Source: Atlanta Jewish Times, July 17, 2009.
By Ann Marie Quill
View the article here (PDF).
Remodeling firm implements environmentally friendly designs
For Mosaic Group, an Atlanta remodeling firm, “going green” is not just a fad or empty phrase.
“As a company we are taking more initiatives to become certified in green building and remodeling,” said Rick Goldstein, co-owner and licensed architect. “We are learning as much as we can and taking what we are learning and implementing it in our everyday business practices.”
Goldstein explains that not only is his company implementing green practices in the office by recycling as much as possible, Mosaic is also using environmentally friendly practices in its remodeling designs.
“We are translating healthy homes into a way of thinking,” he said, which means recommending appliances that do not emit unhealthy gasses, using products without formaldehyde, using energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems, and using Energy Star appliances.
“It saves customers money in the long run,” Goldstein added. “We look at the home as a system instead of in bits and pieces. We try to guide people to consider solar use to help release our dependence on foreign oil and petroleum-based products. And there’s lots of government tax incentives.”
Goldstein said he is finding “more and more” customers inquiring about green practices, and expecting his firm to be able to guide them.
Since most of Mosaic’s clients are people who are planning to stay in their homes long-term, they are interested in making a good investment.
“Most people say, ‘but how much is it going to cost?’, but it is a smart investment,” Goldstein said. “If you are going to do something, do it right.”