New Local Laws in New York City for more solar
New Local Laws in New York City for more solar
New Local Laws in New York City for more solar
Two new Local Laws require solar systems on the roofs
New York City buildings are supposed to have more solar systems on the roofs and the city is supposed to become greener. Thanks to two local laws that came into force in November, solar panels will be obligatory on the roofs of new buildings in the future.
Two new Local Laws for greener buildings
Two new laws will provide for more solar panels in New York City. Since November 15, 2019, owners of new buildings must install green areas on the roofs, install a solar system, or a combination of both. Since last month, new applications for building projects have to comply with Local Law 92 and Local Law 94.
Also alteration projects with a vertical or horizontal extension or renewal of a roof are affected.
New York City is therefore committed to protecting the environment. The move towards more solar energy is extremely important in this context. Currently, 70 percent of the greenhous gas emissions in New York City come from building emissions but he goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Solar Laws help NYC be carbon neutral by 2050
Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca and Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin are pleased, as newspapers report. Likewise environmental activist Pete Sikora from the local nonprofit organization New York Community for Change. Nevertheless, he argues that 90 percent of square footage to be built in the city by 2050 has already been initiated or built, and so the laws do not have to be applied to it. Instead, he suggests that not only new but also existing buildings should be affected.
The two laws, Local Law 92 and Local Law 94, are part of the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA). This Act was enacted by City Council in April 2019 as part of the Mayor’s New York City Green New Deal and OneNYC 2050 plan.
In the state of California, solar systems have recently become mandatory on new buildings. Read more here. In the state of New York, New York City is making the start. Will the state follow?