EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY
IN THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY
KEY INSIGHTS FROM “GREEN FAREWELL” CONFERENCE
By Nuria Capdevila, Founder & CEO Circle Corporation, Spain
t the 30th Annual Meeting of FIAT-IFTA
in Varna, Bulgaria, I had the great
opportunity to present on the topic
of “Green Farewell: The Adoption of
Sustainable Practices in the Funeral
Industry and Thanatopraxy”. My main
objective
was
to
raise
awareness
and
promote
the
integration
of
sustainability strategies in the funeral
and thanatopraxy sectors, aligning with
Environmental, Social, and Governance
(ESG)
principles.
I
emphasized
the
importance of embracing these values
from
within
organizations,
starting
with the CEO or leader and extending
throughout the entire company.
The conference shed light on the fact that even
small changes can have a profound impact on
transitioning
organizations
towards
a more
resilient and people-centered business model.
It reaffirmed the continuing relevance of ESG
principles and the need to align our efforts with
the 17 Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) set
by the United Nations to create a sustainable and
equitable world by 2030. By adopting the SDGs
as part of our corporate strategy, innovation, and
decision-making, we can drive immediate gains in
efficiency, resilience, and increased value for all
stakeholders.
What we should consider?
The role of governance is paramount in any
organization, be it a business, government, non-
profit, or institution. It encompasses the rules,
processes, and practices that direct, control, and
hold the organization accountable. Prioritizing
governance ensures alignment with sustainability
principles, encompassing anti-corruption, human
rights, and transparency, while working towards
the Economic, Social, and Environmental goals in
harmony with the SDGs.
The journey towards a more sustainable funeral
industry and thanatopraxy sector is an ambitious
yet
rewarding
endeavor.
By
prioritizing
sustainability, aligning with the SDGs, and
implementing robust governance, we can ensure
that our organizations become agents of positive
change, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond
our immediate operations. Together, we can forge
a path towards a greener, more compassionate
future for all.
During the conference I highlighted the urgent
need for business models that enable long-term
success for humanity within the ecological limits
of our planet. Addressing climate change requires
significant changes in consumption and production
patterns across all sectors, including essential areas
such as cemeteries, funeral homes, thanatopraxy,
and
repatriation
services.
Collaboration
and
improvements across the board are necessary to
achieve sustainability goals and net-zero emissions.
To effectively combat climate change, a collective
effort is required. We can’t look at one solution
or one industry in isolation. It is crucial to work
together, making improvements across various
sectors such as buildings, cities, industries, and
infrastructure. The aim is to collectively reduce
CO2 emissions by 50% over the next 20 years
and embrace circularity as a central pillar of
sustainability.
Growing focus on sustainability in funeral
industry
In today’s market, we can see a growing focus on
sustainability, with countries worldwide embracing
new concepts and integrating them into the norms
of funeral services. For instance, biodegradable urns
made from various materials are becoming more
common, allowing families to return them to nature
and complete the natural cycle. Eco-friendly coffins
are also on the rise, and in some US states, Human
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No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
SUSTAINABILITY