By Katarzyna Supa, funeral innovation researcher, editor-in-chief THANOS magazine

Welcome to the latest instalment in our series exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the perspective of the funeral profession. In this edition, we turn our attention to Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all and Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Around the world, funeral professionals are facing a new generation of client expectations. Families are increasingly asking important questions: How environmentally responsible is cremation? How much energy does a facility consume? Are embalming chemicals safely managed? Can cemeteries operate in harmony with nature?

At the same time, rising costs, stricter environmental regulations and growing awareness of climate challenges are forcing the funeral sector to rethink how it operates. For funeral homes, crematoria and cemeteries, sustainability is no longer only about reputation, but also efficiency, resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Although funeral service is not traditionally associated with environmental infrastructure, the sector consumes significant amounts of water and energy through embalming, refrigeration, cremation, landscaping and transportation. Managing these resources is therefore becoming not only an environmental responsibility, but also a strategic business priority.

The Current State of Sustainable Management of Water and Energy *

According to the United Nations, billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation and basic hygiene services. In 2024, around 2.1 billion people were without safely managed drinking water, while 3.4 billion lacked safely managed sanitation. At the same time, only 56% of domestic wastewater is safely treated worldwide, increasing pressure on rivers, lakes and groundwater resources.
Water scarcity is becoming a major global challenge, particularly in Northern Africa, Western Asia, and parts of Southern and Central Asia. Despite some progress, global water management remains too slow and sustainable targets may not be achieved before 2049.
The energy sector faces similar difficulties. Although global electricity access reached 92% in 2023, around 666 million people still live without electricity, most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Population growth continues to outpace progress, threatening global efforts to achieve universal energy access by 2030.
Renewable energy is expanding, but not quickly enough. In 2022, renewables accounted for 17.9% of global final energy consumption, while renewable electricity reached 30% of total electricity use. Global renewable energy capacity per capita rose to a record 478 watts in 2023, up 13% from the previous year. However, despite faster growth in developing economies, major investments in modern energy infrastructure and technology are still urgently needed worldwide.

How Can Funeral Companies Manage Sustainable Management of Water and Energy?

Sustainability in the funeral sector is often reduced to a few visible measures - LED lighting, solar panels or basic water-saving devices. While these are important steps, they represent only a fraction of what is possible. In reality, sustainable management of water and energy requires a systemic approach that integrates infrastructure, operations and long-term planning.

> Reducing potable water consumption
Funeral facilities can significantly reduce their environmental footprint by installing low-flow fixtures, modern monitoring systems, including AI-driven tools and water-efficient equipment. An important step is also the replacement of drinking water with technical or non-potable water for activities such as cleaning and maintenance, including grave care.

> Rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and reuse
Collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it for later use is a practical and increasingly common solution. Advanced water management includes cooperation with or investment in wastewater treatment systems. This water can be used for irrigation of cemetery greenery, reducing dependence on municipal water supplies and supporting more resilient landscape management.

> Responsible chemical management
A critical but often overlooked area is the use of chemicals in embalming and maintenance processes. Reducing formaldehyde use, switching to eco-friendly alternatives and ensuring certified waste disposal are essential steps to protect groundwater and ecosystems.

> Sustainable cemetery landscapes
Modern cemetery design can greatly reduce water demand by introducing drought-resistant vegetation, minimizing irrigation needs and developing natural burial areas that operate in harmony with local ecosystems.

> Energy-efficient infrastructure
Replacing traditional lighting with LED systems, upgrading refrigeration equipment and introducing smart building management systems and power-saving IT settings can significantly reduce energy consumption across funeral facilities.

> Renewable energy integration
Installing photovoltaic panels on rooftops allows funeral homes and crematoria to generate their own clean energy, increasing independence from external suppliers. Where on-site generation is limited, purchasing certified renewable electricity is an important alternative.

> Heat recovery from cremation
One of the most promising solutions is the recovery of thermal energy generated during cremation. This heat can be reused for building heating or hot water systems, and in some cases even support adjacent facilities or local infrastructure.

> Modern cremation technology
Upgrading cremation systems improves energy efficiency and reduces emissions. Some facilities are also transitioning from diesel-based systems to cleaner fuels such as LPG, achieving measurable reductions in CO₂ emissions.

> Sustainable mobility
The shift toward hybrid and electric funeral vehicles is gaining momentum. Charging infrastructure at funeral facilities further supports this transition.

> Long-term decarbonization strategies
Beyond individual upgrades, leading companies are adopting broader decarbonization strategies - increasing the share of renewable energy, improving operational efficiency and setting long-term targets for carbon reduction.

> Staff awareness and procedures
Technology alone is not enough. Clear operational procedures and employee training are essential to prevent water and energy waste and embed sustainability into everyday practice.

By investing in smarter water and energy management, funeral businesses can reduce environmental impact while lowering costs and strengthening their public image.

The future of funeral service will not be defined only by dignity and tradition, but also by responsibility. And the businesses that recognize this shift early may become the industry leaders of tomorrow.

* Source: 
https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6
https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7