Updated for 2025 — Local Law 95 (LL95) was enacted to support the implementation of Local Law 33 (LL33), which requires large buildings in New York City to post annual energy efficiency grades. LL95 establishes how these energy labels must look, where they must be displayed, and the consequences of failing to comply.
In 2025, building owners are still required to print and post the official Energy Efficiency Rating Label near each public entrance. LL95 ensures that this label is visible, legible, and consistent across all qualifying buildings.
What Is Local Law 95?
Passed in 2019, Local Law 95 amends LL33 by creating clear design and display requirements for New York City’s energy efficiency labels. These letter grades (A–F or N) are based on ENERGY STAR scores from LL84 benchmarking reports.
While LL33 mandates the grade, LL95 governs:
- Label formatting and size
- Font style, color, and contrast
- Minimum posting height and location
- Display requirements for visibility and lighting
Together, LL33 and LL95 create a public-facing building performance system that mirrors restaurant health grades or building permit signage.
Who Must Comply with LL95?
LL95 applies to:
- All buildings covered under Local Law 33
- Properties in NYC that are 25,000 square feet or larger
- Any building that is required to benchmark under Local Law 84
This includes commercial, residential, institutional, and mixed-use buildings in all five boroughs.
Compliance Timeline for 2025
- October 1 – NYC Department of Buildings issues annual Energy Efficiency Rating Labels through DOB NOW
- October 31 – Labels must be posted near each public entrance
- Ongoing – Labels must remain posted throughout the year until a new one is issued the following fall
Failure to comply with LL95 display standards may result in a DOB violation and a $1,250 fine per year.
Key Requirements of LL95
To remain compliant, building owners must:
Download the official label
Labels are issued via DOB NOW each October. They must be printed in color, in 11″ x 17″ format, and must not be modified or altered.
Post in the correct location
Labels must be displayed at each public entrance, facing outward, not less than four feet and not more than six feet above the ground or floor.
Ensure visibility and lighting
The label must be clearly visible to the public and well-lit at all times. It must not be obscured by doors, posters, or other signage.
Replace if damaged or removed
If the label is defaced, lost, or removed during the year, it must be reprinted and reposted immediately using the original DOB-issued file.
Why LL95 Matters
Local Law 95 ensures consistency and transparency in how NYC energy grades are presented. By standardizing the format and placement of energy labels, the city empowers tenants, buyers, and the public to make informed decisions based on a building’s performance.
LL95 helps:
- Reinforce the visibility and credibility of LL33 energy grades
- Improve transparency across the real estate market
- Encourage landlords to invest in energy upgrades that improve scores
- Align building signage with NYC’s broader energy policy goals
Failure to comply may result in DOB fines, reputational damage, or missed opportunities to participate in energy incentive programs.
How Benchmarking.NYC Can Help
Benchmarking.NYC offers full compliance support for LL95, including:
- Ensuring LL84 data is submitted correctly to generate your ENERGY STAR score
- Retrieving your LL33 label from DOB NOW each October
- Providing posting templates and on-site guidance for proper display
- Offering recommendations to improve your grade for future cycles
We help you stay compliant—and help your building look good doing it.
Benchmarking.NYC 