About Our Organization
The Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force began as a small group of Naperville citizens working together for clean energy in Naperville. Over time, we expanded our scope and in 2019, we became an official Task Force of the City of Naperville.
As a whole, we generally meet on the 3rd Monday of each month, but our focused committees meet independently. Please read more about them below and volunteer with our effort.
Mission
The Naperville Environment & Sustainability Task Force assists, informs, and advises City government and Naperville residents and businesses to identify, prioritize, and implement sustainability initiatives and greenhouse gas reduction, with the goal of creating a sustainable, resilient, carbon-free future for Naperville.
NEST Committees
NEST has a number of active committees, described below. Most committees meet once or twice a month in the evening. The meeting schedule can be found on the Events page. New members are always welcome. To volunteer, click on the Volunteer tab at the top of the page. We hope you join us to work toward a more sustainable Naperville.
Building & Development
The Building and Development Committee aims to address a pragmatic and prolific reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the proposed and built environment of the city of Naperville.
Meets via zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
City Engagement
This committee is responsible for managing NEST’s communications and relations with Naperville city staff and City Council . This committee supports the work of all the NEST committees when city interactions are necessary by ensuring proactive communications and engagement between city staff and NEST volunteers as needed.
Meets as needed.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Community Engagement
Working to engage and educate the community to create and raise awareness of the sustainability plan.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Energy
The energy committee tackles the hard issues associated with Naperville's excessive burning of coal (exceeding 80%) to produce our electricity. This generates environmental waste of toxic chemicals and spews megatons of greenhouse gas emissions which are warming the planet. This represents the by far largest share of Naperville's pollution. We work on promoting renewable energy to replace coal. Energy efficiency is also part of our scope to lower the overall use of energy in both commercial and residential settings.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Natural Resources
Working to outline a strategic plan to conserve and employ natural resources to mitigate and prepare for climate change impacts.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Transportation
Working to outline a strategic plan to develop the transition for clean, healthy, efficient transportation, as well as increased walkability and bikability.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Waste
Working to outline a strategic plan to reduce waste.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
Youth
Young people have a lot to gain if we work to address climate change. NEST Youth Team tackles local issues of sustainability and the climate crisis, while learning how our actions connect to the region and the planet. High school and college students welcome. This is a great opportunity to make a difference, while also earning community service hours or working on a related academic project. Team members will have the chance to meet with elected officials, learn from mentors and role models, and practice their leadership skills. Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville or contact the committee chairperson.
School District Engagement
The NEST School District Engagement team, made of students, parents, and community members, assists Districts 203 and 204 in identifying and setting sustainability goals.
Learn more about their work towards a sustainable Naperville by contacting the committee chairperson.