The North West Net Zero Hub provided support to the Lancashire Councils to assess the options for the crematoriums across Lancashire and to develop a strategy for transitioning to low-carbon operation.

Crematoria are generally one of the single largest carbon emitters in a local authority estate and would generally be fuelled by gas burners providing the primary means of operation.

Options for change are currently limited, with electric cremators the most direct replacement available. Several other options include:

• hybrid cremators
• bio-LPG cremators
• hydrogen-fuelled cremators
• microwave cremation.

However, the provision of equipment and access to fuel supplies are challenging for all of these choices. It is also important to plan well in advance of any change, as infrastructure will need to be arranged for all alternative options.

This guide provides a brief introduction to these different technologies, as well as going into site considerations (e.g., space requirements and building structure), the emissions benefits of electric cremators, and costs.