When you see a Green Acres Lawn & Garden van pull up to a property, you are looking at a business designed for the future. Through our strategic partnership with STIHL - the global leader in outdoor power equipment - we are on a mission to change how we care for Kiwi backyards by driving a large-scale transition from fossil-fueled equipment to zero-emissions battery-electric gear.
This isn't just about switching out gear; it’s a long-term commitment to reducing our collective carbon footprint, supporting our small business owners to actively reduce their own climate emissions, whilst delivering a cleaner, quieter service for our customers.
Here is a look at the core actions and benefits behind this enduring partnership:
Quiet Comfort for Your Neighbourhood
The most immediate benefit customers notice is the sound, or rather, the lack of it. Traditional commercial mowers and line trimmers can dominate a street with a lot of noise. All the STIHL cordless equipment used by our operators runs comfortably below 85 decibels, which is below the requirement for wearing ear protection.
Instead of the roar of heavy machinery, your backyard is filled with birdsong while we work. Whether you are working from home, have young children sleeping inside, or simply value your peace, STILH’s battery-powered equipment ensures your property is beautifully maintained without the disruption.
Slashing Carbon Emissions by the Tonne
Our transition to battery power is designed to make a massive, measurable environmental impact. By replacing all petrol equipment across our nationwide network over the next five years, the initiative is designed to remove an estimated 80 metric tonnes of carbon emissions from the atmosphere annually.
To put that into perspective, that is the environmental equivalent of taking at least 25 large utes per year completely off New Zealand roads permanently. It means that when you choose Green Acres, you are directly contributing to a lower-carbon future right in your own backyard.
Safer, Healthier Working Conditions for Franchisees
Sustainability isn't just about emissions; it’s also about the long-term health and well-being of our people.
Before committing to this technology, we put the STIHL Battery Electric Range through a rigorous six-month commercial trial, testing handling, power, and performance in all weather conditions. The results were clear: battery equipment makes for a much safer workplace.
The differences?
Up to 40% Lighter: The battery mowers and trimmers reduce weight significantly compared to petrol models, reducing physical fatigue, back strain, and bodily stress for our operators.
Zero Fumes: Franchisees no longer spend their days breathing in exhaust fumes or transporting highly combustible fuels in their vans, drastically lowering workplace hazards.
Closed-Loop Sustainability: Free Battery Recycling
One of the biggest questions around green technology is what happens to the equipment at the end of its life. Our network has direct access to STIHL's national battery recycling programme. Used lithium-ion batteries are safely and responsibly recycled free of charge, ensuring we minimise our environmental footprint from start to finish.
Proven Financial Sustainability
A truly green business model must also be an economically viable one. By removing the ongoing costs of petrol, spark plugs, and ongoing engine servicing, our business owners run leaner, more efficient operations.
Franchisees are also well supported by access to finance — including the innovative Green Business Loan through ANZ. By helping our businesses be financially stable, we can continue providing excellent service to Kiwi communities for decades to come.
A Message from Our Leadership
"Our partnership with STIHL demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation. We want to show that moving toward a sustainable business model doesn't have to be complicated. When you do the groundwork, making choices that protect the environment actually makes your business more efficient, safer, and highly rewarding for everyone involved." — Jason Hill, General Manager
The Green Acres Standard
Kiwis are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, actively monitoring everything from home energy efficiency to waste reduction. At Green Acres, we believe in meeting those expectations head-on.
By combining the world-class research and development of the STIHL brand with our 30-plus years of local lawn and garden expertise, we aren’t just mowing lawns; we are leading the service industry into a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Read other media releases:
ChannelLife NZ: Green Acres and STIHL to launch emissions reduction program
Franchise NZ Magazine: Lawn & garden franchise goes electric
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