Naperville Development Partnership

The Enviro-Link Committee was formed by interested City of Naperville employees and community members in the Spring of 2006 to consider the proper role of environmental sustainability in the responsible conduct of the City of Naperville’s business.

What is Environmental Sustainability?

There is some ambiguity in the use of the term “environmental sustainability.” The popular literature and governmental activities on a international scale have taken an extremely broad view of the term, often including such issues as aboriginal peoples’ rights and social welfare in the evaluation. This report and the committee, expressly limit themselves to those programs and activities that directly impact, or seek to minimize our impact on, the physical environment. The report includes traditional programs focused on the three core practices of reduce, reuse and recycle (i.e. recycling programs, alternative energy and waste reduction programs) and also takes a broader view and includes those practices and programs intended to enhance the physical environment by facilitating community decision making and activities (i.e. programs centered on permitting, code enforcement and traffi c patterns).

Next Steps

The Committee has developed a City Employee Program that will provide staff with information on resource conservation and recommendations to reduce their individual impact on the environment through responsible conduct. Additionally, pending City Council direction, the Committee has developed several potential program enhancements that could become part of a Strategic Plan Initiative. The following programs are currently under evaluation:

• A policy related to the procurement of goods and services that will consider possibilities for the reduction, reuse, and recycling of products and provide a process for the evaluation and, where appropriate, require procurement of goods that have a reduced negative impact on the environment and human health while being fi nancially responsible.
• A program to minimize the environmental impact of residential, commercial and construction waste disposal and reduce waste generation and utilization of landfi lls.
• A resource guide for Citizens that provides information and access to various opportunities for community involvement and participation in environmentally responsible activities including reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities.

Conclusion

While there is much being done, there is also much more that can be done. We believe that this report demonstrates the commitment of the City to doing the right thing as it relates to the environment. The Committee has many ideas and initiatives that have been recommended by various members of the committee and by interested community members. The committee is committed to executing further direction from the City Council related to environmental sustainability.

Greener Business Program                                     

www.naperville.il.us/greenerbusiness.aspx                                                                                                           

Second Application Cycle Added

_____________________________________ 

Residential Utility Customers - A Green Honor for Naperville

In October 2008, the city of Naperville was recognized for its renewable energy program and  was inducted into the National, Illinois and Chicago Environmental Halls of Fame.   The mission of the newly created Hall of Fame is to help reduce global warming, energy costs and pollution and to help increase energy independence.   Inductees were selected following extensive research into environmental projects for more than a year.  

All renewable energy is generated in Illinois.  It provides 70 percent wind, 29 percent small-hydro and 1 percent solar energy. 

Naperville is the sixth in the nation among participants.  There are 4,396 households and businesses or 8.2 percent enrolled in this program.