The 1969 crematory was replaced in 2018 – 2019 with a Dutch system , Facultatieve , that is much more energy efficient . Due to that period of construction , the trend is difficult to project for the entire period of FY2010 thru FY2021 . However , a trend based on the operations of the new crematory combined with the crematory business plan was used to project the future GHG emissions based on a 2 % increase in the number of cremations per year .
Figure 6 - The 2019 crematory is 33 % cleaner per cremation than the 1969 equipment .
When comparing the equipment of the 1969 crematory with that of the 2019 crematory , we see the new crematory is 33 % cleaner per cremation .
The GHG emissions have been calculated as if the crematory is using standard combustion equipment . The MA Department of Environment Management uses a different metric based on the two different burners for each cremation chamber . Ultimately , the gas use per cremation is the data driving the trends and the calculated GHG emissions for this report . Biogenic emissions ( emissions from a body and casket ) have not been studied for this report .
With a 2 % increase in the number of cremations per year , there is a steady increase in GHG emissions . These emissions will need to be offset with some type of offset purchase or carbon sink ( land and / or forest ) to meet net zero GHG emissions by 2050 .
Additionally , innovative engineering for capturing the heat from the cremation chambers and using it to heat the chapel could be done in the future .
Figure 7 – Regarding cremations , only the purchase of carbon offsets will support a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 .
Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 13