STIHL GB

Founded in 1978, STIHL GB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global STIHL Group, a family-owned power tool manufacturer, and the world’s best-selling chainsaw brand. STIHL GB distributes power tools in the UK and has been working with Philosophy (and formerly Consciam) since 2020 to accurately measure its carbon impacts, strengthen understanding of its operational footprint, reduce environmental impacts, and to ensure compliance with UK government and STIHL group disclosure requirements.

STIHL GB has been required to disclose its annual impacts under the UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations since they were introduced in 2019. Whilst STIHL Group was measuring its manufacturing impacts, this was the first time STIHL GB had needed to develop a detailed carbon footprint. The main challenge was collating data from disparate sources for an unfamiliar purpose, and ensuring the footprint was accurate, transparent, and based on clear assumptions so the company could report with confidence.

We’ve supported STIHL GB over the last 5 years to strengthen the accuracy, scope and usefulness of its carbon data through a highly collaborative process, training and upskilling the STIHL team to provide more independence.

Data Collection

From the first project in 2020 to the latest 2025 footprint, we have helped STIHL GB to identify key data sources, fully understand the relative materiality and importance of each aspect, and how to enhance data quality in conjunction with suppliers each year. We provided simple templates to enable STIHL to collate the data on a regular basis throughout the year, making the process simple and streamlined for the busy UK team.

Footprinting and Growing Independence

Initially, we developed the carbon footprint for STIHL GB, but as capability and confidence grew, we trained the excellent UK team to do the bulk of the work in-house, using our recommended carbon footprint tool. This gives the client both more control and ownership of the footprint and a clear understanding of the actions they can take to reduce impacts.

Quality Assurance and Ongoing Guidance

We provided hands-on support and monthly guidance sessions to ensure data quality and verify assumptions. We provided upskilling, enabling the STIHL GB team to confidently embed best practice approaches to data collection and footprint development.

Reporting and Insights

Reporting has evolved alongside the team’s capability – from comprehensive early reports supporting SECR compliance, to more focused SECR statements and Group reports. We’ve summarised key findings, hotspots, and trends, as well as enabling the team to reflect on achievements and set goals for the following year. We’ve held workshops with senior leaders in the UK and Group and the UK sustainability team to deepen understanding of emissions hotspots, identify levers for reduction, and track annual performance. This has given STIHL GB genuine carbon confidence and a clear roadmap for decarbonisation.

This ongoing collaboration has enabled STIHL GB to:

• Build an internal capability to independently collect and process carbon data efficiently.
• Strengthen data quality and credibility through independent QA
• Enable timely, accurate and confident carbon reporting and disclosure in line with mandatory requirements.
• Identify priority decarbonisation opportunities to inform future target setting and reduction planning.

By embedding robust measurement processes, STIHL GB is now better positioned to integrate carbon management into business decisions and client discussions – demonstrating leadership and accountability within its sector.