JLL Tool Measures Green Building and Productivity

CHICAGO — Management and real estate services firm JLL wants to help businesses gauge whether having an environmentally friendly workplace makes employees more productive.

The Chicago-based company launched on July 30 a program and online tool called Green+Productive, which will compile scores for sustainability and productivity measures.

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Solar-Powered Webcam System

TrueLook, Inc. offers new and improved solar-powered webcam systems for construction jobsites. These webcam systems are completely wireless, off-the-grid solutions for time-lapsing and live monitoring of construction projects. TrueLook has made a number of improvements to the webcam electronics and equipment, as well as reductions in price and shipping times. The battery now stores five days’ of backup power, which is vital during darker hours and non-cooperative weather.

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Energy Department Invests $6 Million to Research Building Efficiency

WASHINGTON — The Energy Department is funding up to $6 million for four commercial building projects that will help guide owners as they look to adopt energy efficient technologies.
The department estimates commercial buildings consumed about 20 percent of all energy used in the U.S. last year, at a cost of about $180 billion. These buildings are responsible for 18 percent of total U.S. carbon emissions, the department said in a statement.

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CBRE Group Leads in Sustainable Design

LOS ANGELES — CBRE Group can now claim the lead in LEED for Existing Buildings. The firm, headquartered in Los Angeles, announced last week that it has certified more than 300 buildings, making it number-one in the commercial real estate services and investment industry.

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Jen Stencel

Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC, in New York has promoted Jen Stencel, AIA, LEED AP to associate. Stencel brings eight years of professional experience to the design and construction of adaptive reuse, rehabilitation and new buildings. She enjoys bringing conceptual ideas to reality through the built form by working closely with owners, consultants and contractors.

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