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Energy Efficiency & Code Compliance

Buildings generate 80% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions. Improving their energy efficiency is critical to protecting our environment. The Greener, Greater Buildings Plan is helping New York City educate building owners and dramatically cut our energy use.

Many new sustainable technologies have recently come to the marketplace that help offset these emissions, increase a building's efficiency, decrease energy dependence, and reduce costs for homeowners. Here you will find resources that review these technologies, describe the benefits they offer, and explain how they can be used within New York City.

There are several ways that you can increase the energy efficiency of you home and cut carbon emissions. Both small improvements, such as painting, and large projects, such as solar panel installation, can make a significant difference in lowering energy costs.

Whether you are building a new home, or adding onto or renovating your current home, your architect or engineer may advise you that certain additional requirements must be incorporated into your plans in order to be in compliance with the NYCECC. You can always verify the status of your application and what requirements need to be met before construction begins, by using the Buildings Information System (BIS) search tool.

Complying with the NYCECC

The purpose of the NYCECC to:

  • Make sure buildings are properly sealed by providing a tight and insulated envelope (roof, walls, windows, foundation) to keep heating and cooling inside the building while still providing fresh outside air
  • Illuminate building interiors using efficient lighting and as much daylight as possible to accomplish this; and
  • Heat and cool buildings using as much recycled energy as possible to reduce buildings' power consumption, i.e. using furnaces and air conditioning units that are sized appropriately for the size of your home.

When creating plans for your home, to comply with the NYCECC your architect and/or engineer must meet certain values for the insulation, windows, heating system, ventilation system, air conditioning, hot water equipment, lighting, and the power system.

To demonstrate compliance with the NYCECC, all New Building and Alteration Type-1, -2, and -3 applications require the following:

  • Professional Statement (mandatory for all)
  • Energy Analysis (mandatory unless the application is exempt)
  • Supporting Documentation (mandator (mandatory unless the application is exempt or compliance is not required – see Energy Analysis)

Benefits for Property Owners

The NYC Department of Finance administers a number of benefits for property owners in the form exemptions and abatements. Exemptions lower the amount of tax you owe by reducing your property's assessed value. Abatements reduce your taxes by applying credits to the amount of taxes you owe. Learn more.

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