Renewed Focus on Enforcing and Instituting Energy Efficiency
in New York City’s Buildings
Baumann Consulting’s Senior Engineer Jonathan Lemmond has published an article in Aquicore’s blog on energy efficiency and conservation codes for New York City buildings:
“New York City’s energy conservation code applies to new, existing, commercial, and residential buildings. There are a few exemptions (properties with federal and state historic designations, as well as some small renovations) but broadly the code applies to new construction and most renovations. The current code requires project teams to follow the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 code in addition to some NYC-specific requirements.
Currently around one third of residential projects and 60 percent of commercial projects in NYC do not meet the energy code. Up until very recently, enforcement was weak, with plan reviews being practically non-existent and on-site inspections only occasionally conducted. However, plan review enforcement and inspection enforcement are increasing. In 2015 an energy code review fee of $220 was instituted. As a result, permit reviewers have more funds to do their jobs. Onsite inspections have also experienced a recent uptick.”
Continue reading on Aquicore’s blog.
