William Gagnon: Igniting Change Through Innovation
William Gagnon Keynote Speaker Profile
Introduction
William Gagnon is a pioneering keynote speaker, green buildings specialist, and decarbonization expert based in Canada. Recognized for his contributions to sustainable building practices and his thought leadership on climate solutions, William Gagnon has become a sought-after speaker for organizations, government agencies, and industry conferences across North America and internationally. Whether the focus is on creating innovation in the green economy or addressing eco-anxiety in workforces, William Gagnon delivers evidence-based talks with actionable strategies for driving impactful environmental change.
Biography Summary
William Gagnon holds a degree in building engineering from Concordia University and pursued graduate studies in Sustainable Carbon Management at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. Further advancing his expertise, he earned a Climate Fellowship from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Throughout his career, William Gagnon has combined technical expertise with a passion for systemic change, using his platform to accelerate decarbonization efforts—including facilitating eco-anxiety workshops for diverse audiences within Canada and abroad.
Recognition of his work came early: William Gagnon received the Corporate Knight’s Top 30 under 30 Sustainability Award in 2018 and was shortlisted for the Eco Canada Impact Award. His innovative research, such as the “Northern Building Retrofit Economy” strategy, demonstrated how retrofitting buildings to achieve zero carbon could deliver significant economic, environmental, and social returns for remote northern communities. William Gagnon holds two LEED professional accreditations, maintains Living Future Accreditation, and is a certified facilitator for the UNLEASH Innovation Lab.
William Gagnon now sits with CDETNO to drive green job creation and circular economy initiatives. He serves on the board of the Northern Council for Global Cooperation—promoting Sustainable Development Goals throughout the Canadian Territories—and the national board of the Green Party of Canada. His lived experience in Chief Drygeese Territory is complemented by global speaking engagements in cities including Yellowknife, Montreal, and Toronto, as well as in Norway, Sweden, China, and Spain.
Speaking Topics & Expertise
Decarbonizing Northern Communities
William Gagnon keynote speaker events on decarbonizing northern communities help organizations understand the unique challenges and opportunities of transitioning remote and northern regions to a zero-carbon future. His approach emphasizes practical retrofitting strategies, economic resilience, and policy frameworks that address community needs.
Eco-Anxiety in the Workplace and Community
William Gagnon speaker presentations address eco-anxiety by equipping leaders and employees with coping strategies, communication frameworks, and actionable plans to manage climate-related stress. He has a proven record of facilitating impactful workshops that foster mental resilience amidst environmental uncertainties.
Green Building Retrofitting Strategies
Recognized as a top expert in sustainable building retrofitting, William Gagnon explores how organizations can dramatically reduce emissions, operational costs, and long-term risks by leveraging integrated retrofitting technologies. His talks guide decision-makers in building the business case for deep retrofits and net-zero adaptation.
The Circular Economy and Green Jobs
William Gagnon speaker sessions demystify the circular economy, showcasing innovation pathways that unlock economic opportunities and advance sustainability in regional and national contexts. He presents real-world case studies on job creation, resource optimization, and community empowerment.
Social Engineering for Decarbonization
This topic focuses on the role of behavioral change, stakeholder mobilization, and effective communication strategies in accelerating decarbonization. William Gagnon keynote presentations highlight social movements, policy instruments, and community-driven approaches that deliver lasting climate impact.
Sustainable Development Goals in the North
William Gagnon speaker events provide practical frameworks for aligning organizational strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically tailored to the unique context of Canada’s north. He offers guidance on partnerships, local adaptations, and measurable impacts.
Impact & Recognition
William Gagnon’s research and advocacy have produced measurable outcomes in environmental policy, green job creation, and decarbonization innovation. His “Northern Building Retrofit Economy” report stands as a leading strategy—demonstrating that achieving zero carbon across buildings in the Northwest Territories is not only viable, but economically advantageous, with calculated annual savings and employment growth. In recognition of his leadership, William Gagnon was named to Corporate Knight’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability list and was a finalist for the Eco Canada Impact Award.
In addition to holding multiple professional credentials (LEED AP credentials, Living Future Accreditation, UNLEASH Innovation Lab facilitator), William Gagnon is known for his contributions to the boards of the Northern Council for Global Cooperation and the Green Party of Canada—advancing sustainability causes on geographic, social, and political levels. His distinguished background makes him one of the most influential decarbonization experts and keynote speakers in Canada.
Media & Appearances
William Gagnon keynote speaker activities have been featured in recognized media outlets, including sustainability trade publications and news profiles spotlighting his decarbonization research and northern retrofit initiatives. He is frequently invited to panels and podcasts focused on green jobs, circular economy, and environmental leadership. William Gagnon speaker engagements include high-profile conferences and summits in cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Anchorage, Seattle, as well as international venues in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, China, and Spain.
William Gagnon’s contributions as both a thought leader and practitioner have solidified his reputation as a trusted voice on the future of sustainable development in Canada and beyond. Organizations seeking credible, actionable insights on net-zero transformation regularly turn to William Gagnon speaker presentations for the latest expertise and case studies. To inquire about media or speaking appearances, visit the Speakers Bureau of Canada contact page.
Related Questions Answered
Booking Information
William Gagnon keynote speaker and green innovation expert can be booked exclusively through the Speakers Bureau of Canada for both in-person and virtual events. For detailed availability, keynote topics, speaking fees, or to initiate the booking process, reach out directly via the Speakers Bureau of Canada contact form. Their experienced team will provide a fast response and ensure seamless coordination for your event.
To secure William Gagnon as your next keynote speaker or workshop facilitator, contact Speakers Bureau of Canada today.
For all other inquiries, speaker profile details, or to discuss custom presentations, the Speakers Bureau of Canada contact page is the best way to connect and receive prompt assistance.