As an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ‘flame’ cremations, water cremation can produce 85% less CO² emissions and is powered by renewable energy sources.
Harbour is at the forefront, actively constructing one of Britain’s first dedicated water cremation facilities. Once completed, we will offer water cremation for both direct cremations and attended funerals at our partner locations.
The deceased is placed inside a pressurised chamber where heated water and potassium hydroxide return the body to its chemical components.
It seems a logical conclusion to our lifecycle since we are 60% water.
As with traditional cremation, the remains are turned into ashes and placed into an urn.
However, following a water cremation the ashes are pure white as they have not been through the combustion process.
The by-products are the body’s natural chemical components of amino acids, sugars, salts and peptides.
At the end of this step, only bones and any dental or bodily implants remain.
Upon completion of both stages, the ashes are returned to your family. This often leads to a personally tailored memorial service or celebration of life, held at a time chosen by the family. Such occasions frequently occur during warmer summer months or times of the year with sentimental significance. The scattering of ashes often becomes a poignant part of these celebrations.
This advantage lies in our use of 100% locally-sourced renewable energy, instead of imported gas. Furthermore, water cremation’s sustainability manifests in its minimal CO2 footprint - a mere 15% of what flame cremation produces.
Instead of contributing to air pollution like traditional methods, our cremations yield water, posing less environmental harm due to the absence of gaseous emissions. This is largely because the process requires a much lower operating temperature compared to flame cremation.
Operated as a closed-loop system, Harbour’s facility also ensures that all by-products are captured and often recycled on-site.
Also known as unattended cremation, it separates the cremation process from the memorial service.
This economical option eliminates the expense of venue hire, as there’s no service at the time of cremation. Families receive the ashes and can arrange a memorial at a convenient time.
On the other hand, our partners provide attended funeral services followed by water cremation.
Harbour is actively expanding partnerships with several crematoria, in order to bring water cremation services to more venues for those desiring a traditional service format.
We would arrange a traditional flame cremation but include a carbon offset for the cremation process.