It's 2024, which means condos in New York City must now work to reduce their carbon footprint as a result of the Climate Mobilization Act. What's included in the legislation?
And perhaps more importantly, do our experts see this type of ordinance affecting condos in other big cities? Here's what we know.
In this week's tip, we give you some basics on the law big condos must now comply with and discuss whether
your community could be facing similar requirements in the future.
The Climate Mobilization act, including Local Law 97, was passed by the New York City Council in 2019. Its requirements are kicking in this year.
Most buildings of at least 25,000 square feet must, starting this year, meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits. They'll also need to begin working now to meet the next phase of the limits—which are, as you might expect, tighter—which take
effect in 2030. Specifically covered under the law are "two or more buildings held in the condominium form of ownership that are governed by the same board of managers and that together exceed 50,000 gross square feet."
The law is pretty
complex and also vague at the same time. But at the very least, it requires condos that fall under its provisions to begin monitoring and reporting their energy use and to conduct inspections and energy audits.
We reached out to four New
York City condo lawyers to gather more information. Only one responded—and said she didn't have expertise in the law. We'll provide additional information as we learn more.
The good news—at least in terms of the burden on condos of
complying with these kinds of laws—is that New York City appears to be the only city that's forcing community associations to begin tracking, reducing, and reporting their carbon footprint. However, other states do seem to be taking more and more steps to push condos and HOAs into environmentally sustainable practices.