Most buildings over 25,000 square feet are required to upgrade their lighting systems to meet current energy code and install submeters in tenant spaces over 5,000 square feet as part of Local Law 88 compliance. It’s critical that building owners work with an engineering team that doesn’t just file paperwork but delivers a strategic approach to compliance, performance, and long-term savings.

The insights gathered through the LL88 process can help owners identify opportunities for reducing energy waste, improving lighting s

ystem performance, and supporting compliance with other mandates like Local Law 97. When designed properly, lighting and control upgrades can lower energy use by up to 75%, extend equipment life, and reduce a building’s carbon emissions exposure.

A qualified engineering team can help owners not only meet LL88 requirements but also unlock the full benefits of the upgrades by integrating design, vendor coordination, and utility incentive capture. RKB’s goal is to achieve compliance in the first year while ensuring practical and cost-efficient lighting upgrades without compromising safety, tenant satisfaction, or building operations. We develop a retrofit plan tailored to each space while incorporating available utility incentives, and outlining proposed lighting control operations to prevent unnecessary disruptions to occupants.

RKB’s LL88 compliance services include:

1. Site survey and walkthrough(s) to document compliant and non-compliant areas

2. Share detailed report with owner noting areas of needs for improvement

3. Support the detailed scoping of upgrades with detailed surveys, specifications, and controls improvements necessary for compliance

4. Complete Project Management for improvement projects

5. Submetering solutions for covered tenant spaces

6. Capturing of available utility incentives (ILIP and AMEEP)

Most high-performing buildings have already upgraded their lighting and submetering systems. For those that haven’t, replacing incandescent, fluorescent, or outdated LED fixtures with modern lighting and controls can significantly reduce operating costs and enhance the indoor environment for occupants. It’s important to consider the full range of benefits that come with ensuring your building complies with Local Law 88.