Climate action is no longer carried out only because of values – increasingly, it is also a wise and long-term approach from the perspective of the entire organization. The climate partners network facilitated by the City of Porvoo offers local actors a concrete way to develop their operations in a more sustainable direction together with the city and other organizations.

The climate partners network is not a secret club, but it does require organizations to set at least one climate or environmental goal. This is not about a ready-made model or externally imposed requirements, but rather a process of learning and continuous improvement. All organizations are therefore welcome to join the network entirely from their own starting points. This is essential in Porvoo’s climate partnership and makes the partnership a genuinely low-threshold opportunity also for actors who are taking their first steps in climate and environmental work.

Although the climate partnership is free of charge for members of the network, it is still an investment in the future. Residents, customers and partners increasingly expect – and even demand – that responsibility is reflected in concrete actions and transparent operations. Openly committing to climate and environmental work signals long-term thinking and taking responsibility for our shared living environment, which strengthens trust and reputation among different stakeholder groups. As a platform for learning and development, the climate partnership provides a natural setting for this investment in the future.

It is also encouraging to note that climate action and financial viability are increasingly going hand in hand. Energy efficiency, thoughtful use of resources and proactive planning help manage both climate emissions and the costs they generate. Preparing for tightening regulation and future changes is also easier – and cheaper – when climate and environmental perspectives are included early in operations and decision-making.

At its best, climate partnership is not just a set of individual measures. It is a journey in which we learn together and find workable solutions despite organizations’ different starting points. This is where the strength of the climate partnership lies: it offers a structure and a community that supports making climate and environmental work a natural part of organizations’ everyday life. Porvoon Kodit is also part of the climate partners network and has thus committed to developing its operations for the benefit of the climate and the environment.

Sanna Päivärinta
City of Porvoo, sustainable development expert

Photo: Sami Heiskanen, Visit Porvoo