2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC): Updates for Design Professionals

The 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) goes into effect on March 30, 2026. How will the stricter requirements for energy conservation impact the way we design and construct building envelopes and mechanical systems? Join the AIANY Building Science Committee as we speak with Anya LaRoche, Consulting Engineer, Building Technology at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), and Jeff Rios, PE, Senior Vice President at WSP, who will review specific topics such as compliance pathways, air leakage, thermal bridging, glazing performance, HVAC equipment efficiency, ventilation, and service hot water heating.

Speakers:
Anya LaRoche, P.E., CPHC, Senior Consulting Engineer, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Jeff Rios, PE, Senior Vice President, WSP

Moderator:
Cheryl M. Saldanha, P.E., Senior Project Manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

About the Speakers:
Anya LaRoche specializes in designing and evaluating building enclosures for new construction projects and existing building renovations. Her experience spans a range of enclosure systems, including custom curtain walls, rainscreen facades, roofing, and waterproofing. She uses finite-element analysis to evaluate the structural and thermal performance of custom curtain wall and rainscreen systems. She is a Certified Passive House Consultant with experience designing and executing multifamily PHIUS projects, including whole-building energy modeling. She has presented and published papers on building enclosure continuity and airtightness, fire-safing at enclosure systems, and Passive House design and verification.

As a Senior Vice President at WSP, Jeff Rios specializes in increasing energy efficiency within new and existing buildings. He is highly valued for his 25+ years of experience as a mechanical engineer and his expertise in energy modeling platforms. Jeff has shared his expertise at Greenbuild on WELL Building, at Urban Green on NYC Energy Codes, and as a continuing lecturer at Cooper Union. Additionally, Jeff serves as Co-Chair of the ACEC Metro Region Energy Code Committee, as well as member of the NYC DOB Energy Code Advisory Committee. He has been named a Notable Leader in Sustainability by Crains NY, a New York Construction Idol by NY Build, and a Power Player in Climate, Energy, and Sustainability by PoliticsNY.

Cheryl Saldanha leads SGH’s Building Science and Passive House practice and has extensive experience in the design, evaluation, and commissioning of high-performance building enclosure systems, including facades, roofing, and below-grade waterproofing. Cheryl works closely with project teams to identify and mitigate risks related to air, water, and moisture infiltration through detailed design review, performance analysis, and field verification. Her expertise in thermal and hygrothermal analysis supports compliance with New York City energy codes and Local Laws while promoting durable, maintainable, and constructible solutions that protect facilities and ensure long-term performance. Cheryl is a member of the NYC Commercial Energy Code Technical Advisory Committee and the AIA NY Building Science Committee, and is on the Board of Directors for NY Passive House.

If you register for a virtual ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.