Environmental award for upgrades at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium

Improvements to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability at Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium in Bath has led to a new environmental award from a national body.

Haycombe, operated by Bath & North East Somerset Council, has been presented with the Environmental Policy Statement from the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

The statement recognises crematoria which are ensuring a greener, more sustainable and eco-friendly running of their service.

Haycombe was one of the first crematoria to install a mercury abatement system in 2006 and since then has continued to reduce carbon emissions wherever possible through its environmental management system.

There have also been ecological enhancements across the grounds of the 37-acre cemetery.

All the improvements support the council’s aim to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies and include:

• Replacement of the filtration system, ducting and compressor units and installation of a DeNOx system in 2022 to eliminate nitrogen oxide.
• Creation of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Woodland.
• Leaving some areas of the cemetery to grow naturally as part of the council’s Let's Get Buzzing scheme to increase biodiversity by encouraging natural habitats and wildlife.
• Specifically planted wildflower meadows and a natural full burial ground where trees can be planted and dedicated to the deceased.
• Installation of a beehive to introduce a colony of native honeybees and bug hotels to encourage pollination and wildlife species.

The council is also working with Grow for Life, a charity providing social and therapeutic gardening sessions for people affected by low confidence, anxiety, depression or isolation, to create a new Serenity Garden where families can remember their loved ones in a quiet and reflective space.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Haycombe is foremost a beautiful, tranquil place which helps families and friends to remember their loved ones in a positive way. The range of ecological improvements we have made recently will enrich this. We strive to make the operational side of the crematorium as sustainable as possible, so I’m delighted that we have received the Environmental Policy Award from the FBCA.

“We are proud that no chemicals are used within the cemetery confines and weed control is done manually, with composting and chipping carried out within the cemetery used for fertilising or as a natural form of weed suppression.”

The council is also refurbishing The Chapel at the entrance to Haycombe to create a more flexible building offering space naturally for funerals but also educational and community events too.

Instead of wooden memorial benches, eco benches that use recycled plastic in their construction are available which require less maintenance. Granite benches sourced from UK materials to reduce the carbon footprint are also offered as an alternative.

Recycling is encouraged at the site with bins placed at regular intervals for garden waste, plastics, cardboard and paper, alongside general waste bins.

Find out more about the council’s burials, cremations and memorials services.