Software is helping this real estate giant burn less gas in NYC – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
New York City – The largest buildings in the city face a firm deadline to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Local Law 97 requires owners to cut planet-warming pollution sharply, which means replacing many fossil-fuel systems that currently heat water and interior spaces. Software tools now help building operators track energy use in real time and adjust operations to burn less gas while still meeting tenant needs.
The Scale of the Required Shift
Tens of thousands of structures must change how they deliver heat. Older boilers and hot-water systems that run on natural gas have long been the default choice for reliability and cost. Under the new rules, those systems become a growing liability because they produce the emissions the law targets. Building managers therefore look for ways to reduce gas demand without immediate full replacement of equipment.
How Software Tracks and Trims Consumption
Modern platforms collect data from sensors placed throughout a building. They monitor temperature, occupancy, and equipment performance every few minutes. When patterns show excess gas use, the software suggests small changes such as lowering supply temperatures during mild weather or shifting heating loads to off-peak hours. Over weeks and months these adjustments add up to measurable drops in fuel burned. Operators receive clear reports that show exactly how much gas was saved and where further gains remain possible.
Practical Steps for Building Teams
Teams begin by connecting existing controls to the new software. They then set baseline measurements for a full heating season. After that, the system runs continuous comparisons against the baseline and flags any drift. Staff review the alerts and decide whether to change set points, schedule maintenance, or plan longer-term upgrades. The approach keeps daily operations stable while steadily lowering emissions.
Remaining Questions for Owners
Not every building can move at the same pace. Some structures need major capital work before they can switch to electric heat pumps or other low-emission options. Software helps identify which buildings can achieve quick wins through better controls alone and which ones will require larger investments later. This sequencing reduces risk while still meeting the 2050 target.
