It might not seem like it, but the air is cleaner in New York City than it was even just a few years ago.
That’s because every building in the city is now in compliance with Local Law 43, enacted in 2010 by former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. The legislation mandated that all buildings in New York City using No. 6 heating oil convert to cleaner grades – either No. 4 or No. 2 – by July 1, 2015, and according to a report from The Cooperator, the city achieved the elimination of No. 6 oils earlier this year.
But that’s just the beginning. By 2030, all properties are scheduled to convert to No. 2 oil or natural gas, or a combination of both known as “dual fuel.” In addition, according to Patrick Love, the New York City Carbon Challenge coordinator in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability under Mayor Bill de Blasio, the city has targeted a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.
Building owners and managers have plenty of resources to help them navigate upcoming changes.
Through the new NYC Retrofit Accelerator, the city will help building owners and managers with technical assistance and recommendations from efficiency advisers at no cost. The new Retrofit Accelerator has also taken over as the administrating program for NYC Clean Heat, and offers recommendations and consultations in advance of the next 2030 conversion deadline.
It’s crucial that, as a building owner or manager, you understand the infrastructure changes you’ll need to make the transition to a different fuel source. Many building owners remain unaware that when converting to cleaner-burning fuel alternatives like natural gas, existing ventilation and chimney structures will require an inspection and often a new lining installed to ensure safe operation and exhausting.
At Heritage Chimney Service, we have been installing new chimney liners and helping buildings across the five boroughs and Long Island ensure that they are in compliance and ready for the greener energy future. For more information, call us today at 631-265-2780 or 917-748-8569, or request an appointment online now.
