The New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) was created to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

This code increases energy efficiency requirements for the design of new buildings, alterations and additions to existing buildings, and changes in use that significantly impact fossil fuel consumption.

Any job filed after January 1, 2015, must abide by the new 2014 Energy Code. Completed job applications filed before this date fall under the 2011 regulations.

Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Commercial buildings have the option of complying with ASHRAE 90.1/2010 standards, the prescriptive requirements in the Energy Code, or the performance requirements in the Energy Code. All five boroughs are treated the same, since they are all in Climate Zone 4.

The regulations differ between residential and commercial buildings, however, in that ASHRAE 90.1 cannot be used for residential buildings. A residential building is by definition a one- or two-family dwelling; all other residential-type buildings are considered commercial for energy code compliance.

Basics of the New Energy Code

The regulations within the energy code cover a variety of bases, from insulation to lighting.

• The code regulates the building envelope in terms of its ability to retain heat and keep out cold air. This is accomplished by requiring insulation in walls, ceilings, floors (R-value), and windows (U-factor and SHGC). There are also sealing requirements to prevent outside air infiltration.
• Equipment efficiency. Commercial buildings have performance standards to ensure an acceptable level of efficiency for building systems, such as HVAC systems, furnaces, boilers, water chillers, and water heating systems.
• Buildings must maximize their daylighting capacity, increase the efficiency of their light bulbs, and decrease energy from unused lighting and electrical outlets through automatic/manual controls. Exterior lights should automatically turn off in the presence of natural light and should reduce their power by at least 30% overnight or at any time when there is no movement in the area for 15 minutes. To further decrease the use of artificial lighting, the regulations include maximum lighting power allowances based on the occupancy type of individual rooms, spaces and the building as a whole.

For any additional questions or comments on the new Energy Code, please contact Milrose Consultants.