GBSC Funeral Services Application Form

Green Burial Funeral Services Application

Part 1: Name of Funeral Services Establishment

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code

Does the Funeral home maintain any other digital / social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, etc.)?

Yes

Please provide URL’s / site addresses below:

Is the address above the location of the administrative office of the Funeral home?

Yes

Please add Administration Office Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code

PART 2 Ownership:

Please provide the name of the ‘legal’ owner of the Funeral home.

Name of Owner

First Last

Address of owner

Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code

PART 3: Contact

PRIMARY CONTACT: (This should be the person who is completing and authorized to sign this application. This individual will be the main contact person for the GBSC.)

Primary Contact Name

First Last

Primary Contact Title

Primary Mailing Address is:

Office Address

Owner Address

Secondary Contact:

(This can be an administrator or a site supervisor who, in the absence of the primary contact is authorized to speak for the Funeral Services establishment and/or respond to contact from the GBSC. This should be an individual who is fully informed about Funeral Services operations and the provision of green burial services.

Secondary Contact Name

First Last

Secondary Contact Title

Direct Email:

Daytime Phone:

PART 4: Green Burial Funeral Services check list

1. The following 5 basic criteria must be met to receive Green Burial Certification. By checking the 5 boxes, you commit to the basic Green Burial criteria:(Required)

The BODY: Remains for green burial must be in a natural state to permit natural, unimpeded decomposition. Embalming, in any form, is not permitted.

The CONTAINER: Any shroud, casket or other container must be fully biodegradable.

The BURIAL: Remains will be placed and buried directly into the earth. Use of any outer burial container, such as a grave liner, or vault of any type is not permitted.

The MEMORIAL MARKER: Memorial markers may be communal or individual and must be minimally intrusive in the landscape. They must be made of wood or stone and locally sourced.

The LAND: The Cemetery uses sound ecological practices on the land. If the cemetery is not green burial certified, the Funeral Director helps to educate and support green burial principles and practices.

2. Green Burial Funeral Services Certification Criteria: check all the following that apply (22 of the 30 listed must be agreed on to receive a Green Burial Funeral Services Certification):(Required)

Only all natural, non-toxic soaps and cleaning materials are used on the body.

Plastic body bags, bandages, medical equipment and diapers (if used) are removed and properly disposed of.

If desired, the family is welcome to participate in washing and dressing the deceased.

Clothing is made from biodegradable materials such as cotton, linen or wool, without the use of plastics or metals, including accessories such as jewelry.

Shrouds and/or caskets are made by locally sourced materials (within 200 kms) by craftspeople without the use of metals, plastics or chemicals, such as paint or other synthetic finishes.

A morgue, cooler, temperature controlled atmosphere, or ice packs are used to lengthen the time between death and burial.

The funeral home uses electric or hybrid vehicles.

When possible the funeral home promotes green burials in the obituary.

Safe and dignified transportation is used, particularly with a shroud interment, i.e. the deceased is supported with a stretcher or tray.

A backboard or tray made of natural materials is provided with shrouds for interment.

There is a GBSC certified Green Burial Cemetery within 100kms.

All green burial regulations at the cemetery are honoured.

The grave is decorated with local greenery and cut flowers, not astro-turf nor plastic arrangements.

There is a willingness to collaborate with other funeral directors to support a green burial.

Steps are taken to make the burial as environmentally friendly and dignified as possible.

Family and friends are welcome to participate in the burial by being pallbearers, lowering, and/or filling in the grave.

A burial ceremony is supported, highlighting the elements of nature, and the green burial process and concept.

Carbon credits are purchased to offset your business’ carbon emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere (especially when staff travel long distances by car or airplane).

Reusable or recyclable cups and plates are used at the funeral.

The funeral home aims to minimize waste by reusing materials, avoiding single-use plastics, and implementing recycling programs in the office or facility.

All staff members are educated about green burial options and practices; continuing education is accessed through the GBSC or provincial association/regulators.

The funeral home participates in public awareness and publicity of green burial options and practices.

The funeral director is supportive of home vigils/funerals.

Marketing of green burials is done with integrity, honesty and advocacy.

Online marketing: promote green burial options once a month.

The funeral home offers bereavement support for families.

Willing to reduce electricity consumption with energy-efficient upgrades, turning off computers and lights when not in use.

Have a dedicated page on your company’s website that highlights green burials.

As a business, commit to planting a tree each year (independently or through an organization).

Have a representative attend the GBSC's AGM (virtually or in person).

3. Ethical Standards:(Required)

I have read and agree to the GBSC Ethical Standards

DECLARATION & SIGNATURE

By my signature below I, on behalf of ‘the Funeral Services Establishment’, make application for Green Burial Society of Canada (GBSC) ‘Green Burial Funeral Services’ recognition and ‘the Funeral Services Establishment’, its management, staff, agents and volunteers shall comply with and abide by the above set out criteria and the GBSC Statement of Ethical Practices. My signature of this document confirms that I am a signing officer (i.e. principal, signing manager, executive director, etc.) of ‘the Funeral Services Establishment’ and as such I have the authority to make this application and bind ‘the Funeral Services Establishment’ to the declarations and commitments made as may relate to this application and the GBSC.

Name of Signatory

First Last

Signature

Signed on this date:

Month

Day

Year

One Time Application Fee

Application Fee: $150 CAD; Annual Certification Fee (2025) $300 CAD. All of your personal and contact information will be kept private and confidential and used by the GBSC only for the purposes of processing your application. Upon submission you will be prompted to pay.

Green Burial Funeral Services Application

PART 2 Ownership:

PART 3: Contact

Secondary Contact:

PART 4: Green Burial Funeral Services check list

DECLARATION & SIGNATURE

One Time Application Fee

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