Local Law No 97 of 2019, passed as a part of the Climate Mobilization Act by the New York City Council in March 2019,[1] requires large (over 25,000 square feet in 2017) existing buildings in New York City reduce their emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
[2] The New York Post has called the law "one of the most ambitious climate legislations for buildings enacted by any city in the world.
[1] The law also aligns with and begins to implement plans laid out by New York US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Green New Deal legislation co-sponsored by Senator Markey.
Some of the retrofits buildings can consider implementing to abide by the new law could include investing in better insulated windows, dimmable lights, more efficient air conditioners and heating systems.
It is a part of the city's efforts to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.