BuildingFi · Updated September 15, 2026
How to use your LL97 estimate
Use the lookup to find an available NYC building record and screen its modeled emissions exposure. Start with the matching address, the energy-data year and the calculation assumptions. The result helps you prepare questions for your owner, manager or compliance professional.
Does Local Law 97 apply to my building?
LL97 generally covers buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet, multiple buildings on one tax lot exceeding 50,000 square feet together, and certain condominium groups exceeding 50,000 square feet. Building characteristics determine exceptions and compliance pathways. Check the DOB requirements and current covered-buildings list.
A borough-block-and-lot number (BBL) identifies a tax lot; a Building Identification Number (BIN) identifies a building. One lot can contain several buildings. Confirm both identifiers before using a result. A missing lookup or list entry does not establish an exemption.
What information does an LL97 calculator use?
An emissions estimate converts energy use by source into metric tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e). The applicable building uses and floor areas determine the emissions limit. Coefficients, limits and calculation options depend on the compliance period; mixed-use buildings need particular care. Consult DOB’s calculation and reporting rule.
- Record identity: confirm the address, BBL, BIN and whether energy data spans multiple buildings.
- Data year: check the LL84 year shown in the result. It identifies the public energy record used for screening, not proof of a current LL97 filing.
- Period: distinguish the 2024–2029 estimate from the 2030–2034 comparison.
- Inputs: review floor area, use classification and energy sources in the record and calculation panel. Reconcile them with your own records.
- Uncertainty: investigate missing inputs and recent building changes. A confidence label does not certify compliance.
The lookup uses available public data. It does not accept replacement utility inputs here, and an older record may not reflect recent equipment work. Treat the later-period comparison as a screening scenario, not a forecast of future consumption or a certified compliance calculation.
How is the excess-emissions amount calculated?
Hypothetical example: assume an Article 320 building emits 600 tCO₂e annually and its applicable limit is 500 tCO₂e, before relevant adjustments or deductions.
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Emissions above the assumed limit | 600 − 500 = 100 tCO₂e |
| Basic excess-emissions estimate | 100 × $268 = $26,800 per year |
The $268 rate comes from DOB’s Article 320 violations guidance. This arithmetic does not establish your building’s correct inputs, include filing penalties, determine mitigation or represent a DOB bill. If emissions do not exceed the applicable limit, the basic excess-emissions amount is zero; other obligations may remain.
Does a result below the cap mean I have complied?
No. Article 320 requires annual reporting certified by a registered design professional. Some buildings follow another pathway, including Article 321. Confirm the pathway and filing status separately through DOB’s official guidance.
LL84 benchmarking reports energy and water use; it is not an LL97 compliance certificate. LL87 audits and retro-commissioning investigate performance and operation for certain buildings every ten years. This lookup replaces neither professional work nor required reporting.
What should an owner or manager do next?
- Find the building and record its identifiers, data year and displayed assumptions.
- Ask your compliance professional to verify the pathway, energy inputs, floor areas and any applicable adjustments.
- Use the verified gap to investigate improvements. Compare project costs and expected energy effects before making a budget decision.
For help exploring improvements, NYC Accelerator offers free assistance with energy-efficiency and renewable-energy upgrades. Financing eligibility and terms require a separate review.
Check your building