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About the Book

In Marlon Kobacker’s most recent publication, “Sustainable Building Design and the Capital Cost Barrier,” the sustainability advisory expert details the specific nature of the capital cost barrier along with the limitations it threatens to impose on sustainable building design if not properly addressed. While discussing the context in which certain capital costs effectively create an obstacle to the implementation of sustainable building and design practices, Mr. Kobacker discusses many of the misconceptions and erroneous beliefs that must first be dispelled before any other steps can be taken. The internationally renowned sustainability expert then addresses the specific strategic vision he employs in maximizing a project’s value while also minimizing its cost.

Drawing on his varied experience in sustainable building development and design, Mr. Kobacker touches on a variety of subjects relevant to reducing the costs typically associated with green building techniques, including a cost-benefit analysis of sustainable building strategies as well as an explanation of the rationale behind the need for thoughtful consideration of the specific sustainability goals to be outlined from the outset of any project. While discussing the potential costs and benefits, Mr. Kobacker provides his expert insight into passive design techniques that can be implemented through early involvement in site selection, which can contribute significantly to the goal of achieving optimal building performance while simultaneously reducing a variety of associated costs.

Noting the value of foresight as it relates to long-term considerations and sustainable building design, Mr. Kobacker emphasizes the importance of doing more than just meeting the minimum building standards currently required. The future value of a property asset is dependent on several critical factors, including its ability to outperform other energy-hungry buildings. Pointing out the fact that there is now a worldwide consensus recognizing that reducing carbon emissions is a critical goal for industries operating in every country, Mr. Kobacker explains how building codes will only become stricter and wasteful energy practices will almost certainly increase in cost at an exponential rate.

Through the release of “Sustainable Building Design and the Capital Cost Barrier,” Mr. Kobacker offers an informed look into the future of the sustainable building design industry and sees the opportunity for exceptional growth driven by a confluence of powerful market factors. With the likelihood of stringent mandates from all levels of government along with the demand of consumers who wish to work with companies that use and encourage environmentally responsible practices, the sustainable building design industry will only continue to grow. This potential for rapid growth underscores the need for efficient building and design practices that effectively remove any issues pertaining to the existence of the capital cost barrier.

About the Author

Marlon Kobacker

Marlon Kobacker has consistently emphasized the importance of utilizing an innovative and forward-looking approach to design and development in his role as a sustainability advisor, taking every opportunity to share his unique strategic vision with peers in the industry through speaking engagements, consulting work and the publication of scholarly articles and books on a wide range of subjects relevant to his field. Marlon’s expertise in both sustainable design and clean energy finance is held in high regard, which has enabled him to share his vision for the future of sustainable design and development as a presenter at 10 international conferences held all over the world.

A 13-year veteran of the profession who holds accreditations from the Green Building Council of Australia, the United States Green Building Council and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, Marlon is currently leading the sustainability advisory business at Clean Energy Corporation Australia, a company committed to promoting green values by developing highly efficient energy solutions while providing access to superior solar technology. Specializing in stimulating continued business development through the use of sustainability analytics, strategy, design and development, Marlon has been quite successful in educating others on the widespread and wholly positive effect possible through an overarching plan in which the environmental impact of business activities is minimized while utility bills and other costs are reduced.

Marlon began his professional career as a sustainability advisor after completing an exceptional academic career in which his future as an industry pioneer was heavily foreshadowed. Earning his undergraduate degree while studying photovoltaic engineering, solar energy and computing, Marlon broke new ground by being the very first student to graduate from the world’s first undergraduate photovoltaic engineering program. After completing his undergraduate work, Marlon remained at his alma mater, the University of New South Wales, to enroll in the graduate program in which he would earn a Master of the Built Environment in Sustainable Design.

In addition to his lengthy career as a sustainability advisor, Marlon also spent several years developing a new course for the University of New South Wales School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, where he also served as a lecturer. In the time since, Marlon has published several articles and books focusing on sustainable design, including several on the subject of removing many of the factors contributing to the existence of a capital cost barrier. Throughout the entirety of his illustrious career in the sustainability industry, Marlon has remained an innovative force within an industry poised to enjoy tremendous future growth driven by consistently increasing worldwide market demand.