By Paul Engmann and Thomas Engmann, Managing Directors at EHG Dienstleistung GmbH and Feuerbestattung Traunstein, Germany

In Germany, about 80% of funerals are cremations and 20% are burials. Although new, more sustainable methods such as human composting or alkaline hydrolysis are increasingly being discussed internationally, they are not yet legally permitted in Germany.

Human composting, known in Germany as Reerdigung, is currently being tested in a single federal state as part of a pilot project. However, the initiative continues to meet some scepticism from both the industry and policymakers. Still, environmental awareness in the German funeral sector has grown noticeably in recent years, reflected in the rising demand for biodegradable urns and sustainably produced coffins. Cemeteries are also adapting with natural burial grounds, tree graves, and memorial forests.

Since our founding in 2001, we have been committed to energy-efficient, low-emission operations that exceed the legal requirements. In 2021, the company began taking the next step: making the cremation process itself as environmentally friendly as possible, based on measurable, scientifically grounded standards rather than symbolic gestures or “greenwashing.”

From the beginning, we relied on strong partners, including furnace manufacturer HR Heinicke GmbH and the Institute for Sustainable Energy Supply (INEV) in Rosenheim. Together they conducted a comprehensive energy audit to identify the main energy consumers within the facility - primarily the natural gas-powered cremation lines and the mortuary refrigeration rooms. This formed the basis for a greenhouse gas assessment and a set of targeted reduction measures.

One of the first major steps was switching to biomethane and green electricity from hydropower. Biomethane, an upgraded biogas derived from organic residues, is nearly CO₂-neutral. This transition allows the facility to save around 100 tons of CO₂ per year. In addition, photovoltaic systems now generate roughly a quarter of its total electricity demand, and the company also participates in regional solar energy projects.

Another milestone is the consistent use of waste heat generated during cremation. Previously, this energy was used mainly to keep the driveway free of ice during the winter. With the installation of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system in spring 2025, this energy potential can now be harnessed much more effectively. The system converts the hot cooling water produced during cremation into electricity. Currently in its testing phase, it is expected to deliver up to 37 kW(e) of power, significantly increasing the overall energy efficiency of the facility.

To continue advancing toward climate neutrality, we aligned our operations with the international standard PAS 2060 in 2023 and with ISO-Norm 14068:1 for 2024. Further initiatives include the digitalization of internal processes, sustainable procurement strategies, and a gradual transition to electric mobility. Remaining unavoidable emissions are offset through Gold Standard projects and regional climate protection programs.

Our experience demonstrates that even an energy-intensive process like cremation can be made sustainable when companies are willing to invest in genuine, measurable change. Within the current legal framework, we see ourselves as a pioneer in climate protection and are committed to reducing our still-compensated residual emissions as far as technically possible. Sustainable cremation, it shows, is not a vision for the future - it is already becoming a reality today. Further information about Feuerbestattung Traunstein’s path to climate neutrality is available at www.feuerbestattung-so.de.
 

>> Read more articles in THANOS Magazine 4/2025