Currently , only the purchase of carbon offsets will support a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 . The future may hold other options for the disposition of the human body . Keeping an eye on new technologies and determining if they are right for Mount Auburn ’ s business as well as its carbon footprint will require investments of time and money .
Cremation Strategies and Goals
1 . Track , measure and monitor energy consumption , number of cremations and new technologies – Assuming the cremation rate increases as projected by the crematory business plan , then the number of cremations is likely to increase and the business advantages of maximizing cremations will have to be weighed against the carbon footprint implications . a . SHORT TERM ( FY2022 – FY2024 ) i . Capture gas use data and number of cremations , weight of body and type of casket or container that is burned . ii . Consider opportunities for purchasing carbon offsets for cremation activities at Mount Auburn . b . MEDIUM TERM ( FY2025 - FY2034 ) i . Follow new technologies and determine if they are viable options for Mount Auburn . ( Specifically , alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction are making headlines across the nation , but not legal in Massachusetts ; it is unclear as to who would operate these new technologies ; it could be funeral homes , not cemeteries ). ii . Identify programmatic changes , if appropriate , to support the anticipated increase in cremations
Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 14