Updated: December 17, 2024
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has amended Section 103-14 of its rules to support compliance with Local Law 97 (LL97), a critical step toward achieving the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals. Here’s what you need to know:
Understanding the Rule Updates
The updated rule outlines clear guidelines for managing building emissions, including:
- New coefficients for biofuel and co-generation emissions calculations.
- Revised equations for campus-style electricity systems and beneficial electrification.
- Use of high-integrity GHG offsets to meet compliance standards.
Introducing the Affordable Housing Reinvestment Fund (AHRF)
The AHRF is a groundbreaking initiative to generate GHG offsets through electrification projects in affordable housing. These offsets are:
- Quantifiable, verifiable, and permanent.
- Designed to promote environmental, health, and economic benefits for NYC.
- Administered by a third party in partnership with DOB and HPD.
What This Means for Building Owners
- Efficiency Standards: Qualified generation facilities must meet updated efficiency and emissions standards.
- GHG Offsets: AHRF offsets are the only offsets eligible for compliance with LL97.
- Biofuel Use: Biofuel coefficients now reflect their lower lifecycle emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Key Compliance Periods
- The DOB clarified that GHG offsets and deductions are available for each compliance period, ensuring flexibility for building owners striving to meet LL97 targets.
For more information, including the updated equations, visit…
If you’re part of our New York City construction industry and would like to keep informed of new developments and how your project could be affected, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list. We’ll also send you our complimentary, comprehensive guide to New York City DOB’s new Chapter 33 Building Code revisions.
Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
The 100-page book is meticulously organized and can be used as a handy reference when many common issues arise. In each section, the specific revisions are highlighted, and the new information is presented in a clear and practical manner with further explanation on why the change is so important. All of this, reviewed and vetted by one of New York’s longest serving, former DOB professionals – Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio.
More on Our Construction Solutions Team
Cahill Strategies is a team comprised of skilled construction industry strategists dedicated to guiding clients through the intricate regulatory and political landscape, resulting in propelling projects within New York City to completion. Our expertise lies in representing large general contractors, sub-contractors, construction management firms, design professionals, and owners/developers.
- Liaising with City and State regulatory agencies such as NYC DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks, HPD, DOF, DOH, DOE, and others;
- Liaising with elected officials and other stakeholders such as NYC Mayor, City Council, Community Boards, NYS Governor, Senate and Assembly;
- Liaising with public utilities, such as ConEd, National Grid, Water & Sewer;
- Liaising with private utilities and telecommunication companies;
- Facilitating submissions to City and State regulatory agencies, Community Boards and other decision makers for project support and approval;
- Consultation on Stop Work Orders, Violations, Commissioner’s Orders and other enforcement actions; and
- Consultation and negotiating fines with the NYC or NYS Department of Finance, and other City and State regulatory agencies.
New York Construction Solutions
Cahill Strategies has experience representing large general contractors, construction management firms, owners, and developers. A key to our success is our vast network of decision makers that we have the ability to reach on your behalf. Additionally, our team is involved in the legislative and regulatory processes at the Federal, State, and Local levels which affect the construction industry in New York State, New York City, and surrounding regions. We possess the knowledge of industry standards and trends, along with key relationships that will bring your projects to fruition. Read more…
Receive Our Construction Updates…
Helpful Links:
Contact Us:
Get to know Bobby D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie Ross
It is with great pleasure that Cahill Strategies welcomes veteran DOB safety leader Bernie Ross as Senior Construction Safety Associate.
Bernard “Bernie” Ross is former New York City Department of Buildings Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. With more than 20 years serving the DOB as a Construction Inspector, Supervising Inspector, Director Major Projects, and finally, Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. Read more about Bernie here…
Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.