Municipalities have an important role and responsibility in implementing international and national climate goals and preparing for climate change. Reducing emissions should be a pervasive principle in all municipal decisions and actions. Greenhouse gases can be reduced in all municipal sectors. The greatest potential for emission reduction lies in the energy management of properties.

Municipalities must be trendsetters and serve as an example for other parties operating in the municipality, such as companies, communities and residents. In a broader perspective, the municipality can promote the climate work of companies and other communities through partnerships and cooperation. The preparation of the municipal climate program and the key climate goals extracted from it are a prerequisite for starting climate partnership activities in the municipality. A company can join as a climate partner if the municipality is committed to climate partnership.

Climate change is also an economic opportunity for municipalities: Climate work improves the image of the municipality and supports the implementation of economic policy. Energy savings and improved energy efficiency mean, in addition to reduced energy consumption and emissions, clear financial savings.

To support the preparation of the climate program, sufficient knowledge of the greenhouse gas emissions generated in the region is needed. Kankaanpää has been involved in the Satahima-Towards a carbon-neutral Satakuntaa project, which was implemented in 2015–2017. The project promotes energy saving and greenhouse gas reduction in municipalities and companies. The Satahima project has investigated the greenhouse gas emissions of the city of Kankaanpää for 2014. The Satahima project supports the climate program work and energy efficiency-related actions of the municipalities and companies involved in the project. Reducing energy consumption plays a central role in the municipality's own climate work.

The climate program defines the goals and measures of the city of Kankaanpää to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change. The measures are described by sector, which includes goals and a schedule for the planned measures. The implementation of the goals and measures is monitored regularly and updated if necessary in connection with monitoring.

A multidisciplinary climate working group has been established to prepare and monitor the climate program, reporting to the city government.

Kankaanpää City Climate Program 2017 – 2025 (PDF)