What does the Green Roofs Act mean for NYC?
New York City's skyline may look a little different in the near future, and that's due to the Green Roofs Act. A part of the Climate Mobilization Act, these laws reduce the effects of climate change and lower carbon emissions.
NYC's Climate Mobilization Act and its goals for climate change
In 2019, NYC passed the Climate Mobilization Act, a group of bills designed to reduce carbon emissions and limit the effects of climate change. The forward-thinking, one-of-a-kind legislation calls for aggressive building changes by 2030 and 2050.
We've seen many of these goals reflected goal in the 2020 NYCECC. But also in NYC's goal for a net zero carbon footprint by 2050 has come the Green Roofs Law, or Local Laws 92 and 94.
How the Green Roofs Act affects NYC buildings
With the Green Roofs Law, Central Park may not be the greenest spot in the city for much longer. Adopted in May of 2019 and went into effect in November 15, 2019, the laws do have some exemptions. But, for the most part, they require new construction and buildings undergoing expansion (or making significant roof changes) to include sustainable roofing zones. The laws define these zones as certain types of green roof systems, solar panels or wind-turbine systems, or an integrated approach using both.
A few things to consider when filing
Feel free to contact us with questions about exceptions to installing green roofing systems or about filing. There are different file requirements for some types of green roofing (generally 4 inches of vegetation or less).
In most cases, filing will need to be done by a New York State certified professional engineer (PE) or a registered architect. This ensures the roofing structures can withstand the added load of the green roofing system, including added weight after rain or snow. We can walk you through all other filing requirements that apply to your building.
What to know about filing to comply with the Green Roofs Act
Any filings that were approved by 3 p.m. on November 14, 2019, do not have to complete certification of a green roofing system. But, if you filed a building application or moderate- to large-scale roofing project on or after November 15, 2019, your project will need to comply with the Green Roof Act.
Benefits of green roofing systems
These new requirements require research, planning, and permitting—and upfront costs. But green roofing systems carry benefits beyond climate change and can save building owners money over the long haul.
Reduce your energy costs. A study out of Canada showed that some green-roofing systems lowered energy usage by nearly 75% during summertime.
Lower heat build-up and help with building efficiency. With so much concrete and pavement, there's no denying heat builds up in the city. Rooftops are especially hot because of direct sunlight. Green roofing systems help lower surrounding temperatures on the rooftop, which means it's less work for an HVAC system to cool air.
Improve the lifespan of your roofing. This one can come as a surprise. But it's true. Green roofs protect roofing from the sun's rays and high temperatures. As a result, building owners can enjoy lowered roof maintenance costs over time. Green roofs may also double the overall lifespan of the roof.