Building Enclosure Energy Conservation and Sustainability
New York's push for net zero emissions by 2050 puts building performance under the spotlight. Buildings account for roughly two-thirds of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Local Law 97 now requires most buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce emissions or face steep penalties. Achieving these targets is especially difficult for older buildings, where inefficient enclosures—marked by leaky, low-thermal-resistance walls, aging facades, outdated windows, and inadequate insulation—hinder performance and increase energy demand.
As a building enclosure consultant, CANY approaches the living skin of the exterior envelope through the lens of holistic performance and environmental stewardship. A truly sustainable enclosure delivers high thermal performance, effectively controls air and moisture, requires minimal maintenance, and is both actively and passively energy efficient. It is composed of low-impact materials, is adaptable and resilient, and integrates seamlessly with all building systems.
Our Role: We partner with building owners, managers, and developers to improve energy performance through strategic, practical enclosure design and upgrades. By enhancing buildings from the outside in—improving insulation, airtightness, and overall envelope efficiency—we reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Our work supports both financial goals and environmental compliance, particularly under Local Law 97.
Achieving a high-performing, responsible, and sustainable enclosure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to make the process straightforward - get in touch today.
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Why Building Enclosure Energy Conservation and Sustainability Matters
Whether addressing a specific concern or integrating energy goals into ongoing maintenance (such as FISP), our strategies prioritize long-term value, minimal disruption, and practical execution. Optimizing a building’s enclosure can feel like solving a giant puzzle, we help connect the pieces.
Key elements include:
Local Law 97 compliance - most NYC buildings over 25,000 square feet must meet strict carbon emission limits.
Coordinated planning – schedule energy upgrades to coincide with FISP inspection cycles, minimizing mobilization costs and avoiding repeat work.
Challenges in older buildings –common issues like single pane glazing, excessive air leakage, land ack of insulation contribute to major energy loss.
Impact of a well-designed high-performance enclosure – improved airtightness and thermal control reduce energy waste, lower operating costs, and improve occupant comfort.
CANY’s Involvement
Energy conservation and Local Law 97 compliance can feel complex, especially when balanced against ongoing façade repairs. CANY helps simplify the process by incorporating energy-conservation upgrades into scheduled maintenance and inspection cycles, like FISP. This integrated approach helps clients reduce mobilization costs, prevent redundant work, and minimize disruption.
For buildings that require more substantial intervention, strategies like recladding or installing high-performance prefabricated panels offer measurable efficiency gains, often without displacing occupants. These improvements can be phased to move quickly, sometimes at a rate of one floor per day.
Repeated patch repairs to aging facades can become costly, particularly when scaffolding, sidewalk bridges, and site logistics are involved. CANY provides clients with clear, side-by-side comparisons of piecemeal maintenance versus full façade upgrades, using data to inform decisions on cost-effectiveness, energy savings, and return on investment.
Our Four-Step Process:
Step 1 - Initial Assessment: We conduct an ASHRAE Level 1 audit, analyze energy use, review enclosure conditions, and evaluate Local Law 97 compliance. We also complete performance modeling to pinpoint energy loss and performance gaps.
Step 2 - Targeted Strategies: We conduct ASHRAE Level 2 audits and develop retrofit or over-cladding solutions tailored to each building’s specific needs—prioritizing energy efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Step 3 - Execution and Coordination: Upgrades are implemented with minimal disruption, often alongside FISP repairs to reduce mobilization and streamline approvals.
Step 4 - Performance Optimization: We support clients in maximizing building performance post-upgrade and provide forward-looking strategies to help achieve future energy goals.
Key Benefits
Lower Energy Costs – cut heating and cooling expenses with high-performance enclosure.
Improve Interior Comfort – better thermal control and indoor conditions
Regulatory Compliance: stay ahead of Local Law 97 requirements and avoid fines.
Minimal Occupant Disruption - many upgrades can be made without vacating the building
Increased Asset Value - energy- efficient, code-compliant buildings command stringer market appeal and long-term investment returns.
Improved Envelope Durability –high- quality assemblies and expert detailing minimize maintenance and extends service life.
FAQ
How long does the retrofitting process take?
Timelines vary based on building size and complexity, but most projects take 3-4 months from assessment to completion.
Can these improvements be done while my building is occupied?
Yes, many enclosure upgrades can be completed with minimal disruption to tenants.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with Local Law 97?
Non-compliant buildings face steep fines, making proactive upgrades a practical and cost-effective choice.
