Green Burial Council

Cremation disposition

Green Burial Council Standards/Eco-Rating System for Cremation Disposition Programs

Effective as of January 1, 2011

CATEGORY ONE: Undersea Memorial Reefs

Materials: A GBC Approved Undersea Memorial Reef must:

  1. Be manufactured or fabricated from materials which are non-harmful to marine life, water quality or the environment;
  2. Be manufactured or fabricated using materials with the ability to promote growth and support life; and
  3. Meet the minimum standards of weight and any other design specifications of the Army Corp. of Engineers for reef material.

Design: A GBC Approved Undersea Reef must:

  1. Be independently tested and documented for stability in the marine environment;
  2. Be engineered and tested or demonstrated that it can withstand, without breakage, movement or other damage a category 4 hurricane;
  3. Be designed to prevent ensnaring or entrapment of marine life in reef structure while providing “safe haven” areas for smaller species; and
  4. Be designed to be “diver safe” for recreational diving.

Reef Site: A GBC Approved Undersea Reef must:

  1. Be placed only in areas which have been recommended, approved, and permitted for placement by the appropriate governing authority for artificial reef placement; and
  2. Not be placed on or over existing sea life or growth.

Inclusion of Cremated Remains: A GBC Approved Undersea Reef must:

  1. Incorporate cremated remains in a manner that will insure permanent inclusion in the reef structure and does not permit their being released into the water column.
  2. Document cremated remains in a manner that assures proper disposition/placement in the reef structure.
  3. Limits the damage to existing growth and development to the specific footprint of the remains being added to the structure.
  4. Assure proper reporting of all reef related activities to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
  5. Assure proper reporting of remains placement to the appropriate family members.

A GBC Approved Undersea Reef that meets the above requirements will be given a “one leaf” rating. A GBC Approved Undersea Reef that meets that, and in addition does not disturb existing growth and development will be given a “two leaf” rating. A GBC Undersea Reef that meets the requirements for a “two leaf” rating and in addition increases the total footprint of habitat for marine life and has been deployed for at least five years, will be given a “three leaf” rating.

CATEGORY TWO: Scattering Grounds

A GBC approved Scattering Ground must be protected in perpetuity through the use of a deed restriction or a conservation easement.

Any representations made regarding an environmental purpose being furthered from the proceeds of the sale of scattering rights must also include information regarding:

  1. the percentage of money being utilized for such a purpose; and
  2. the name, business location and contact information of the environmental organization overseeing these monies.