In this episode of Inside R&E, Devin P. Kosar, a Member in the firm's Litigation Department, invites Alexander Zafran, the Director of Business Development of Logical Buildings, to share his insights on Local Law 97, which was enacted in 2019 as part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act.

During their discussion, Alex talks to Devin about his journey through the world of energy efficiency, how he was introduced to the world of energy for real estate, and why laws like LL97 are important. They dive into what Local Law 97 is, what the requirements are and the wide ranging effects of this new law. Alex and Devin discuss how building owners can navigate through the compliance requirements and avoid potentially large financial penalties for noncompliance, its overlap with other concurrent laws, and how to stay ahead of the curve with the increasingly stringent future carbon emission caps over the next several years required under Local Law 97.

Devin Kosar is the head of the Firm’s Violation Department and has extensive experience in all regulatory and administrative law matters before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, such as the Environmental Control Board, Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Health as well as the New York City Criminal Court. Kosar’s practice also involves all areas of real estate litigation including complex commercial litigation, landlord/tenant law and construction law. Additionally, Kosar also counsels and represents condominium boards in connection with condominium governance and operational matters.

Alexander Zafran is the Director of business development of Logical Buildings , where he partners with real estate owners and managers nationwide to cut energy costs, enhance efficiency, and lower their carbon footprint. Alex’s expertise spans across various sectors, including energy commodities and financial markets, energy procurement, solar generation, and smart buildings technology. His insights on New York City’s energy landscape for coops and condos have been featured in Habitat, Brick Underground, The Cooperator, and other industry publications. For buildings subject to Local Law 97, Alex’s primary goal is to eliminate the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that many are feeling right now, and replace it with a clear plan of action.

For any questions related to this episode, contact Devin P. Kosar at [email protected] or (212) 551-1208. Alexander Zafran can be reached at [email protected].

Click here to stream this episode, or view it here on YouTube.