Illuminate Your Building and Your Bottom Line
Local Law 88's LED Upgrade Deadline
As a co-op or condo board member, you're no stranger to making decisions that benefit both your residents and your building's bottom line. One such decision you'll want to consider is upgrading your building's lighting to LED fixtures, and you'll want to act fast: Local Law 88 requires all buildings to make this upgrade by January 1st, 2025.
While the law applies to all buildings greater than 25,000 sq ft in New York City, it's especially important for co-ops and condos with common areas such as hallways, basements, and stairwells that are typically left illuminated 24/7. Making the switch to LED not only helps your building meet regulatory requirements but can also lead to significant savings on your electricity expenses in the long run.
How does a NYC co-op or condo board know where to start with upgrading their lighting systems?
The first step is to assess the current lighting situation in the building's common areas, such as hallways, basements, and stairwells. If the lights are on in these areas even when no one is present, it's a clear indication that the current lighting system is not energy-efficient and is likely not on motion sensors.
Why is it important for co-op and condo boards to upgrade their lighting systems to comply with Local Law 88?
Local Law 88 requires all buildings in New York City to upgrade their lighting systems to energy-efficient LED lighting by January 1, 2025. Not only is compliance with this law mandatory, but it can also result in significant cost savings for co-op and condo boards. Upgrading to LED lighting can reduce energy costs by up to 65% and improve the building's bottom line.
Can co-op and condo boards retrofit their existing lighting fixtures to meet the requirements of Local Law 88?
Yes, retrofitting existing fixtures is a common and cost-effective way for co-op and condo boards to comply with Local Law 88. Retrofitting involves replacing the current light sources and ballasts with energy-efficient LED bulbs and drivers. This can be done without having to replace the entire fixture, which can result in significant cost savings for the co-op or condo board. LED has come a long way and the integrated LED panel retrofits are not only highly efficient, they also last longer much longer so there’s less work for the staff who traditionally handle replacing light bulbs.
What are some incentives available for co-op and condo boards to help cover the costs of upgrading to LED lighting?
Con Edison offers incentives to co-ops and condos who upgrade their lighting systems to meet the requirements of Local Law 88. However, these incentives are expiring, so acting now becomes the most economical alternative. The incentives can help offset the cost of materials and installation, making the upgrade more affordable for co-op and condo boards. Additionally, there may be tax incentives available at the federal and state level for energy-efficient upgrades.
How can co-op and condo boards ensure that the upgrade process goes smoothly and is completed by the deadline?
Co-op and condo boards should hire a qualified lighting professional to assess their current lighting system and recommend the best approach to meet the requirements of Local Law 88. The lighting professional can also help the co-op or condo board navigate the incentive application process, select the right equipment, and manage the installation process to ensure that the upgrade is completed by the deadline.
Complying with Local Law 88's LED upgrade deadline is a smart move for NYC co-ops and condos. Not only does it save money on electricity expenses, but it also helps lessen the strain on the electric grid and benefits the environment. Co-op and condo boards should start by conducting an audit to identify which fixtures are not on motion sensors and are inefficient. They should then seek out qualified contractors who specialize in retrofitting projects to provide a detailed scope of work and pricing. By taking these steps, co-op and condo boards can illuminate their buildings and their bottom lines, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Folson Group is a NYC energy efficiency consultant, helping buildings with all their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related policies. Services cover the entire process, from planning to implementation and completion, and clients have achieved energy reductions of up to 40%. If you are interested in making your building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, consider reaching out to The Folson Group to schedule a consultation.