On December 31, 2025, the 2025 New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code (NYSECCC) will take effect, establishing a new statewide baseline for building energy performance. Shortly thereafter, New York City is expected to adopt its own 2025 New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC), which is a locally amended version that will be at least as stringent as the State Code, and often more ambitious to reflect the City’s sustainability and carbon-reduction goals.
Upcoming Transition to 2025 Codes
The New York State Department of State has confirmed that while the 2025 Uniform Code includes a short transition period through December 30, 2025, the Energy Code does not. This means that all project submissions across New York State made on or after December 31, 2025 must comply with the 2025 NYS Energy Code.
Under Section 11-109 of the New York State Energy Law, municipalities may adopt their own local energy codes, provided those codes are “more stringent than” the NYS Energy Code. New York City must file a copy of any new or amended local energy code with the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council for review and determination of stringency. However, the City’s local energy code does not take effect for design professionals until it is enacted as a local law, following approval by the City Council, the Mayor’s signature, and the effective date specified in that law.
NYC’s Energy Code Revision Process
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is currently developing the 2025 NYCECC, guided by its recently released 2025 Energy Code Revision Handbook. This effort aligns the City’s energy code with the 2025 NYS Energy Code and the latest NYStretch Code published by NYSERDA, while retaining local provisions that strengthen performance standards and compliance requirements.
Two key provisions of the New York City Administrative Code define this update cycle:
- Mandated Revision (Section 28-1001.3.1):
- Requires DOB to propose amendments to the City Council following any revision of the State Energy Code that imposes more stringent requirements than the current NYCECC, and at least once every three years since 2016. This ensures the NYC Energy Code remains current and continues to exceed state requirements.
- Local Law 32 of 2018 (Section 28-1001.3.3):
- Directs DOB to align the NYCECC with the most recent NYStretch Code (if more stringent than the State Code) and to establish metrics for predicted energy use and target performance levels by building type.
According to the DOB’s handbook, the upcoming NYCECC will continue to emphasize building envelope performance, HVAC efficiency, lighting controls, and verification procedures, advancing the City’s broader carbon-reduction and sustainability goals.
Preparing for the Update
This upcoming code cycle will have implications for design, energy modeling and compliance documentation. Early coordination with project teams and energy consultants will help ensure a smooth transition once the new codes take effect.
Stay tuned for EP Engineering’s follow up article outlining the major changes introduced in the 2025 Energy Code once the final NYC version is adopted.
For additional information, visit: