As a sign of environmental laws expected to spread across the nation, the New York City Council recently enacted Local Law 97 (LL97), part of the Climate Mobilization Act. LL97, passed in May of 2019, is one of the most ambitious climate legislation established in any city on the planet.
LL97 requires the city’s largest buildings (25,000 square feet and up) to cut carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Failure to do so, or submitting inaccurate, false or late reports, could mean steep penalties for building owners—up to $1 million or more in fines per year.
Although many of its details are yet to be decided, LL97 and similar laws could go a long way in lowering global carbon emissions. As the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) points out, buildings currently generate nearly 40 percent of U.S. emissions. EESI also reports that 30 percent of buildings generate electricity from coal-burning power plants. Coal is a prime offender in ongoing climate change, and losing ground every year in the energy sector.
For these and other reasons, building owners are turning to more energy-efficient solutions that cut both emissions and costs. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, for example, generate electricity but also capture and employ the heat that is typically wasted during power production. That captured heat can be put into absorption cooling and other purposes. CHP is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a smart and effective energy-saving alternative to traditional forms of power production.
Aegis Energy’s CHP systems provide 85 percent operational efficiency, compared to the 30 percent
of traditional power plants, saving money and lowering emissions so that future caps can be met, and facilities deemed in compliance with local laws.
As an official CHP Partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we’ve installed nearly 1,000 CHP systems across the nation. We also employ our deep knowledge of existing federal, state and local incentives that could benefit your facility.
Local Law 97 is a sure sign of legislation that will reach a city near you. We can help your
facility get ahead of the curve. The first step to lowering your facility’s emissions is understanding its current consumption. Our free energy analysis will capture your facility’s usage data, pinpoint problems and offer solutions.
Contact us today.