How do you make a crematorium climate-neutral in a context where natural gas is still the norm? For Pontes, this is a strategic challenge with major implications for infrastructure, energy use and investments. Today, cremation furnaces and heating boilers are the main sources of CO₂ emissions, while supporting installations such as HVAC and compressed air systems also contribute significantly to energy consumption.
CO₂-neutral crematoria: Pontes’ decarbonisation roadmap
The decarbonisation roadmap developed together with Sweco is based on a clear ambition: up to 47% CO₂ reduction by 2030 and fully emission-free operations by 2050. At the same time, the roadmap is a well-considered exercise exploring multiple pathways, clearly defining boundary conditions and preparing future investments without fixing everything definitively today. We offer a flexible framework with a wide range of solutions, from which we guide clients in selecting a decarbonisation strategy that perfectly matches their processes both technically and economically.
- Expertise:
- Energy solutions
- Client
- Pontes
- Location
- Turnhout, Lommel and Antwerp
- Services
- Decarbonisation roadmap, energy and CO₂ analyses, energy management
The challenge: making crematoria more sustainable without CO₂ emissions
The main source of CO₂ emissions at Pontes sites remains the use of natural gas in cremation furnaces and heating systems. In addition, numerous supporting systems together create a substantial energy demand.
Our study shows that optimisations such as heat recovery already exist, but often operate suboptimally due to technical limitations, insufficient buffering and a lack of smart control. At the same time, cremation demand is expected to increase towards 2050, further raising pressure on energy use and emissions. This combination clearly shows that efficiency improvements alone are insufficient. A structural transition towards electrification and renewable energy is necessary.
From business as usual to maximum decarbonisation
To make this transition concrete, Sweco developed three scenarios for each site (Turnhout, Lommel and Antwerp). The “business as usual” scenario shows what happens without major interventions. The base scenario groups logical and economically viable measures, while the ambitious stretch scenario focuses on maximum CO₂ reduction using innovative technologies. These scenarios make the impact of choices tangible. They show not only potential emission reductions, but also investments, energy costs and implications for the electrical infrastructure.
Electrification as the key to CO₂ reduction: role for resomation and heat pumps
All scenarios lead to one clear conclusion: switching to electric cremation furnaces is necessary. This technology is likely the most important lever for CO₂ reduction.
Alternatives such as resomation—also known as aquamation—still require further scientific research. Resomation is a method in which the body of a deceased person is broken down using water and potassium hydroxide under high temperature (between 100 and 150°C) and pressure. The total energy consumption, whether combined with residual heat recovery or not, still needs to be mapped and compared with other forms of body disposition. However, it is already clear that the resomation process is significantly more energy-efficient compared to traditional gas-fired cremation furnaces. At Pontes, an extensive scientific pilot project is underway, in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven and VITO, to further assess environmental impact, efficiency and practical feasibility.
Heat pumps form a second crucial pillar. They make it possible to decarbonise building heating demand and, at some sites, even play the largest role in decarbonisation.
Energy management system addresses grid capacity and peak demand
The transition to electric systems introduces a new challenge: electricity grid capacity. At several sites, the grid connection risks becoming a limiting factor, especially with the introduction of electric furnaces.
This is why Sweco’s study highlights the importance of smart control. An integrated energy management system (EMS) can smooth out peak loads and thus avoid heavy investments in grid reinforcement. Solutions such as batteries, energy sharing and demand response are also becoming increasingly relevant. While they do not directly reduce CO₂ emissions, they make electrification practical and economically feasible.
Steering investments without locking out future options
The roadmap shows that decarbonisation is not only a technical story, but also an economic and organisational challenge. Significant investments are required, for example in electric furnaces and resomators. External factors also play an important role, such as emissions regulations, energy price evolution and the availability of green electricity. Strategic choices strongly influence the trajectory as well.
From roadmap to implementation
The strength of this roadmap lies in the combination of long-term vision and concrete steps. In the short term, the focus is on energy efficiency, PV installations and optimising existing systems. In parallel, strategic decisions are being prepared regarding electrification, furnaces and infrastructure. Importantly, the roadmap leaves room for adjustments. Through periodic evaluation and the integration of new technologies, Pontes remains flexible in a rapidly evolving energy market.