What happens after we die is often a rather environmentally unfriendly business; but some funeral homes are helping to ‘green’ death with solar power and other eco-conscious practices.
Post-death can be an energy-intensive, toxic and wasteful process – the embalming, ornate coffins, elaborate funerals and cremation. None of these things are particularly beneficial to the dearly departed, but they can certainly help with the grieving process for those of us left behind.
But it doesn’t have to be so environmentally destructive and increasingly, funeral homes are offering eco-friendly options.
An example of such a business is Ian Hazel Funerals in Sutton Coldfield in the UK.
The family-run business has recently installed a solar power system consisting of 78 solar panels, which should supply enough power to meet 70% of the funeral home’s electricity needs. It expects payback on the investment within 6 years, which is quite impressive as the UK isn’t really renowned for sunny days like Australia is.
As part of a major redevelopment of the home, the company has also added rainwater harvesting capabilities, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, energy efficient LED lighting with motion sensors and underfloor heating.
For their efforts, the funeral home has been awarded Energy Performance Certificate (A); the highest energy efficiency rating and apparently a rare occurrence for a commercial building.
Added to this is an investment in diesel Jaguar funeral vehicles that will provide better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Ian Hazel Funerals also offers eco-friendly caskets and woodland burials.
“Our aim is to support families in whatever way we can at a difficult time in their lives, but also to offer a sustainable service – so that families can feel comfortable that the funeral they arrange with us respects the environment and leaves the smallest possible carbon footprint,” said owner Ian Hazel according to an article on Sutton Coldfield Local.
The funeral industry is one of many sectors becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of solar. Commercial solar isn’t just a way for companies to demonstrate solid environmental stewardship. Installing solar either as an outright purchase or under a solar PPA (power purchase agreement) can have a very positive impact on a firm’s bottom line.
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