New rules for crematoria, drawn up by the UK environment department, are set to be upgraded to meet both new pollution standards and the UK’s commitment to reach the target of Net Zero by 2050 championed by Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband.
Under the plan, the Government will seek to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including mercury from dental fillings, and airborne toxins from burning coffin glue and embalming fluid.
Draft rules also suggest crematoria burn bodies one after another, with no gap to retain heat and save on gas – a tough target for an industry that relies almost entirely on gas-fired ovens. …
Defra makes clear that the burning coffin and corpse will still generate emissions even if powered by green electricity.
There is, however, a downside to cremations powered by electricity which is that they take much longer. Cremations in gas ovens “range from as little as 50 minutes to more than two hours, depending upon body size”, but “cremation times on electric cremators are longer”, the guidelines warn.
Industry estimates suggest that cremating a large corpse would take up to three hours in a crematorium powered by low carbon electricity – twice as long as with gas. …
The costs could however be huge. [Mike Birkinshaw, of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities] estimates it will cost the industry £18 million or £55,000 for each crematorium, just to fit equipment to remove nitrous oxides...<<<Read More>>>...