Staff at Haycombe Crematorium in Bath have been praised for delivering “excellent” services following a recent inspection which highlighted their environmental awareness.
Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium | Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com
The crematorium was inspected by the Federation of Burial and Crematorium Authority (FBCA) on 3rd March, and was found to be performing to the highest standards.
Six key areas of service delivery were scrutinised, with the crematorium passing with flying colours.
The inspector highlighted the high standards of cleanliness in the crematoria and said the cemetery grounds were well maintained.
Haycombe was awarded 97.6% for compliance with codes of practice and 95% for its environmental awareness, 22% above the industry average.
The inspector praised the action taken to tackle the climate and ecological emergency, including encouraging the use of non-particle MDF or chipboard coffins, the use of electric machinery and vehicles to manage the grounds and the introduction of bug hotels, nest boxes and bee friendly wildflowers to improve wildlife habitats.
Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I’d like to thank our staff at Haycombe for their dedication, care and professionalism which I know is appreciated by those who have lost a loved one.
“The team at Haycombe work incredibly hard and the past two years during the pandemic have been particularly challenging.
“It is therefore all the more impressive to have received such high praise following the unannounced inspection.
“I am particularly pleased that Haycombe has been recognised for exceptional environmental awareness.
“Since declaring a climate and ecological emergency we’ve worked hard to reduce carbon emissions and improve our green spaces to encourage wildlife. Haycombe is shining example of what can be achieved.”
The Federation of Burial and Crematorium Authority (FBCA) inspects crematoria every five years to ensure the highest standards are maintained.
Its codes of practice are recognised as setting the industry standard and provide the bereaved with the reassurance that the burial or cremation of their loved one is conducted in an entirely appropriate and ethical manner.
