The 2016 New York City Energy Conservation Code To Take Effect October 3, 2016

The 2016 New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) will go into effect on October 3, 2016. Adopted as Local Law 91 of 2016, the NYCECC is based on, and a modification of, the 2016 New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code (NYSECCC), which will also be implemented on October 3. Legislation is currently pending with New York City Council to amend the 2016 NYCECC based on recent changes made by the state supplement.
 

What’s new in the 2016 NYCECC?

The new code addresses the design and construction of energy-efficient building envelopes and the installation of energy-efficient mechanical, lighting and power systems through requirements emphasizing performance.

• Residential Energy Code: the major changes will include an air leakage testing requirement for all projects, and stricter requirements for spaces containing open-air combustion equipment.
• Commercial Energy Code: the major changes will include a foundation insulation requirement, regardless of whether ASHRAE or ECC is used in the analysis; air leakage testing requirement on all projects; and stricter requirements for refrigeration systems, such as walk-in coolers.
• All minor changes will be described in the presentation issued by DOB at a later date. There will be a significant number of small changes.

What does this mean for you?

Applications filed on or after October 3, 2016 will be subject to the 2016 NYCECC. Complete applications filed on or before October 2, 2016 will be subject to the 2014 NYCECC. (Note: Complete applications are those that meet the submittal requirements of Buildings Bulletin 2014-015 and include a complete energy analysis.) Incomplete applications filed on or before October 2, 2016, may be subject to the 2016 NYCECC.The DOB will be issuing revised PW-1, TR-8 and EN-1 forms. The PW-1 form will have additional information about energy analysis provided with the project (i.e., specific numbers about heating/cooling, which might or might not trigger commissioning). The TR-8 form will have one new inspection added (solar ready) and two inspections removed (projection factors and exit signs).
 
Technical questions should be emailed to energycode@buildings.nyc.gov. However, if you have questions about project filing, please reach out to your KMA project manager or to info@kmaofny.com.
 
The KM Associates team is committed to “Moving Your Project Forward”. Contact us at (212) 563-6760 or info@kmaofny.com with questions, we are here to help!