June 2011
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DOB, DEP Streamlining Procedures, Adding New Rules

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Here’s a round-up of the latest news from your BOMA/NY committees—your best source of information in our industry. Though the committees covered here do not meet in the summer months, please feel free to contact Sylvester Giustino at sylvester@bomany.com should you want to benefit from membership.

Codes & Regulations/Government Affairs

After Hours. You can now renew after-hour work permits with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) on line. This new convenience can be accessed by going to www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/after_hour_variance_renewal.pdf

New Rules. The DOB also implemented new rules--effective June 13th--that increase insurance requirements for specific types of construction and demolition based on excavation depth, height of proposed construction and more. When you obtain a construction permit, you must now provide proof that the additional requirements have been met. For more information, go to http://www.nyc.gov

Heavy Fuel. NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is rolling out the Local Law 43 rules regarding the use of heavy heating oil. The law adds a green dimension by requiring that a minimum of 2% biodiesel oil must be blended into all grades of heating oil #2, #4 and #6 as of October 2012, and sulfur content in #4 heating oil must be reduced from 3,000 parts per million to 1,500. (Heating oil #6—basically, unrefined sludge—will be phased out by 2015 and #4 by 2030.) Look to the DEP for incentives and streamlined permitting in the future to help enact local Law 43 successfully.

Energy/Sustainability

You Can Help Keep It Clean. The Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning & Sustainability is looking for BOMA/NY members to voluntarily start implementing the  Clean Heat program, or phase-out of dirty fuels now, stating that "faster action is warranted". (See story above.) For more information and to enroll in the focus group, go to the Environmental Defense Fund’s website for a step-by-step guide and information on funding from NYSERDA and other sources. www.edf.org/cleanheat.

Are You Benchmarked Yet?

All buildings MUST submit their 2010 Benchmarking Compliance Report, as required by Local Law 84 no later than August 1 to avoid penalties. If you need help with compliance, a Benchmarking Service Bureau has been established and can render phone assistance through 3-1-1, 10 am to 4 pm weekdays. Two website addresses will help you in complying with your benchmarking activities:

• Required - EPA Portfolio Manager: www.energystar.gov/benchmark
• Benchmarking Submittal instructions: http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/downloads/pdf/instructions_for_submitting_template.pdf
• For questions regarding the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan: sustainability@buildings.nyc.gov, call 3-1-1 or go to www.nyc.gov/ggbp

If you need more information, consider attending a Free Information Session sponsored by the City and the US Green Building Council  on July 21st covering:

• The City's Greener, Greater Buildings Plan - What's it all about?
• Is my building "covered" under these laws?
• What is "benchmarking?"
• What will I need to do to comply?

The July 21st presentation is free and will be held from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Department of Buildings at 280 Broadway, 6th Floor Training Room,  but space is limited. To pre-register and reserve your seat for July 21st, go to http://getinvolved.usgbcny.org/site/Calendar/2036236540?view=Detail&id=105821.

Don’t Leave Money On The Table!  Commercial buildings over 50,000 sf are eligible for NYSERDA’s Benchmarking Pilot Program, which augments established FlexTech incentives by providing the first $7,000 of assistance (per building), with no cost-share required. Assistance above $7,000 will be cost shared 50-50 by the building and NYSERDA. This organization is known for its attractive rebate and assistance programs and we urge all members to avail themselves of these incentives, if possible. Find out more today by visiting http://www.nyserda.org/programs/flextech-benchmarking.