Detailed Energy and Environmental Audit (DEEA)

Over the last 16 years, The CDS Group, formerly known as Cemetery Development Services, has undertaken more than 400 environmental assessments and feasibility studies, designed and built over 45 new cemeteries both in the UK and overseas; as well as designing, developing and overseeing the construction of new crematoria sites and crematoria refurbishments for both private companies and local authorities.

In 2020, The CDS Group were the driving force behind the push for environmental sustainability in the UK bereavement sector, and working alongside The Cremation Society of Great Britain (CSGB), The Institute of Cemetery and Crematoria Management (ICCM) and the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) formed the Environmental Stewardship Group (ESG). The aim of the ESG is to lead the bereavement sector towards sustainability to help address the Climate Emergency.

Detailed Energy and Environmental Audit (DEEA)

Supporting the actions and activities of the ESG, The CDS Group has designed a site specific detailed Energy and Environmental Audit to undertake in depth assessments of existing cemetery and crematoria sites.

The detailed audit is set out in four distinct sections, allowing the report to be tailored to suit the requirements of the owner/operator based on the activities which take place on site. Each audit is undertaken by a specialist in that working area to ensure that the information provided is of high quality and provides a real stepping stone for positive and progressive change.

• Environmental Audit - Assessment of the environmental impact of the site to both soil and groundwater and includes assessments of existing drainage infrastructure and biodiversity

• Energy Audit - Assessment of the energy consumption of the activities taking place on site and how reductions can be obtained alongside implementation of sustainability options and refurbishment works.

• Air Quality Audit - Assessment of the air quality impact of the activities taking place on site with recommendations made on how improvements could be implemented to provide reductions in air pollution.

• Systems Audit - Assessment of the operating systems put in place to manage the site on a day to day basis with recommendations made on how improvements could be made to enhance the environmental credentials of the

Each of the detailed audit aims to provide an in depth assessment of the site specific criteria, identifying areas where improvements can be made and providing details on how specific improvements would enhance the environmental credentials of the site whilst providing a balance cost benefit assessment.