NEST

September Community Meeting

October Community Meeting

Naperville Can Do Better Regarding Energy

Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force

The Naperville Environment & Sustainability Task Force is an all volunteer organization. Our mission is to assist, inform, and advise 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.

We have a community meeting once a month, except in the summer when we plan outings and our annual picnic. Our focused committees meet independently.

Please read more about them on our Committees page, or contact us to find out more: NEST Contact Form

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Scope of Work

Education

NEST works to build community understanding of environmental issues and their impact on Naperville. We focus on increasing awareness, strengthening public engagement, and helping residents and organizations identify practical steps they can take to reduce their environmental footprint. By fostering informed participation, NEST supports the development of policies and actions that address pollution, climate change, and other environmental challenges.

Community Advocacy

NEST serves as an independent environmental organization committed to advancing sustainability in Naperville. We research issues, gather community input, and share recommendations with city staff, elected officials, and local partners to encourage environmentally responsible decision‑making. Our committees work to promote plans and policies that support long‑term sustainability and strengthen collaboration across the community.

NEST 2026-2027 Priorities

NEST is guided by the United Nations definition of sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes reducing the hazardous effects of human‑caused climate change and strengthening community resilience. Our 2026–2027 goals reflect that principle:  

  • Champion quality of life: Promote quality of life in Naperville for present and future generations, including clean air, clean water, and a healthy, thriving community environment with abundant green spaces.

  • Build partnerships: Seek common ground with the City of Naperville and community organizations to advance shared sustainability goals collaboratively.

  • Accelerate the clean energy transition: Help move Naperville away from coal and toward renewable energy sources.

  • Embed sustainability institutionally: Add sustainability language to the mission statements of the City of Naperville, the Public Utilities Advisory Board (PUAB), and Naperville Electric Utility (NEU).

  • Adopt a Climate Action & Resiliency Plan. Encourage the City to adopt a formal, comprehensive climate action and resiliency plan to help guide future decisions.

  • Make Naperville walkable and bikeable. Promote infrastructure and policy that make it safe, easy, and enjoyable to get around on foot and by bike.