NYC Local Law 33 requires applicable buildings over 25,000 square feet to obtain and display an annual Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label near each public entrance. The label shows the building’s Energy Efficiency Score and Grade, based on annual energy benchmarking data.
The Energy Efficiency Grade is a letter grade—A, B, C, D, F, or N—determined by the building’s Energy Efficiency Score.
The Energy Efficiency Score is based on the 1–100 ENERGY STAR® score generated through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, which compares a building’s energy performance with similar buildings nationwide while accounting for factors such as building characteristics and climate.
The energy and water consumption of a building must be benchmarked annually by May 1 to comply with Local Law 33. The label must be printed and displayed in a clearly visible location near each public entrance no later than October 31.
The Local Law 33 compliance process generally includes:
Submit annual energy and water benchmarking data by May 1.
Obtain the Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label when it becomes available through the NYC Department of Buildings each year.
Print and display the label in a visible location near each public entrance by the applicable deadline.
Keep the current label posted until the following year’s label is issued.
At SFE, we manage Local Law 33 compliance for a diverse portfolio of properties, helping building owners and property managers stay on top of benchmarking, rating labels, and annual filing requirements. Our team simplifies the process from data submission through label compliance, helping you avoid missed deadlines and potential violations.
Failure to comply with Local Law 33 and display the Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label by the deadline will result in a DOB violation and a fine of $1,250.
Owners of properties that are listed on the Covered Buildings List for benchmarking compliance are also required to comply with Local Law 33 and post their energy efficiency rating labels.
Buildings for which required benchmarking information was not submitted on time will be assigned an “F” grade. The label with an “F” grade must still be displayed the same way as a label with any other grade – within 30 days after October 1 in a conspicuous location near each public entrance to such building until October 1 of the following year.
The label may be printed in color or in gray scale, as long as all information included in the label is clearly visible for the entire year.
Once printed, the label must:
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