#USA #New York #The Cotocon Group #Jimmy Carchietta #The Carbon Shield

Jimmy Carchietta: A Leader in New York's Building Industry

For over fifty years, Jimmy Carchietta has been a pivotal figure in the building sector of New York City. He began his career in the family-owned Gemma Construction, where he acquired extensive, hands-on experience that deeply informed his understanding of building mechanics, including their potential failures. This foundational knowledge became instrumental in shaping his vision: to aid property owners not just with construction but in ensuring compliance and efficiency.

In 2010, Carchietta established The Cotocon Group with a clear mission. As he recalls, "I saw the writing on the wall. Building owners were on the verge of facing penalties due to inefficiencies, and most were completely oblivious to what was coming. I knew immediate action was necessary." This urgency prompted the development of Cotocon's approach — focusing on educating owners, property managers, and boards on laws and risks they might be unaware of, along with viable solutions.

Carchietta emphasizes, "My goal has always been to teach first. Once clients learn about their buildings, they come to trust our team, which fosters lasting relationships."

The proof of this approach is evident; the very first building Cotocon assessed fourteen years ago still remains a client today, a testament to the firm’s success in building long-term partnerships.

A Critical Year for Compliance

As 2025 unfolds, Cotocon finds itself at a significant crossroads, particularly with the recent filing extension deadline for Local Law 97, an ambitious emissions regulation from New York City. This law has created a pressing environment for thousands of buildings, which now face the threat of violations and steep fines if owners do not act without delay.

Yet, amid this urgency lies a unique opportunity, according to Carchietta. He argues that, "2025 has unveiled a pivotal prospect for the built environment, as what owners, developers, REITs, and financiers crave most is early warning signals. No one can afford to be caught off guard by penalties, which is precisely why we created The Carbon Shield."

Introducing The Carbon Shield

Launching as Cotocon's tech division, The Carbon Shield serves as more than just software; it operates as a comprehensive regulatory radar system. This innovative platform continuously monitors emissions, necessary filings, and compliance statuses across various properties, effectively notifying owners before minor violations escalate into severe financial repercussions.

Carchietta describes The Carbon Shield as “the compliance engine for city energy laws.” It redefines compliance from a reactive necessity to a proactive strategic asset, enabling building owners to protect their investments, secure funding, and cultivate resilience in a rapidly evolving market.

The Path Forward

With the deadline for Local Law 97 behind us, the future is clear: inaction will lead to severe noncompliance risks, with potential fines surging into the six and seven-figure range annually. As the limits become increasingly stringent, particularly with the impending changes in 2030, property owners cannot afford to remain idle.

Fortunately, the solution is evident. Cotocon’s skilled professionals, when paired with the advanced capabilities of The Carbon Shield, provide property owners with preemptive insights, actionable strategies, and guidance grounded in decades of industry experience.

Reflecting on his journey from construction to leadership, Carchietta states, “One thing has remained constant: buildings thrive when their owners understand them. Our mission is to ensure that property owners are well aware of what lies ahead, encouraging proactive measures before it’s too late and positioning their assets for robust growth in the long run.”

About The Cotocon Group

Founded in 2010 by industry expert Jimmy Carchietta, The Cotocon Group stands as New York City's foremost energy law compliance consulting firm. The organization offers an extensive range of services pertaining to Local Law 97, Local Law 87, Local Law 88, Local Law 84, Local Law 95, and other related regulations. The technology platform, The Carbon Shield, functions as the compliance engine and regulatory radar system for urban energy legislation, aiding owners, property managers, and financiers in safeguarding and increasing the value of their properties.