At Trane, we believe that sustainability and decarbonization are essential for a wealthier, healthier, and happier community. Our holistic solutions align with our customers' sustainability goals and organizational priorities, delivering emissions reduction and added value.

During this session, our experts will share our vision for a sustainable future and provide practical strategies that can be tailored to the unique needs of a facility and organization:

1. Energy Efficiency Projects: Reduce energy consumption and costs.

2. Electrification Projects: Transition to electrified systems and lower emissions.

3. Renewable Energy and Storage: Enhance resiliency and reduce costs.

4. High-Efficiency HVAC and Controls: Optimize energy use and improve air quality.

Our session will feature case studies and success stories from local schools, municipalities, and businesses that have partnered with us to achieve their sustainability goals. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to take meaningful next steps toward a more sustainable future.

Join Sustain Rockford’s GoSolar815 team and Citizens Utility Board for a presentation and breakout session on pathways to funding your home solar project.

The Chicago Wild Mile is the flagship project of Urban Rivers and the first of it’s kind! Gaining global attention, the WIld Mile takes a wildlife-first approach to public greenspace. Combining ADA-accessible boardwalks with floating artificial habitats, the Wild Mile remains open to the public 24-7, and is used as a space for recreation, education, research, community gatherings, and more. Come learn from the team that built it.

NIU is receiving national attention for the approach and progress towards campus sustainability. Come take a walking tour with Campus Sustaintability Coordinator Dr. Courtney Gallaher to learn about the projects sprouting up all over campus including lagoon restoration, chiller plant innovation, and projects in the works.

The NIU Social Justice Education team brings a two-part session on where to begin with environmental justice, and why it’s for everyone.

NIU Social Justice Education team brings a session on finding your people and getting started with activism.

Michael Haines single-handedly rewilded dozens of acres of his own land here in DeKalb County, then donated it to the Forest Preserve. He’s here to tell us how we can do the same.

With philosophy based in the Homegrown National Park movement, this session is for homeowners on plots of all sizes. Learn more about the movement here.

Michael will also donate native saplings to Earth Fest participants - stop by his table at the expo to reserve yours!

Edible Campus teaches us how to create landscapes we can eat!

By installing gardens throughout the NIU campus, Edible Campus strives to improve the community’s access to sustainably-grown hyper-local produce. They bring NIU students, faculty and staff together with local residents and businesses to learn, practice and benefit from food system innovation. In addition to fresh food, our gardens provide opportunities to volunteer, engage in hands-on learning and conduct research.

Come meet the new director of the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability! Network with other businesses and community organizations committed to a more sustainable future in our state.

The Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability is one of the five innovation hubs funded by Illinois Innovation Network and the Rebuild Illinois Capital program. The IIN connects entities across Illinois to drive inclusive and integrated research, innovation, and economic development. Hubs utilize a combination of research, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, and workforce training programs to spur inclusive economic development in their region and across the state.

Meet the Directors of NIU Environmental Studies institute and NICCS and learn about the many innovative ways our students and faculty impact Northern Illinois and communities around the world. If you're thinking about joining NIU as a student, or your kids are, this is a great way to learn about the opportunities available! From study abroad experiences to work supporting cities, villages, and state agencies. From research on bioplastics to research on biodiversity and restoration. Find out about ways you, too, can connect to the work going on in classrooms, labs, and field sites. 

Jessica Cima, NIU STEAM community engagement coordinator, is also a dedicated home gardener who grows and preserves much of her family’s food. You’ll learn about starting seedlings, planning, and planting a garden, as well as harvesting fruit and seeds.  Jessica will share the health benefits of growing and preserving your own food while also reducing your carbon footprint. She’ll provide tips and techniques for gardening in suburban settings.

Limited to 25 participants.

This event is hosted in the STEAM Studio Classroom (Swen Parsons 146) adjacent to Founders Memorial Library.

Jessica Cima, NIU STEAM Community Engagement Coordinator, will explore the art and science of food preservation using a variety of techniques ranging from water bath canning to lacto-fermentation. Learn why it’s okay to water bath to can tomatoes and why a pressure cooker is required for canning green beans. Jessica will demonstrate master canning techniques with a focus on the science of safe food preservation.

Limited to 25 participants.

This event is hosted in the STEAM Studio Classroom (Swen Parsons 146) adjacent to Founders Memorial Library.

Explore the NIU School of Art and Design Environmental Art Installations, available all day at the entrance to Founders Memorial Library.

We love a happy hour! Immediately following the afternoon session, join us on the first floor of Founders Memorial Library for a social and networking hour featuring a cash bar with local options, and a Trashion Show.

Explore Meta’s Pollinator Park Virtual Reality experience! Slots will be available for sign up soon.

Our favorite part of Earth Fest is the community expo! It’s packed with resources and chances to get involved. This year expect local environmental organizations and associations, solar and electrification vendors, student groups, and more!

It wouldn’t be a DeCarbon DeKalb event without food trucks! Come hungry and try new food from across the state!

Local bars and brewers will also be onsite during lunch and social hour with cash bars. Cheers, we’ll see you there!

City of DeKalb Citizens Environmental Commission presents the STARR awards, and discusses DeKalb’s Sustainability Plan. Residents are invited to celebrate achievements and look to what we can do next.

Sustainable fashion is a vibe! Fast fashion is terrible for people and for the planet. Killian Bee and team will show off ways to reduce and reuse in your closet.