Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) has been running the crematorium at the new Giessen cemetery since 2013. During this time, they have converted the facility to CO2-neutral operation. Visitors to the open crematorium day on 17 September were able to find out what technology is used in the process.
Human dignity and environmental protection - Stadtwerke Giessen (SWG) combines both aspects in the crematorium at the new Giessen cemetery. "When we took over the crematorium, we were entering new territory," reveals Matthias Fink, head of the heating department at SWG. However, the company quickly familiarised itself with the processes and has since converted the facility to a modern operation in many respects. This focuses on the reverent treatment of relatives as well as the optimisation of technical and organisational processes.
SWG provided a look behind the scenes at an open day at the crematorium on Sunday 17 September. Among other things, visitors were able to gain an impression of the new prayer room, which SWG had only inaugurated around a year ago. It offers space for smaller ceremonies and makes it possible to bid farewell to the deceased in a quiet and intimate atmosphere. It has also been more clearly demarcated from the offices. "Thanks to the separation of the technical, office and farewell areas, we make the work of the funeral directors easier: they can look after the mourners in a separate room and create the best possible atmosphere for them to say goodbye to their loved ones," explains Matthias Fink.
Climate-neutral operation
Following the takeover in 2013, SWG also adapted the crematorium's technology to meet the latest requirements - with success. In the meantime, the company has developed the facility into the first and so far only CO2-neutral crematorium in Germany. Among other things, a four-stage filter system ensures clean air. "In technical, organisational and ethical terms, we meet all the demanding criteria required for the 'Controlled Crematorium' seal of approval," explains Matthias Fink, adding: "We even go much further in many respects."
For example, employees have been using an electric car for some time to transport urns in the districts of Giessen and Marburg-Biedenkopf. They charge the vehicle at a station directly at the crematorium - using climate-friendly green electricity generated in Giessen, of course. And this not only flows into the battery of the electric car, but also into the operation of the entire facility.
Stadtwerke Gießen provides further information on the crematorium's website at www.krematorium-giessen.de.
18.09.2017