Marlon Kobacker
Marlon Kobacker, a clean energy finance expert whose sustainability advisement has been critical in countless international projects of varying size and scope, is currently involved in a wide range of professional capacities with Clean Energy Corporation Australia, Sustainable Future Group, and EarthRights International. In each of these roles, Marlon brings unique insight into the implementation of green energy design principles as well as the multitude of strategies available for eliminating the capital cost barrier of such projects.
In his role as director of Sustainable Future Group, Marlon focuses on offering specific technical advice regarding the reduction of operational costs and the improvement of sustainability performance. Marlon is uniquely suited for this particular role, especially due to his vast industry experience in which he has been regularly called upon to speak at international conferences or to offer consulting services on all manner of projects in need of expert sustainable design guidance.
Marlon, a graduate of the University of New South Wales, is also a sustainability advisory principal with Clean Energy Corporation Australia, also known as CECA. Drawing on his years of consulting experience as well as the academic experience that yielded a master’s degree in sustainable design from UNSW’s School of Renewable Energy Engineering, Marlon has been instrumental in the company’s ability to provide specific strategies for reducing energy costs in concert with a reduced impact on the environment.
Currently serving in an advisory role with EarthRights International on an internal project that is confidential in nature, Marlon continues to tirelessly advocate for the use of sustainable design principles on new and existing projects. While his consulting work has been instrumental in demonstrating the efficacy of sustainable design techniques, Marlon has also worked to raise awareness in other ways, including through the publication of articles and books outlining the many ways in which sustainable design and clean energy can be seamlessly integrated into any project.
1. What do you know about the real estate industry?
My consulting work provides a great deal of insight into the real estate industry, especially the commercial side.
2. Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I have sold real estate before, but my experience as a seller is limited and was done through a realtor.
3. How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
My knowledge of buying and selling real estate is not due to my direct involvement in purchases or sales, but rather through my principal involvement in projects requiring the acquisition or sale of commercial real estate.
4. Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
I have been involved in projects in which a purchase was somewhat ill advised. This happens with relative frequency when a sustainable design consultant is not involved in the project from the beginning, as this eliminates the opportunity to consider cost-saving passive design principles.
5. What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Reach out to someone you trust who is knowledgeable on the subject of real estate and understands the outcome you are seeking as either a buyer or seller.
6. What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
I know that energy-efficient and environmentally conscious properties are valued higher and are more likely to sell quickly.
7. What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
I believe that a commitment to thorough and advance planning is essential, but that certainly applies to just about any industry.
8. What has real estate taught you about life?
It has helped reinforce the notion that just because something has been established as the standard approach does not mean that it is also the ideal approach.
9. How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
I can certainly apply what I have learned to my professional life, particularly in relation to the need to constantly focus on innovation.
10. Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
Yes, I have always valued the support and guidance of anyone who is rightly considered an expert in his or her field.
11. Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
Our feedback system is quite essential, as innovation often stems from the recognition that a specific need has gone unfulfilled. We are much more likely to be aware of these gaps because of the feedback system we have in place.
