Press Room

July 30, 2008 - Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. with Mayor Womack Ceremoniously Break Ground On Company's LEED® Expansion

"This is another example of people who subscribe to the method of being out there in front leading the direction and the timing of their trade," said Mayor Steve Womack at the Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. groundbreaking ceremony, July 28th at 11:00 a.m. at 1301 South 8th in Rogers, Arkansas. This is the current location of the Stitt Energy Systems offices, the existing structure will undergo a major renovation while preserving all salvageable parts of the structure. The current space is being expanded by 1,000 square feet to 2,800 square feet. The new facility will be a LEED® registered project.

Mayor Womack echoed the company's green, sustainable philosophy by also stating, "Everything we do today is and should be purposed to make life better for the next generation and it is for this reason I believe this family and company is doing amazing things that will stand the test of time."

Also present at the event were Dick Trammel, emcee, Guy Cable, Bank of Rogers, Kathryn Goff from Congressman Boozman's office, Mike Maloney of Maloney Marketing Group, the Stitt family, staff, and many Stitt HOME© homeowners.

According to Stitt Energy Systems President, W. Orlo Stitt, "Since founding our company 30 years ago we have designed and built hundreds of energy and resource efficient homes. That has always been our focus, long before such a business model was popular or well-known. Our challenge then and now is to research new products and technologies, to examine their cost/benefit ratio, and to incorporate appropriate materials and methods into 'the system' of thousands of pieces and parts that make up a home."

David Stitt, who is the owner of the company's NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines Home of the Year for 2007, says of living green, "Living in an energy efficient and resource efficient home, a 'green' home, is a different way of living. It is a lifestyle that involves conscious choices about how to live your life on a daily basis, about how to teach your children that recycling and turning off lights concerns more than saving money, and about doing the right thing for the future of the planet. It’s only natural that our philosophy should be applied to the place where we work and do business."

All the members of the Stitt Team are forward-thinking, knowing that actions taken today will affect future generations. That commitment to what is now called "the green lifestyle" is not new to this company. Its long history and documented success are the foundation of their plans for the future. Experience counts.

For 30 years, family-owned Stitt Energy Systems has continued to improve on their green, healthy homes with product technology and through the experiences of Orlo Stitt and the dedicated members of the Stitt Team. The company is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of energy efficient, residential construction and has received 19 EnergyValue Housing Awards including Builder of The Year and two People’s Choice awards, the National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines Award, and two of its homes were named Best Green Home in Kansas City by Kansas City Homes and Gardens magazine.

Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), American Solar Energy Society, Energy and Environmental Building Association, U.S. Green Building Council and is an ENERGY STAR® Partner. Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. has built homes in 16 states, including Arkansas, and has offices in the metro areas of Kansas City and St. Louis.

July 16, 2008 - During Housing Slump Stitt Energy Systems, Inc., 30-Year Green Builder, is Breaking Ground On Expansion, July 28, 11:00 a.m.

Rogers, AR – At a time when the home building industry is in an economic downturn, Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. which is devoted to building green, healthy, energy efficient and beautiful homes, is preparing to break ground on an expansion of one of their office buildings.

W. Orlo Stitt, Founder and President of Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. announces that the groundbreaking ceremony will be held July 28th at 11:00 a.m. at 1301 South 8th in Rogers, Arkansas, which is the current location of their offices. The existing structure will undergo a major renovation while preserving all salvageable parts of the structure. The current space is being expanded by 1,000 square feet to 2,800 square feet. The new facility will be a LEED® registered project.

The decision to expand during a difficult time for homebuilders was not taken lightly. Stitt Energy Systems deliberated the expansion, and decided to go forth based on their future in homebuilding and to better serve future clients. The expansion is a tribute to the company’s green building and green living philosophy and the dedication they give to each client’s new home.

According to Orlo Stitt, "Since founding our company 30 years ago we have designed and built hundreds of energy and resource efficient homes. That has always been our focus, long before such a business model was popular or well-known. Our challenge then and now is to research new products and technologies, to examine their cost/benefit ratio, and to incorporate appropriate materials and methods into 'the system' of thousands of pieces and parts that make up a home."

David Stitt, Vice President says, "Our company uses concepts of design, energy efficiency and resource efficient materials in our clients' homes. We want to incorporate those same concepts in our new office space. We also want independent verification of our efforts and chose LEED because it is recognized and understood by both the public and professionals in the 'green' building industry."

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit that encourages global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. USGBC developed the LEED Green Building Rating System which is a third-party certification program that is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Stitt office renovation and expansion is a LEED Registered New Construction Project and will be built to the Gold or Platinum standard.

Genell Ebbini, LEED Accredited Professional and an employee of Stitt Energy Systems, is coordinating the certification process for the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation Rating System. About her role, she says, "Advance planning and communication with all the different permitting entities, companies, and trades people is the key to the successful completion of the project and achieving our goal of receiving the Gold, and hopefully Platinum, rating."

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Sustainable Site Development
When designing and planning the sustainable site features, the company decided to enlarge the project boundary to include the whole property, not just the area immediately around the "new" building. Some development will occur in stages over a period of time. The company will have preferred parking places for its employees' hybrid cars.

David commented on the site, "Just as we do with our home designs, we are considering the effect of this construction on the many large trees on the site. Only two have been removed and we will plant new trees for each one removed. The wood has been cut for firewood and the small limbs have been chipped for mulch, which we'll use now to control erosion, and later as part of the landscaping. Trees are far too much of an asset to cut them when you don't have to do so. They provide natural shade and enhance the setting--not to mention the CO2 they capture and the oxygen they produce."

Water Savings
Landscaping will include no-irrigation gardens of indigenous plants, rain gardens and bio-swales to control rainwater run-off into the street or storm sewers.

Just as in Stitt-designed homes, low-flow toilets, faucets and showers will be installed in the new office.

Energy Efficiency
Energy conserving aspects of the rebuild will include many energy efficient methodologies that are used in client homes, such as passive solar orientation, day lighting, low wattage lighting and more. The company will employ sun and occupant sensors to control the amount of light needed in an area. Stitt Energy Systems will have on-site generation of electricity using renewable energy photovoltaic panels. Natural ventilation utilizing operable windows and skylights to allow for air flow will mean reduced use of HVAC.

Orlo Stitt says, "Energy efficiency is the basis on which all green building rests. Without that, any other claim to be 'green' is without merit. Achieving it is paramount in our homes and in our new office."

Materials Selection
The new building will include much of the existing building by maintaining the structural components and salvaging other components for reuse. The company will dismantle the interior and reuse, donate or sell such items as cabinets, doors and flooring. Stitt Energy Systems will recycle all concrete, asphalt, metals, paper, cardboard, plastic, wood and glass. This approach to construction waste management is more time consuming than taking a wrecking ball to the old building but is more environmentally appropriate.

Stitt Energy Systems will use environmentally friendly materials in their new construction. Many of the new materials will be refurbished or will be made of post-consumer recycled content. Some of the same products that are specified in client homes will be used, including: BioBased soybean-based foam insulation, ice house roof, Arxx insulated concrete forms, and high performance windows and doors.

Indoor Environmental Quality
To maintain indoor environmental quality, the building will feature no smoking and natural ventilation to improve occupant comfort. Materials used in the renovation will have no added urea-formaldehyde and will be low-voc (volatile organic compounds) paint, carpet and finishes.

Flexible Floor Plan
The design includes an open, flexible, adaptable, passive solar design and will meet all standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"We've been thinking about and planning for this expansion for many years and I'm excited to see it happening. The building will incorporate passive solar design which provides a lot of natural day lighting. Studies show that this feature alone is a boost to occupant morale and productivity. The floor plan is open with very few solid walls which gives us great flexibility and the opportunity to change the interior configuration as our needs change over time," says Suzanne Lantz, Vice President Design and Customer Service, of the overall design plan.

Long-Term Commitment to Rogers
For 30 years the company has maintained their offices at this 8th Street Rogers location. Vice President Mary Stitt says, "We've made a commitment to continue our business on South 8th Street. We did consider relocating to the fast-developing areas closer to I-540 but want to do our part to maintain the 8th Street corridor as a viable economic area for the City of Rogers."

Stitt Energy Systems' History and Future
For 30 years, family-owned Stitt Energy Systems has continued to improve on their green, healthy homes with product technology and through the experiences of Orlo Stitt and the dedicated members of the Stitt Team. The company is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of energy efficient, residential construction and has received 19 EnergyValue Housing Awards including Builder of The Year and two People’s Choice awards, the National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines Award, and two of its homes were named Best Green Home in Kansas City by Kansas City Homes and Gardens magazine.

The company plans to celebrate green living and their new office at the groundbreaking ceremony on the 28th. The event will be highlighted by a short introduction from Dick Trammel and a few words by David or Orlo Stitt. The official breaking of ground will be assisted by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

April 2008 - Jones TV - Springdale, AR

A Natural State of Living Green
From Episode 006
JonesTV
Jerry Oliver- Producer, Director & Editor

David & Karen Stitt’s home and Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. is featured.
Jones TV experienced Stitt Energy Systems through the home of David & Karen Stitt. The video features an inside look into this 2007 NAHB Best Model Green Home Building Guidelines Home of the Year. This exciting interview shows just how beautiful green living can be. The video and show “A Natural State of Living Green” is produced by Jerry Oliver for JonesTV. JonesTV is a part of the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas and appears on Channel 22 on the Northwest Arkansas Cox Cable line up.

Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. Wins People’s Choice and Gold Award for Two EnergyValue Housing Awards

Rogers, AR – W. Orlo Stitt, President of Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. announces that the company has been awarded the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Gold Award for the Custom Home, Moderate Climate category and the EVHA People’s Choice Award.

The National Association of Home Builders Research Center selected finalists from 500 applications from across the nation. From that span of finalists the Gold and Silver designations were chosen by an elite panel of judges. The awards were presented at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida on February 13th.

The EVHA People’s Choice Award is a second for the company and was selected by the public. Individuals were able to log on to the NAHB Research Center’s web site to cast their vote for their favorite home. The People’s Choice Award spanned all categories.

The NAHB says of the company and the home’s win, “Stitt Energy Systems isn't new to energy-efficient home building or the EnergyValue Housing Award. After nearly 30 years of building homes, Stitt Energy Systems has an unwavering commitment to energy efficiency. Its mission, which hasn't changed since the company's inception, is ‘to provide energy efficient homes that are environmentally responsible for the health, welfare, and happiness of our customers, our employees, our investors, and future generations.’ According to the judges, Stitt Energy Systems has demonstrated ‘exceptional practice’ with this custom home. Passive and active solar systems, combined with state-of-the-art efficiency features, contribute towards the $67 monthly energy bills accrued on average during the first year of occupancy.” During the keynote address, Orlo Stitt was cited as a “pioneer in the field of energy efficient design, construction and a good example of perseverance in a market that was slow to grow but now is expanding rapidly."

Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. submitted a home near Springfield, Missouri for judging. In its rural setting, the passive solar home overlooks a pond which is regularly visited by wildlife. The photovoltaic panels generate electricity which is used to power the house, is stored in batteries for later use, or is fed back to the utility grid. This STITT Home® showcases many energy saving and green building amenities.

Foundation: R-22 Insulating Concrete Form basement
Exterior Wall Construction: 2x4 @16" o.c. with 2x2 cross-wise
Wall Insulation: R-20 soy-based spray foam
Rim Joist Insulation: R-20 soy-based spray foam
Roof Construction: Raised-heel trusses @ 24" o.c.
Ceiling Insulation: R-30 soy-based spray foam at roofline
Windows: Low-e, argon-filled vinyl; U-0.29 to 0.31; SHGC 0.22 to 0.30
HVAC: 78% efficient wood fireplace system; 17.5 SEER, 8.4 HSPF air source heat pump; energy recovery ventilator
Ducts: All ducts in conditioned space and sealed with mastic and foil tape
Water Heating: 40 s.f. flat plate solar collector with electric tank auxiliary and PV-powered pump
Lighting: 100% fluorescent (43% dedicated fluorescent fixtures)
Appliances: ENERGY STAR refrigerator, dishwasher, chest freezer, and washer
Duct Leakage Test: 0 CFM to exterior at 25 Pa; 0 CFM total at 25 pa
Blower Door Test: 1.17 ACH50
HERS Index: 38 (with photovoltaic)
Innovative Features: 3.1 kW photovoltaic system; radiant barrier roof decking; tubular skylights; programmable thermostat; advanced framing techniques including 2-stud corners, ladder blocking, and cross bracing; passive solar design

You can see photos and more at www.stittenergy.com/stockton.html.

The EnergyValue Housing Awards (EVHA) honors builders who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction and marketing of their new homes. The EVHA program is managed by the NAHB Research Center and operated in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Maloney Marketing Group, the marketing agency for Stitt Energy Systems, congratulates them on their continued excellence.

Stitt Energy Systems, Inc., established in 1978, is conserving energy through the design and construction management of sustainable, healthy and beautiful homes. Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), American Solar Energy Society, Energy and Environmental Building Association, US Green Building Council and is an ENERGY STAR® Partner. Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. is a previous winner of 17 National EnergyValue Housing Awards including Builder of the Year.

Stitt on KNWA

Stitt Celebrates 30 Years in 2008!

The year was 1978. Jimmy Carter was President and Walter Mondale was Vice President. The U.S. population was 223 million. Dallas defeated Denver in the Super Bowl. The Yankees beat the Dodgers in the World Series. The first Walkman was introduced and Record of the Year was “Hotel California” by the Eagles. The average price of gasoline (unadjusted for inflation) was 65 cents per gallon. The average price per killowatthour of electricity (unadjusted) was 4.3 cents.

Also in 1978, Orlo Stitt and members of his family founded Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. in Rogers, Arkansas. Orlo and wife Mary had built a very energy efficient home on a lake in Quebec and believed the market was ready for such homes to be built in the U.S. So, he and his family moved to Rogers and constructed both a family home and a display home that Stitt continues to use as an office and display house.

Much has happened in the world and with Stitt Energy Systems in the last 30 years. Stitt has designed and built energy efficient homes in 15 states. We’ve seen an increasing awareness for energy conservation and the wise choice of using materials that protect the environment. This seems to be especially notable right now, with the publication and production of “An Inconvenient Truth” and other books, documentaries and presentations related to climate change. There is a greater than ever agreement that humankind is accelerating the process of global warming and that something needs to be done.

In our 30 years we have also garnered many national and regional awards and accolades. See all our awards and our award winning homes at http://www.stittenergy.com/awards.htm.

In order to celebrate our 30 years we’re going to do some exciting things this year. Stitt is adding some features to this web site—a history page, a weekly update page, and more pictures. So bookmark us in your favorites and check back regularly to see what’s new.

We’re adding floor plans and updates to our Stitt Kit. This green box full of information has been well received and we want to make it even more useful. Click here for more on the Stitt Kit. We’re offering our spring seminar at no charge this year. And, we’re working on some special events for the fall.

Enjoy this special year with us. We’re glad to be 30…and counting!!

Stitt Energy System Home Finalist for EnergyValue Housing Award & People’s Choice Award

A home designed by Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. is a finalist for the EnergyValue Housing Award and People’s Choice Award.

The national competition is coordinated by the NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the U. S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The home is nominated in the Custom Home, Moderate Climate category. Stitt will receive either the Gold or a Silver Award at a ceremony at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida on February 13th. A panel of expert judges will determine the winner.

The Missouri home is also on the ballot for the People’s Choice Award. All the finalists in all the categories are shown on a web site that allows you to vote for your favorite. To vote or view the homes go to http://nahbrc.org/evha/voting.aspx. (The Stitt home is the ninth one down on the ballot, the home located in Missouri, but please vote for your favorite.) Voting ends February 12th. The winner is determined by the number of votes from the general public.

In its rural setting, this passive solar home overlooks a pond which is regularly visited by wildlife. The photovoltaic panels generate electricity which is used to power the house, is stored in batteries for later use, or is fed back to the utility grid.

This home was designed by Suzanne Lantz, Stitt’s Vice President of Design and Customer Service, with significant input from the home owners.

Stitt Energy Featured in Kansas City Home & Garden and At Home

Stitt Energy Systems Home Featured on the Cover of Kansas City Homes and Gardens™ Magazine

A home by Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. was recently featured in Kansas City Homes and Gardens magazine. The home, located in the Kansas City area, was designed by Stitt’s KC Area Sales and Service Representative, Shauna Zahner, for herself and her family. The editors chose the home to be featured in and on the cover of the December ’07 issue. It was also named the Best Green Home in Kansas City in 2007 by the publication.

Designed to blend well in its established neighborhood, the home is also a passive solar design and includes many energy efficient features. Like many of Stitt’s homes, it also includes “Home For Life” features, such as wide doorways and hallways, lever door handles, an oversized garage, and bathroom with special features, which allow for multi-generational living.

The home is a 2 story, 2,340 square foot beauty, featuring 3 bedrooms, a master suite, 2 full baths, one half bath, home office, guest suite, 2 car garage, a recycling center in the kitchen, a FEMA approved wind resistant safe room and an open floor plan on the main floor for maximum enjoyment.

The home's energy efficient features include an "Ice House Roof" with continuous soffit and ridge vents which reduces the cooling load by as much as 46 percent, soy-based spray foam insulation which helps create a tight "energy envelope" for the home, skylight and window placement which provide natural cross ventilation, highly efficient furnace and air conditioner, solar water heating system, Energy Star appliances and low-flow water faucets and toilets.

Outside the home, plantings of native and drought resistant flowers and shrubs reduce the need for mowing and watering. Rain barrels are used to capture rain from the gutter system and the water is stored for later use.

March 28, 2007
A Home By Stitt Energy Systems Selected National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines Home of the Year

W. Orlo Stitt, President of Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. announces that a home designed and built by Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. was selected as the National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines Home of the Year at the 9th Annual NAHB National Green Building Conference held March 25-27 in St. Louis.

There are three levels of green building in the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines: Bronze, Silver and Gold. To attain the Gold rating, a home must score at least 395 points. This home scored more than 500 points and, according to the judges, far exceeded all the other homes considered for the award. The broad guiding principles of the Guidelines include Lot Design and Preparation, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality. A few of the many features of the home that were cited include: replanting at least one tree for every tree that was cut during construction, using low-maintenance and long-life materials appropriate for their purpose, passive solar design, active solar water heating, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and extremely energy efficient with very low utility bills.

The owners of the home, David Stitt, Vice President and Sales and Marketing Representative for Stitt Energy Systems, and his wife worked closely with SESI designer Suzanne Lantz, Vice President-Design and Customer Service.

David says of his home, “It’s great to think about how efficient our house is, especially when I pay the utility bill. But ultimately, it’s about my kids and the world they will inherit. Doing the right thing now will help them and their children live a better life.”

November 1, 2006
Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. in November Issue of Better Homes and Gardens

W. Orlo Stitt, President of Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. located in Rogers, Arkansas with representatives in Kansas City and St. Louis is showcased in the November 2006 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

In the feature, which appears on page 76 of the publication, Orlo Stitt gives readers insightful tips on how they can make their home more energy efficient and better for the environment without sacrificing luxury, comfort or style.

Earlier in the year, Orlo and members of the Stitt Team including Vice Presidents Mary Stitt, David Stitt and Suzanne Lantz presented information on green living and building to editors of Meredith Corporation’s publications. The presentation and subsequent conversations gave editors background for articles appearing in several of their magazines.

Meredith’s publications include major magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal and Successful Farming. Better Homes and Gardens magazine was launched in 1922 and has a circulation of over 7.6 million. The magazine is published monthly by the Meredith Corporation.