If you own or manage a building in New York City, you’re required to post your property’s energy efficiency grade where the public can see it. This requirement comes from Local Law 95 of 2019, part of NYC’s effort to improve building energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New York City Local Law 95 (LL95) is part of a broader set of building legislation aimed at improving transparency, energy efficiency, and sustainability in construction. It amends the New York City Administrative Code and Building Code, with a primary focus on building energy performance transparency and the benchmarking process.
LL95 requires covered buildings over 25,000 square feet to post an annual energy efficiency grade (A-F) in a visible location, typically near the main entrance, by October 31st each year. These grades are based on energy and water data collected through Local Law 84 (LL84). Failing to post the label or posting it incorrectly may result in a civil penalty of $1,250 per year.
LL95 builds on Local Law 33 (LL33), which first introduced the concept of energy grades in 2018. While LL33 set the idea in motion, LL95 standardized the grading process, strengthened enforcement, and made posting mandatory, ensuring that energy performance is both transparent and actionable.
Grades are based on your building’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager score from the prior calendar year.
A: Score is 85 or higher
B: Score is 70 to 84
C: Score is 55 to 69
D: Score is 54 or lower
F: Failure to submit benchmarking data
Each year, owners must submit their building’s energy data (LL84) by May 1 through the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager system. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) then issues the official grade, which must be posted by October 31.
Your grade isn’t just about compliance—it’s about your reputation, tenant satisfaction, and property value. A poor grade is visible to everyone walking in your door, while a great grade can be a point of pride.
We provide end-to-end LL95 compliance support to help you meet posting requirements and avoid penalties:
Annual benchmarking & energy data submission
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager score review and verification
Official energy grade label preparation and posting guidance
Support to improve your score before it becomes public
We help building owners meet LL95 posting requirements, avoid penalties, and improve their energy grade.
