For NYC building owners & managers
Local Law 97 & Window Film: A Practical Efficiency Measure
Window film won't make a building compliant on its own — but by cutting solar heat gain and easing cooling load, it's one of the faster, lower-disruption improvements you can add to a broader efficiency plan.
The basics
What is Local Law 97?
Local Law 97 is a New York City law that sets greenhouse-gas emissions limits for many larger buildings, with the caps tightening over time. For a lot of owners, that means finding practical ways to reduce energy use — especially the energy spent heating and cooling the building.
Meeting those targets usually isn't one big project — it's a stack of improvements: lighting, controls, mechanical upgrades, the building envelope and more. Window film fits into the envelope side of that stack. It's not a silver bullet, but because it's quick to install and works on the glass you already have, it can be an efficient contributor to an overall plan. To understand exactly how the law applies to your property, work with a qualified energy consultant or engineer.
Where film contributes
How window film supports energy goals
Less solar heat gain
Solar control film rejects a large share of the sun's heat before it enters.
Lower HVAC load
Less heat through the glass means cooling equipment works less at peak conditions.
Reduced cooling energy
Easing the cooling load can lower cooling energy over the hot months.
Better comfort
Steadier perimeter temperatures and less glare improve tenant comfort.
Why owners consider film early
Fast to install, easy to budget
- Installed with tenants in place — no need to vacate floors
- No glass replacement, scaffolding or major construction
- Works on your existing windows and curtain wall
- Predictable, straightforward pricing per project
- Complements lighting, controls and mechanical upgrades
- Manufacturer-backed warranty available on qualifying films
What we don't do
An honest scope
We're window film specialists — not consultants, engineers or auditors. We'll tell you plainly where film can help and where it can't.
- We do not certify or guarantee Local Law 97 compliance.
- We do not provide legal, engineering or energy-modeling services.
- We do not promise specific emissions or penalty outcomes.
- We do recommend pairing film with a qualified energy professional's plan.
Important: Window film can be part of a broader energy-efficiency strategy. Pellikal does not provide legal or engineering compliance certification. We do not guarantee that installing window film will make any building compliant with Local Law 97 or any other regulation. Energy and emissions outcomes depend on many building-specific factors. For compliance determinations, consult a qualified energy consultant, engineer or attorney.
For owners & property managers
See if film fits your building's plan
Tell us about your glass and elevations and we'll give you a clear, no-pressure assessment.