James McNeil
For over 30 years, James has tirelessly worked to reshape Ottawa’s real estate sector, proving sustainability can be embedded into business success. From launching Canada’s first mall recycling program to founding Ottawa’s first green real estate brokerage, he has consistently pushed the market toward energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings.
In 2009, James produced Ottawa’s first Green Office Market Report, tracking certified buildings and linking sustainability to occupancy trends – a dataset that remains a benchmark today. He also founded the Better Buildings Breakfast Series, now in its 16th year, drawing thousands of attendees from government, developers, and cleantech innovators, sparking collaborations and retrofit projects citywide.
Beyond convening, James has advised municipalities, non-profits, and commercial clients on green leasing, LEED and BOMA BEST certifications, and low-carbon retrofits. His leadership extends from co-founding the Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict to coordinating Invest Ottawa’s 2024 Global Investment Forum, cementing his role as a connector, educator, and catalyst for market-driven climate action.
