Bill > S07998

This bill introduces new regulations to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of buildings and building materials in New York State, focusing on new construction, additions, and renovations of 25,000 square feet or larger. The legislation requires construction projects to achieve a 15 percent reduction in embodied carbon emissions by 2030, with a goal of reaching a 30 percent reduction by 2033. The bill provides three compliance options: (1) maintaining at least 45 percent of an existing building's structure and envelope, (2) demonstrating a reduction in emissions for specific covered products (including concrete, steel, engineered wood, and other materials) by using product-specific environmental declarations, or (3) conducting a whole building life-cycle assessment comparing the proposed building to a reference building. The bill mandates that design professionals document and attest to the carbon emissions reductions, with the state department responsible for creating a public database to track compliance, developing educational resources, and conducting random audits. Key terms are defined, including "embodied carbon emissions" (greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product's entire lifecycle) and "global warming potential" (the climate change impact measured in carbon dioxide equivalent). The department is also required to report progress towards emissions reduction goals every three years.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7998