The Department of Buildings recently published energy efficiency scores and grades for 2020. Energy efficiency scores and grades are required for covered buildings by the Administrative Code as amended by Local Law 33 of 2018.
Covered buildings for energy efficiency scores and grades include:
- a building more than 25,000 gross square feet
- two or more buildings on a single tax lot that are more than 100,000 gross square feet
- two or more condominium buildings that are more than 100,000 gross square feet
- a city building
The city publishes a list of covered buildings annually which can be accessed through the energy efficiency compliance instructions page. Additionally, property owners are notified via the November tax bill of the requirement to comply.
The energy efficiency score is calculated through the benchmarking tool and given a letter grade of A through F. The energy efficiency label can be printed through the DOB NOW Public Portal, see DOB Service Notice for instructions.
DOB has been issuing violations for buildings which are not displaying the energy efficiency rating which carry a civil penalty of $1,250. The label must be printed and displayed near each public entrance to a building at a vertical height of 4-6 feet. When new scores are published each year the label must be replaced. It is not required that the label be framed or laminated however it is recommend to ensure all information is visible throughout the year.