related matters. You may also find additional information on DOB’s Benchmarking and Energy Efficiency Grading page.