By Frank Ripka, Chairman of the Board of the Bundesverband Bestattungsbedarf e.V., Germany

Sustainability requires clarity. With the DNK industry guidelines for crematorium operators, the Bundesverband Bestattungsbedarf e.V. has created a practical basis that helps companies to make their ecological, social and economic goals comprehensible. The guidelines developed in 2024 show how sustainability can be systematically planned, implemented and documented. In the future, it will also be transferred to other specialist groups within the association.

The Bundesverband Bestattungsbedarf e.V. represents the interests of providers of products and services for the funeral industry in Germany. Its member companies include manufacturers of coffins, grave stelae, urns, funeral linen and grave crosses as well as financial service providers, crematorium operators, suppliers of cemetery technology and manufacturers of memorial objects. With the guidelines, the association initially focused on crematoria due to their impact on the environment. Some operators have already established sustainability reporting in accordance with the DNK in their companies.

The German Sustainability Code (DNK) is a transparency standard that was developed by the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) of the German Federal Government and is being actively promoted. It defines fields of action ranging from reducing emissions and conserving resources to energy efficiency and social responsibility. The recommendations help to identify sources of emissions, use technical innovations and optimize energy consumption.

Sustainability in the funeral sector: The goals of the DNK guidelines

The industry guideline of the Bundesverband Bestattungsbedarf e.V. translates complex criteria into practical recommendations for action for crematoria. The main objectives include the identification and reduction of the most important sources of emissions, but also:
- the promotion of energy efficiency
- careful use of resources
- promoting equal opportunities and diversity within the company.

Step-by-step implementation and monitoring

The association's guidelines contain best practice examples from members who have already successfully implemented measures. The proposed approaches are introduced gradually and reviewed regularly to ensure that companies are making their individual contribution while raising the industry standard.

The implementation of such measures is challenging. The biggest hurdles include regulatory requirements, technical adjustments and employee acceptance of new strategies. This is where the association sees its role: it offers practical solutions and promotes exchanges between member companies in order to facilitate the transition to sustainable business management.