NYC EN2 Energy Code Analysis Inspection: DOB Guide

Energy-code closeout is easier when the project team treats EN2 and TR8 as connected documents with different jobs. Waiting until sign-off to reconcile the approved analysis with field conditions can expose design changes, missing inspector information, or documentation gaps at the worst time.

Review the EN-2 energy code analysis service for your project.

For a small or mid-size project, the practical starting point is to understand what EN2 records. How it connects to inspection observations, and which project changes require coordination before closeout. The distinction becomes clearer when the form is viewed alongside the construction team’s approved drawings and inspection plan.

What Is an NYC EN2 Energy Code Analysis Inspection?

An EN2 is the New York City Department of Buildings form used for the As Built Energy Analysis. It addresses the building as it was actually completed, rather than describing only the energy design that was approved before construction. At closeout, the EN2 connects the approved analysis, the completed work, and the professional certification needed to show that the project remained aligned with its energy-code requirements. Review the EN-2 energy code analysis service for your project.

Design analysis, as-built analysis, EN2, and TR8 are related, but they are not interchangeable. Keeping those roles separate helps the owner, applicant of record, contractor, and inspection team identify what must be reviewed before sign-off.

The approved energy analysis sets the design baseline

The approved energy analysis represents the design basis for the project. It describes the energy-related values and assemblies that were submitted and approved for the proposed work. It is not the same as the EN2 closeout certification. The EN2 asks whether the completed building conforms to that approved analysis.

When the completed conditions match the originally approved energy analysis, the EN2 form provides a conformance option stating that a revised energy analysis is not required. That distinction matters because an EN2 review is not a second opportunity to approve an unverified design. It is a closeout check against the analysis that was last approved for the project. The DOB EN2 form identifies this as the as-built energy analysis process.

What does EN2 certify at closeout?

DOB identifies EN2 as certification of conformance with the as-built energy analysis. The progress inspector or inspectors certify on the form that the building’s as-built energy values match the values in the last-approved energy analysis. In practical terms, the completed work must be evaluated against the approved energy baseline, not against a general expectation that the work is energy efficient.

This is also why project teams should treat changes to energy-related work carefully. A field condition that differs from the approved analysis may affect the information needed for closeout. The responsible design and inspection professionals should determine how the difference is documented and addressed for the specific project.

How is EN2 different from TR8?

TR8 documents the responsibility for energy-code progress inspections performed during construction. EN2 addresses the as-built energy analysis and its conformance at closeout. A TR8 inspection can therefore provide part of the field verification record, while EN2 is the closeout certification that the as-built energy values match the last-approved analysis. One does not replace the other.

For a fuller explanation of the field-inspection side of the process, see the guide to NYC TR8 energy inspection requirements. Coordinating both documents early gives the project team a clearer path from approved design, through construction observations, to energy-code sign-off.

Takeaway: EN2 is the DOB closeout certification for the as-built energy analysis. It confirms that the completed building’s energy values match the last-approved analysis, while TR8 records the separate progress-inspection responsibility during construction.

How Does EN2 Relate to TR8 Energy Inspections?

EN2 and TR8 work together during NYC energy-code closeout, but they document different parts of the compliance process. The TR8 records responsibility for energy-code progress inspections during construction. The EN2 addresses whether the completed, as-built work conforms to the approved energy analysis. Treating them as interchangeable can create gaps between field verification, approved drawings, and final sign-off.

EN2 and TR8 roles in NYC energy-code closeout

Document	Primary function	What it connects to
TR8	Technical Report Statement of Responsibility for Energy Code Progress Inspections.	Construction observations, required progress inspections, and compliance with approved drawings.
EN2	Certification of conformance with the as-built energy analysis.	Completed building conditions, as-built energy values, and the last-approved energy analysis.

NYC Department of Buildings guidance identifies the TR8 as the Technical Report Statement of Responsibility for Energy Code Progress Inspections. The progress inspector must certify that the inspections identified on the original TR8, including applicable post-approval amendments, have been satisfied. The inspector also signs and seals the TR8 to certify that the inspected work complies with the approved drawings. Energy-code progress inspections are mandated under Building Code Section 109.3.5 and 1 RCNY 5000-01, and inspectors verify that construction meets the approved drawings.

EN2 addresses the closeout question that follows those inspections: do the energy-related conditions actually built match the last-approved energy analysis? DOB states that the progress inspector must certify on EN2 that the building’s as-built energy values match that analysis. If they do not match, the applicant of record must prepare a professionally certified as-built energy analysis for submission with EN2 at sign-off. A design change may also require updated drawings and energy analysis to be submitted for DOB approval before the inspection can proceed.

The roles should be coordinated, not merged. The progress inspector verifies observed work against approved drawings and the applicable inspection scope. The registered design professional responsible for the required forms provides the professional certification. DOB states that only a registered design professional may sign the TR8 and EN2. The appropriate RDP, applicant of record, and inspection team should therefore confirm who is responsible for each review before closeout.

For a broader explanation of the field-inspection side, see our guide to NYC TR8 energy inspection requirements. Keeping the TR8 inspection record and EN2 as-built analysis aligned gives the project team a clearer path to NYCECC sign-off.

Takeaway: TR8 documents responsibility for energy-code progress inspections and approved-drawing compliance, while EN2 documents as-built conformance with the approved energy analysis. Both must be coordinated before DOB sign-off.

When Should Project Teams Prepare EN2 Documentation?

EN2 preparation should begin as part of the project coordination process, not as a last-minute sign-off exercise. The exact timing depends on the approved energy analysis, construction sequence, inspection scope, and any design changes. NYC DOB does not establish a universal EN2-specific lead time in the guidance used here. Instead, teams should build the documentation and inspection sequence into the project from the drawing phase through closeout.

1. Coordinate the inspection scope in the drawings. Required energy-code progress inspections should be identified in the construction drawings. DOB explains that inspectors are not required to consult the Energy Code independently to determine which inspections apply. So the drawing set should provide clear direction for the work being inspected. This early coordination gives the owner, registered design professional, contractor, and inspection agency a shared reference for the project. See the progress inspection documentation checklist when organizing the drawing and inspection record.
2. Reserve inspection time in the contractor schedule. The drawings should instruct the contractor to allocate time for inspections in the construction schedule. This matters because energy-related work can become concealed or inaccessible as construction advances. Scheduling the inspection opportunity before the relevant work is covered helps the inspector evaluate the installed condition against the approved documents. It also reduces the risk that an inspection request arrives after the project has moved to the next trade or closeout stage. DOB guidance places this scheduling responsibility within the construction coordination process, rather than assigning a single lead-time rule for every EN2 project.
3. Sequence related inspections before proceeding. Some projects include related special inspections that must be completed before the energy-code progress inspection can take place. Where that condition applies, the progress inspector must wait until the prerequisite inspections are completed. Project teams should therefore review the full inspection matrix, identify dependencies, and confirm which records must be available before each visit. A complete sequence is more reliable than treating EN2 as an isolated form at the end of construction.
4. Pause for design changes and approvals. If the constructed work differs from the approved drawings enough to prevent an adequate inspection. The inspector must wait until the drawings and energy analysis are updated and approved as appropriate. Do not ask an inspector to document work against obsolete information. Route the change through the responsible design professionals, confirm the approved basis for inspection, and then reschedule the affected inspection. This step protects the accuracy of the eventual EN2 documentation and avoids forcing a sign-off decision before the project record is current.
5. Use phased inspections when the project allows. DOB permits phased progress inspections in certain circumstances, including inspections connected with a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Phasing can help a project coordinate inspection work with its construction sequence, but it is not an automatic alternative to complete documentation. The owner and project professionals should confirm whether the circumstances support a phased approach and keep each inspection tied to the approved scope and records.

Takeaway: Prepare EN2 by coordinating inspection requirements in the drawings, reserving inspection time, sequencing prerequisites, and resolving design changes before inspection. That process gives the final documentation a current and supportable project record.

What Documents Support an EN2 Review?

A well-organized EN2 review connects the completed work to the energy analysis that was approved for the project. The core record is the NYC Department of Buildings EN2, or As Built Energy Analysis, form. DOB instructions state that the form must be typewritten, submitted to the appropriate Certificate of Occupancy Division Borough Office, and completed with progress inspector and project location information. The form requests the building address, borough, and floors where work occurred. See the progress inspection documentation checklist when assembling the closeout file.

Start with the completed EN2 form

The EN2 should identify the relevant progress inspector information for the application and accurately describe the project location. It also distinguishes the inspected work by category, such as envelope, HVAC or service water heating, and electrical or lighting work. These fields are not substitutes for the underlying analysis or inspection records. They help connect the sign-off form to the people, building areas, and energy-related work covered by the review. The DOB EN2 form provides the source requirements for the typewritten format, submission location, inspector fields, and location fields: NYC DOB EN2 form.

Match the approved analysis or document the change

There are two principal documentation paths. If the completed building conforms to the originally approved energy analysis, the EN2 includes a conformance option stating that no revised analysis is required. The project team should still preserve the approved analysis and the records needed to support that conclusion, including relevant approved drawings and inspection documentation. Project-specific examples may include material information, equipment schedules, field observations, or photographs, but the exact supporting package depends on the approved scope and the conditions encountered in construction.

If the as-built energy values differ from the last-approved analysis, the applicant of record must arrange for an as-built energy analysis. DOB states that this analysis is submitted with the EN2 at sign-off and must be professionally certified. When a design change occurs during construction, the drawings and energy analysis must be updated and submitted to DOB for approval. Where applicable, the original preparer of the analysis prepares the as-built analysis using the actual construction values. The revised analysis must demonstrate NYCECC compliance and be signed and sealed by its preparer. The DOB construction-document guidance explains these requirements at DOB energy-code construction documents guidance.

Confirm who can certify the record

EN2 sign-off is not simply an administrative inspection note. Only a registered design professional may sign the EN2 and TR8 forms. A progress inspector verifies the applicable completed work, while the responsible design professional handles the professional certification and sign or seal obligations for the analysis. Keep those roles distinct, especially when construction values, drawings, or the approved energy model have changed.

Takeaway: An EN2 review is supported by a typewritten form, accurate inspector and location details, the approved or revised energy analysis, and professional certification tied to actual construction. If the analysis shows that the completed work does not comply with the NYCECC, DOB states that the application cannot be signed off.

Which NYC Energy Code Version Applies to the Project?

The applicable energy-code edition is not determined by the year a project happens to reach inspection or sign-off. It depends on the filing history, whether the submission was complete, and the transition rules in effect for that application. Before preparing or reviewing an EN2 package, the project team should confirm the job’s filing status against current guidance from the New York City Department of Buildings.

DOB states that complete energy submissions filed on or after March 30, 2026. Must comply with either the 2025 New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) or 2025 NYC ASHRAE 90.1. Complete energy submissions filed before that date generally remain under the 2020 NYCECC when the applicable transition conditions are satisfied. These are not interchangeable assumptions. The filing record and the submission’s completeness determine which pathway applies.

For that reason, avoid selecting a code version solely because it is the newest edition, or because construction began in a particular year. Start by identifying the date of the complete energy submission, then review the application’s approved energy documents and any later revisions. If the project changed scope, systems, or materials during construction. The team should also confirm that the approved analysis and as-built documentation remain aligned with the applicable code path.

What is the EN Plan process?

DOB’s FAQ explains that the separate EN Plan energy-submission process began on November 8, 2021. Whether that process is relevant to a particular application should be confirmed from the project’s DOB records and filing circumstances. It should not be treated as a universal replacement for reviewing the underlying approved analysis, drawings, and closeout requirements.

The DOB FAQ is general guidance for applications seeking compliance with the 2025 NYCECC. It does not replace the complete code. When the filing date, transition conditions, or submission history is unclear. The registered design professional and applicant team should resolve that question before relying on a generic code-year label.

Takeaway: Confirm the date and completeness of the energy submission, then verify the applicable transition rule and approved project documents with the DOB record. A current code edition is not automatically the correct edition for every NYC project.

Review the NYC DOB NYCECC FAQ for the current transition guidance before finalizing an NYC EN2 energy code analysis inspection.

How Can Small NYC Projects Keep Energy Closeout Organized?

Small projects often have fewer people managing more responsibilities. A compact closeout system can keep the energy analysis, inspection records, approved drawings, and project changes connected without creating a paperwork exercise that overwhelms the owner or contractor. For projects around 4,000 square feet or less, the goal is not to apply a universal checklist. It is to identify the records that apply to the approved scope and assign a clear owner for each one.

Start with one closeout record. The owner or project manager can maintain a shared digital folder with the approved energy analysis. Relevant drawings, permit and application information, contractor submittals, inspection reports, and notes about field changes. The design professional should identify which documents control the energy work and flag changes that may require professional review. The contractor can then organize product information and installation records as work progresses, rather than trying to reconstruct them at the end.

Responsibility should be discussed early among the owner, registered design professional, contractor, and inspection agency. The NYC Department of Buildings states that owners retain registered design professionals for progress inspections, and those professionals must have no conflict of interest. That role assignment matters on a small job because a single person may coordinate several functions. But the parties still need to distinguish design responsibility, construction execution, inspection, and closeout documentation. See the current DOB progress inspection guidance when confirming project-specific responsibilities.

Track changes before they become closeout problems. If installed conditions differ from the last-approved analysis, the design team should determine whether the analysis or drawings need to be updated. The contractor should report substitutions and field changes promptly, while the inspector should receive the information needed to evaluate the applicable inspection scope. Do not assume that a small project is exempt from coordination simply because its footprint is limited.

A digital inspection catalog can make the handoff easier by separating service types and project details. The project team can select the relevant energy service based on the work being performed, then provide the approved documents and site information needed for review. AKS Architectural and Engineering Services LLP, operating through EZTR1, uses an online catalog intended to make inspection selection and ordering more straightforward for small and mid-size projects. When the project requires this service, review the EN-2 energy code analysis service and confirm its fit with the project team and approved scope.

Takeaway: A small NYC project stays easier to close out when one person owns the record set. Each participant knows the limits of their role, and design or field changes are addressed before final submission rather than discovered at the last step.

Order the EN-2 energy code analysis service through EZTR1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EN2 the same as a TR8 energy inspection?

No. TR8 identifies the energy-code progress inspections and records the inspector’s responsibility. EN2 is the As-Built Energy Analysis form, where the progress inspector certifies that the completed building’s energy values match the last-approved analysis. NYC DOB requires both documents for applicable energy-code sign-off. NYC DOB explains the distinction.

Who can sign an EN2 form?

Only a registered design professional may sign the EN2 and TR8 forms. The owner is responsible for retaining qualified registered design professional(s), who must not have a conflict of interest on the project. NYC DOB identifies these responsibilities.

What happens if the completed work differs from the approved energy analysis?

The project team should not treat the difference as a paperwork-only issue. When construction changes the approved design, the drawings and energy analysis may need to be updated and approved. If the as-built values do not match the last-approved analysis, the applicant of record must prepare a professionally certified as-built analysis for submission with EN2 at sign-off. DOB guidance covers revised analyses.

When should an EN2 review be scheduled?

Coordinate it before energy-related work is concealed and before final sign-off, using the inspection sequence shown in the approved construction documents. NYC DOB says required progress inspections should be detailed in the drawings, with inspection time included in the contractor’s schedule. The exact timing depends on the approved scope and construction sequence, so confirm it with the project design professional and inspector. DOB’s progress-inspection guidance provides the scheduling framework.

Ready to Organize Your EN-2 Closeout?

Clear coordination between the approved energy analysis, field documentation, and closeout paperwork can help your project team address EN-2 requirements without last-minute confusion. Review your project details and use the EZTR1 online catalog to get started with the EN-2 energy code analysis service. Confirm the project-specific scope and documentation with the responsible registered design professional and inspection team.