Stitt Energy Systems Office Receives LEED® Platinum

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has announced that the Stitt Energy Systems Office Building Addition and Renovation project at 1301 South 8th Street in Rogers Arkansas has been awarded a Platinum Rating in the U. S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™. Fewer than 100 buildings have attained the Platinum Rating, which is the highest level possible, and achieving it requires a broad range of design and construction strategies.

Of the 69 possible points in the LEED NC 2.2 rating system for new construction projects, 52 are required to achieve the Platinum Level. Stitt Energy Systems’ office building scored 57 points. In the categories of Innovation and Design Process and Water Efficiency, the new building scored all points possible. In the four other categories, Sustainable Sites, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality, the new building also scored extremely well.

“Stitt Energy Systems’ LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Stitt Energy Systems serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”

In keeping with Stitt Energy System’s long-held philosophy, the primary goals for this project were: 1) Explore new heights of energy efficient, sustainable, green construction materials and methods; 2) Produce a healthy and productive environment for its employees; 3) Provide a state-of-the-art educational facility for clients; and, 4) Remain within a very conservative budget in a cautious economic time.

An existing building was completely upgraded by keeping as much of the original supporting structure and converting the building into an office space that met Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. energy efficiency standards as well as need for additional office space.

The renovation process was very extensive. The original building, built in 1946, was deconstructed down to the supporting structure and rebuilt as a new building with approximately 1200 additional square footage added. New electrical and mechanical systems were installed as well as a new insulated envelope to the existing structure. This approach provided, in effect, a new building which operates at a high level of energy efficiency without the need to dispose of the original building into the landfill. While difficult to measure, the completed building is approximately 75% new construction and 25% renovation. Over 75% of the existing building structure was saved, extending the life cycle of the structure.

The interior of the building also reflects environmental standards. The floor is polished concrete which is long lasting, easy to clean, and emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs); all paints and trims are also low VOC; lighting is tied to motion and heat sensors; operable windows and skylights allow natural ventilation; all furniture was repurposed from previous uses; and all water appliances are extremely efficient in their water use. Every employee has a view to the outside, which provides a pleasant work environment.

The most visible clues to the energy efficiency of the building are the solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels on the south-facing roof. These PV panels generate electricity for use in the building. Any excess electricity is sold back to the utility company. Called “net metering,” this system allows Stitt Energy Systems to significantly reduce its monthly electric bills.

For 31 years, the company has been considered a leader in the field of energy efficient residential construction. All homes designed and built by Stitt Energy Systems are rated by independent, third-party raters using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and each and every house qualifies for the Energy Star® label. Most, in fact, exceed Energy Star standards by 30-70%. The Stitt management team chose to register this commercial project with the LEED program because they understand the value of independent, third party verification. It conveys to employees, business associates, and clients that the company not only provides high quality energy efficient homes for its clients but also operates its business using the same philosophy. The association with USGBC and the LEED point-count system further builds this reputation and broadens experience into the commercial field.

While Stitt Energy Systems was the owner/project manager/builder for this project, other members of the LEED Design Team include: architect, JKJ Architects, Rogers; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers, GA Engineering, Fayetteville; landscape design, Landscape Creations by S Jason, Rogers; lighting and light control, ByDesign Curtis Stout, Rogers; civil engineering, Gray Rock Consulting, Rogers; and commissioning agent, Viridian, Little Rock.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi. “The Stitt Energy Systems’ project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

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STITT Energy Systems, Inc.
1301 South 8th Street • Rogers AR 72756

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