Case Study: Solar Canopy on a Brooklyn Brownstone
Sep 5, 2023With electricity rates on the rise, New York City residents are looking into greener alternatives to power their homes. A popular energy solution that New Yorkers have been switching to…
New York City’s Local Laws 92 and 94 were passed by the City Council in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA). The CMA, otherwise known as NYC’s Green New Deal, aims to guide our city towards carbon neutrality by 2050 through various initiatives towards developing energy efficiency in buildings.
NYC Local Law 92 and 94 are a pair of legislation under the CMA requiring building owners to install sustainable roofing systems – solar photovoltaic systems or green roofs – on all new roofs. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements of these laws and how to comply.
NYC Local Law 92 and 94 are a pair of laws mandating the installation of sustainable roofing zones on all rooftops undergoing major construction, both for new and existing roofs. These two pieces of legislation are grouped together because they both set forth the requirements for this specific mandate.
A “sustainable roofing zone” is defined by these laws as “areas of a roof assembly where a solar photovoltaic electricity generating system, a green roof system, or a combination thereof, is installed.”
Data collected by the City Council estimates that 70% of NYC’s carbon emissions come from buildings. Local Law 97, one of the main parts of the CMA, focuses on improving the all-around efficiency of buildings 25,000 square feet or larger. LL 92/94 were created to help this effort, by requiring solar panels or green roofs to be built on new rooftop installations of all sizes (with some exceptions).
Solar panels are an essential part of moving towards true energy efficiency. While upgrading to electric appliances – like air source heat pumps or induction cooktops – improve a building’s overall efficiency, running those appliances, and the rest of the building, off of clean solar energy is even better.
Green roofs provide a number of benefits to urban environments, including:
LL 92 and 94 mandated that beginning November 15, 2019, all new buildings and roof replacements in NYC must install a solar photovoltaic system or green roof (or a combination of the two). There are some exceptions and different requirements based on the size, classification, and slope of the roof.
The requirements of this law apply to all new roof installations in the city and are based on the square footage of “continuous” or available space on the roof. In some cases, a roof or sections of a roof may be exempt from the requirements of these laws. Here are some exceptions:
Solar systems and green roofs are both great tools for improving energy efficiency, but are not necessarily interchangeable in terms of their environmental benefits.
With just a solar PV system, you’ll be improving your building’s energy use by changing the power supply. Rather than relying on nonrenewable fossil fuels to power the building, your solar panels would provide clean, renewable electricity. This is energy that doesn’t pollute, will always be available and won’t face supply price hikes. Solar PV systems are especially beneficial for energy efficiency when used in conjunction with electric appliances like hot water heaters and air source heat pumps.
Green roofs are versatile spaces with a variety of environmental benefits. They can provide recreational areas, house agriculture and biodiversity, and improve air quality and urban heat island effects. When it comes to energy efficiency, green roofs act as insulation for buildings, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Decreasing the use of heating and cooling systems also means saving energy costs and extending the longevity of HVAC systems.
If your roof allows it, a combination of green roof and solar PV system can be a great upgrade for your building. Our patented Brooklyn Solar Canopy is elevated nine feet above the roof surface to avoid obstructions. As a result, it also provides shade and living space underneath.
Check out this green roof-canopy combo that one of our customers created:
Because some areas of your roof, like FDNY fire paths and other structures, are exempt from LL 92 and 94 coverage, you’ll need to calculate the area of your roof that needs to comply. It’s best to work with a certified design professional or contractor on this, but you can expect to subtract the following areas from your total roof area:
In order to comply with LL 92 and 94 (NYC green roof law), you should work with a contractor or design professional to determine if your roof is suitable for solar panels, a green roof, or both, or if it’s exempt from the requirements of the mandate. From there, you can choose a solar or green roof installer that best fits your building’s needs.
Building permits filed with the DOB must submit a Local Laws 92/94 of 2019 Solar and Green Roof Systems form certifying their compliance with, or exemption from, the requirements of Local Laws 92 and 94 prior to approval.
NYC has some of the most ambitious sustainability goals in the country, which is a great thing for our fight against climate change. A major part of achieving carbon neutrality is reducing the carbon emissions of our buildings by choosing renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency.
While NYC Local Law 92 and 94 apply only to new buildings and roofs, energy efficient upgrades are a great idea for any building or home. If you’re making the switch to clean energy, choose an expert. Brooklyn SolarWorks has made solar energy appealing and accessible for over 1,500 property owners across the city.
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