Standards
The Green Burial Council has established standards for approved cemeteries, funeral providers, and burial products.Cemeteries
The Green Burial Council has developed three levels of cemeteries that we certify.
A "Conservation Burial Ground" is a green cemetery that involves an established
conservation partner, which holds a conservation easement on the property, and is operated
according to principles of restoration ecology. The term "Conservation Burial" was coined
by the Green Burial Council at the 2005 Land Trust Alliance National Rally.
View our standards for a
"Conservation Burial Ground".
A "Natural Burial Ground" is a green cemetery that, as with a Conservation Burial Ground, is required to engage in restoration planning and land stewardship. A Natural Burial Ground does not need to have a conservation easement, but must utilize a deed restriction or restrictive covenant to ensure it will only be operated as a green cemetery. View our standards for a "Natural Burial Ground".
A "Hybrid Burial Ground" is a cemetery that operates a facility accommodating both conventional practices as well as green burial. In some instances a "Hybrid Burial Ground" simply allows for "vaultless" burial on its premises. In other instances, a Hybrid Burial Ground may incorporate tenants of a Natural Burial Ground including engaging in sustainable landscape design and natural memorialization. View our standards for a "Hybrid Burial Ground"
Funeral Homes
The Green Burial Council certifies funeral homes that include language in their general price lists allowing consumers to know they can accommodate funeral services and products that do not involve the use of toxins and waste.
Products
The Green Burial Council has recently begun to approve caskets, shrouds, and urns that we know to be made with materials that are 100% nontoxic and biodegradable.
Cremation
Later this year, the Green Burial Council will be finalizing standards for cremation facilities and disposition sites. We will be ensuring that cremation scattering/burial grounds accommodate some environmental off-setting, and by 2012, mitigate for mercury pollution.