William McDonough
Keynote Speaker: Sustainable Design Innovator, Circular Economy Pioneer, Architect
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Travels From:
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Speaking Fee:
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Categories:Business, Sales, Journalism, Business Leadership, International Business, Creativity, Technology, Environment, Design, Architecture, Home & Decor, Sustainability, Economy, Ethics & Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Success, Environmental Activism, Energy, Innovation, Marketing, Earth Day, Animals & Wildlife, Conservation, Science, Finance
William McDonough Biography
William McDonough is a globally recognized leader in sustainable design and development. He co-authored "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things" (2002), widely recognized as a seminal text of both the sustainability and the Circular Economy design movements. He also co-authored "The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability--Designing for Abundance," further contributing to critical discussions on resource use and sustainable practices.
He advises global leaders through McDonough Innovation and is an architect with William McDonough + Partners. His architecture firm, established in 1977, is noted for designing many primary icons of the sustainable architecture movement, including major projects for companies such as Gap Inc., Nike, and Herman Miller. Through his firm MBDC, he created the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program and co-founded the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, which administers the program. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is an independent, science-based, third-party, multi-attribute product standard recognized by the world’s leading retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, Walgreens, and Walmart.
McDonough has been active with the World Economic Forum for 25 years and served as the inaugural chair of their Meta-Council on the Circular Economy. He has co-founded four not-for-profit organizations, including GreenBlue, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and Fashion for Good—a joint-industry initiative aiming to transform the global apparel chain into a force for good. His leadership roles extend to education, where he serves as an Alumni Research Professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and as a Consulting Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.
McDonough received the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development (1996), the first U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award (2003), and the National Design Award (2004). He was also recognized with the Fortune Award for Circular Economy Leadership (2017). Time magazine acknowledged him as a “Hero for the Planet,” emphasizing that his philosophy is “changing the design of the world.” Fortune magazine also named him one of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders in 2019, highlighting his ongoing influence in the field of sustainable design and architecture.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on William McDonough and other top speakers and celebrities.
William McDonough Speaking Topics
William McDonough believes that we can create a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy, and just world, with clean air, soil, water, and power--economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed. Why not? McDonough discusses why efficiency alone is not going to solve the problems we face as a planet--efficiency, sustainability, and the reduction of carbon-footprint only slow the inevitable. Rather than striving to do less bad, McDonough advocates for a new paradigm geared towards increasing positive impacts. Through his illuminating discussion, McDonough maps out:
What it means to build like a tree and rethink design to create products, industries and processes with positive impacts
How modern businesses and communities are accepting the challenge of improving the planet by moving beyond efficiency with the protocols of eco-effectiveness
How companies can leverage efficiency to become 100% renewably powered
Why we are faced with a materials problem rather than an energy problem and what that means for industry
Internationally recognized for his innovative and groundbreaking design ideas, William McDonough explains how we can change the impact of human industry on the environment while encouraging economic success. He takes audiences on a captivating journey, describing how we can all become thoughtfully engaged in a magnificent design assignment that can be understood on a personal level. Audiences gain an understanding of this powerful paradigm for viewing the world for positive impact at all levels as an individual, a professional, and a citizen of the global community. In his stimulating and innovative presentation, McDonough describes:
The best and worst in the history of human design from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Edison
Puts to rest myths and misconceptions surrounding the effectiveness of banning materials and explain the importance of separating the organic cycle from the technical cycle
Explains the importance of enterprise large and the transformative nature of commerce itself, acting in society's best interest based on the simple notion that the first job of business is keep your customers alive and thriving
Presents new strategies of change for eco-intelligence to help guide our endeavors at every level from the making of molecules to the planning of regions
In an eye-opening and provocative presentation based on the book he co-authored with German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, American architect William McDonough challenges the way we think about waste, recycling and designing for a planet approaching nine billion. He explains that the widely accepted goals of sustainability and eco-efficiency actually create unbelievable amounts of waste and pollutionthey simply wont be enough. Instead of focusing on reducing footprint, McDonough urges that products be designed to continuously travel in nutrient cyclesbiological (they go back to the soil) or technical (they stay in the use and production cycle safely forever). With this Cradle to Cradle framework in mind, McDonough has shaped the design of everything from carpet to corporate campuses. He shows audiences that:
Design is the first signal of human intention and the key to solving the planets most pressing problems
Recycling is ineffective it is really just a process of downcycling products into low-grade materials that will eventually become waste
Anyone involved in making anything can put eco-effectiveness into practice
Businesses can lead the way on climate change with velocity and scale
If revolutionized, human industry does not have to damage the natural world - products can be designed in a way that they will actually act as revitalizing nutrients for the environment when they are no longer needed
William McDonough Videos
How do I book William McDonough to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like William McDonough for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for William McDonough, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for William McDonough or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book William McDonough for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for William McDonough, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book William McDonough are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $30,000 - $50,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire William McDonough, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does William McDonough speak about?
William McDonough is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Sales, Journalism, Business Leadership, International Business, Creativity, Technology, Environment, Design, Architecture, Home & Decor, Sustainability, Economy, Ethics & Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Success, Environmental Activism, Energy, Innovation, Marketing, Earth Day, Animals & Wildlife, Conservation, Science and Finance.
Where does William McDonough travel from?
William McDonough generally travels from Virginia, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for William McDonough?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like William McDonough for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book William McDonough for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host William McDonough or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
William McDonough is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Sales and Journalism. The estimated speaking fee range to book William McDonough for live events is $50,000 - $100,000, and for virtual events $30,000 - $50,000. William McDonough generally travels from Virginia, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Peter Diamandis, Adrian Grenier and Dr. Michio Kaku. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling William McDonough for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
William McDonough Speaking Topics
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Create More Good, Rather Than Do Less Bad
William McDonough believes that we can create a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy, and just world, with clean air, soil, water, and power--economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed. Why not? McDonough discusses why efficiency alone is not going to solve the problems we face as a planet--efficiency, sustainability, and the reduction of carbon-footprint only slow the inevitable. Rather than striving to do less bad, McDonough advocates for a new paradigm geared towards increasing positive impacts. Through his illuminating discussion, McDonough maps out:
What it means to build like a tree and rethink design to create products, industries and processes with positive impacts
How modern businesses and communities are accepting the challenge of improving the planet by moving beyond efficiency with the protocols of eco-effectiveness
How companies can leverage efficiency to become 100% renewably powered
Why we are faced with a materials problem rather than an energy problem and what that means for industry
-
Putting Eco-Effectiveness into Practice for a Cradle to Cradle World
Internationally recognized for his innovative and groundbreaking design ideas, William McDonough explains how we can change the impact of human industry on the environment while encouraging economic success. He takes audiences on a captivating journey, describing how we can all become thoughtfully engaged in a magnificent design assignment that can be understood on a personal level. Audiences gain an understanding of this powerful paradigm for viewing the world for positive impact at all levels as an individual, a professional, and a citizen of the global community. In his stimulating and innovative presentation, McDonough describes:
The best and worst in the history of human design from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Edison
Puts to rest myths and misconceptions surrounding the effectiveness of banning materials and explain the importance of separating the organic cycle from the technical cycle
Explains the importance of enterprise large and the transformative nature of commerce itself, acting in society's best interest based on the simple notion that the first job of business is keep your customers alive and thriving
Presents new strategies of change for eco-intelligence to help guide our endeavors at every level from the making of molecules to the planning of regions
-
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
In an eye-opening and provocative presentation based on the book he co-authored with German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, American architect William McDonough challenges the way we think about waste, recycling and designing for a planet approaching nine billion. He explains that the widely accepted goals of sustainability and eco-efficiency actually create unbelievable amounts of waste and pollutionthey simply wont be enough. Instead of focusing on reducing footprint, McDonough urges that products be designed to continuously travel in nutrient cyclesbiological (they go back to the soil) or technical (they stay in the use and production cycle safely forever). With this Cradle to Cradle framework in mind, McDonough has shaped the design of everything from carpet to corporate campuses. He shows audiences that:
Design is the first signal of human intention and the key to solving the planets most pressing problems
Recycling is ineffective it is really just a process of downcycling products into low-grade materials that will eventually become waste
Anyone involved in making anything can put eco-effectiveness into practice
Businesses can lead the way on climate change with velocity and scale
If revolutionized, human industry does not have to damage the natural world - products can be designed in a way that they will actually act as revitalizing nutrients for the environment when they are no longer needed
VIDEO
William McDonough Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
William McDonough Reviews
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William McDonough's presentation was a crowd favorite!
Cotton Incorporated - Sep 27 2022 -
Brilliant, articulate, inspirational...The first time I heard William McDonough, he transformed my way of thinking about design. I always come away inspired.
Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc - Nov 23 2010
NEWS
William McDonough News
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Cradle to Cradle: An interview with William McDonough
William McDonough is a leading light in creating not just architecture, but entire systems of non-toxic, no-waste production.
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Bloomberg Radio Interview with William McDonough
Cory Johnson and Carol Massar of Bloomberg Radio interviewed William McDonough at Sage Summit 2015 in New Orleans.
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William McDonough to Share Roadmap for Sustainable Innovation at 2014 NAEM Forum
Washington, DC, July 16, 2014 - Sustainability thought leader William McDonough will make the business case for the circular economy as the opening keynote speaker for NAEM's 23rd annual EHS Management Forum on Oct. 22-14 in Austin.
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Architect and Sustainability Pioneer William McDonough Unveils ...
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Designer and thought leader William McDonough will debut ICEhouse™ (Innovation for the Circular ...
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William McDonough Helps the World Economic Forum Set the Agenda .
Jan 22, 2014 - 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- William McDonough Helps the World Economic Forum ... PR Newswire: news distribution, targeting and monitoring.
FAQS
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How do I book William McDonough to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like William McDonough for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for William McDonough, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for William McDonough or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book William McDonough for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for William McDonough, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book William McDonough are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $30,000 - $50,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire William McDonough, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does William McDonough speak about?
William McDonough is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Sales, Journalism, Business Leadership, International Business, Creativity, Technology, Environment, Design, Architecture, Home & Decor, Sustainability, Economy, Ethics & Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Success, Environmental Activism, Energy, Innovation, Marketing, Earth Day, Animals & Wildlife, Conservation, Science and Finance. -
Where does William McDonough travel from?
William McDonough generally travels from Virginia, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for William McDonough?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like William McDonough for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book William McDonough for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host William McDonough or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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