Sustainability efforts earn funeral directors Platinum award

A Sutton Coldfield-based funeral directors has become the first in the UK to achieve full marks for its commitment to sustainability.  

Ian Hazel Funerals has earned a Platinum accreditation from the Greener Globe Funeral Standards, with a 100 per cent score.

The family-run firm initially joined the scheme as Bronze members in May 2024 and have since undertaken a wide-ranging review of policies and practices to achieve this milestone.

When the company’s purpose-built head office was constructed in 2013, environmental sustainability was front and centre.

The building includes rainwater harvesting, low-energy lighting with motion sensors, underfloor heating, a mechanical heating and ventilation recovery system, high levels of insulation, and 78 solar panels.

These features secured an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score of 23.

Ian Hazel said: “Even with all these environmentally friendly features, it wasn’t guaranteed that we’d reach Platinum level - let alone achieve a 100 per cent score.

“We’ve looked closely at all areas of our operations and had to think outside the box to ensure we’re running the business in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

“We’ve now introduced our first all-electric ambulance, which joins a fleet that already includes three hybrid vehicles.

“While our main funeral fleet remains petrol/diesel for now, we are actively preparing for a full transition to electric when suitable alternatives become available.

“This scheme has encouraged us to re-evaluate everyday practices.

“We now avoid engine idling, actively inform clients of eco-friendly options - from coffins to natural burial grounds - and operate our premises at more economical heating levels.

“We’ve also improved recycling, reviewed our supply chain to ensure our partners, such as florists, have environmental policies in place, and introduced lower-impact cleaning products.”

On 12 March 2025, Brendan and Carolyn Day, founders of the Greener Globe Funeral Standards, visited the Ian Hazel Funerals head office in Four Oaks to present the award.

They were joined by the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, MP for Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Pictured: From left – Carolyn Day, Andrew Mitchell MP, Ian Hazel and Brendan Day