As reported by Axios, New York City is joining a growing list of cities, counties, and states that have adopted “building performance standards” as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions and commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. As the list of places that adopt these policies grow, it will be critical for homeowners, developers, and landowners to strengthen their structure’s building envelope by utilizing innovative building materials, like spray foam insulation, to comply with these laws, but more importantly lower emissions, help to create a more sustainable planet, all while reducing energy bills long term (which are only expected to increase in cost).
New York City joins four states and nine cities and counties that have adopted these policies – policies that may be adopted nationally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 13 percent of carbon emissions originate from residential and commercial buildings. Cities are leading the charge in adopting these “building performance standard” as these large buildings are typically concentrated in cities.
The New York City law, Local Law 97, which was passed in 2019, goes into effect on January 20, 2024. The law applies to all 50,000 city buildings, which according to lawmakers, collectively “account for approximately two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City.”
Decarbonizing a building often requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating the use of energy-efficient appliances, but also insulating and air-sealing a building. It’s estimated that 40% of a building’s energy is lost when air escapes through various gaps, holes, cracks, and air leaks. Not properly insulating and air-sealing a building can lead to unnecessary energy waste and emissions. One of the best ways to air seal and insulate any building is by installing spray foam insulation.
Experts, like John Fernandez, Director of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, and Mandy Mahoney, Director of Building Technologies at the EPA, agree that building owners should ensure their insulation needs are met before they purchase new energy-efficient appliances. “The last thing you want to do is have a really high-efficiency, low-carbon system that’s just pumping heat or air conditioning into a building that’s just leaking,” says Fernandez.
The article reports that some landlords and building owners are looking forward to the reduction in energy bills as a result of making these energy efficient changes. Using spray foam insulation can save consumers up to 30% on their energy bills. A worthwhile investment in energy-efficient products, such as upgrading insulation, can not only protect a building year-round, but through programs made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are also eligible for tax credits. Consumers that realize the benefits of installing spray foam insulation can expect to see nearly a threefold return in savings.
The law in New York City is an opportunity to embrace innovative building materials like spray foam insulation, which is proven to lower emissions, reduce energy bills, and improve home comfort.