Category: Crematoria
Balancing Community, Compliance and Carbon Reduction
The crematoria sector is changing faster than at any point in its history. Operators and local authorities alike face three converging challenges: meeting stricter emissions requirements, responding to shifting customer expectations, and future proofing facilities for a low-carbon economy.
At Stepnell, with over 20 years’ experience delivering crematoria across the UK, we’ve seen first-hand how these pressures are reshaping project delivery. Our portfolio spans new builds, refurbishments and sensitive live upgrades across England, giving us unrivalled insight into what success looks like.
1. Future-ready energy and emissions control
With trials of hydrogen and electric cremators under way, and tighter air quality regulations anticipated, planning for flexibility is now non-negotiable. Our renewables specialist, Step Energy, bring early-stage carbon and energy modelling into every project.
On projects such as Shepton Mallet Crematorium for Mercia Crematoria and Dignity PLC, we integrated cutting-edge mercury gas abatement technology ahead of new EU emission guidelines. Meanwhile, at Exeter and Devon Crematorium, we delivered complex alterations to house new cremators and mercury abatement systems, working seamlessly with specialist installer Facultatieve Technologies.
Beyond crematoria, our work on decarbonisation schemes for Dorset Council demonstrates how Step Energy combines PV, ASHP and embodied carbon studies to dramatically cut emissions and operational costs. The lessons from these schemes transfer directly into crematoria design, where resilience, compliance and energy efficiency are paramount.
2. Community trust through design and engagement
Securing planning consent for new crematoria is as much about building community confidence as it is about architecture. Our approach prioritises early consultation, social value contributions, and careful mitigation of noise, traffic and visual impact. We understand that crematoria are sensitive neighbours, and our track record shows how proactive engagement fosters lasting local support.
At Fenland Crematorium, March, we carried out extensive landscaping from the outset, enabling the client to operate within an established natural setting on day one. This careful staging helped integrate the facility into the local community. For East Devon Crematorium, our design and build delivery balanced a sensitive rural setting with a need for capacity, ensuring community acceptance of the scheme.
Our teams also draw on experience managing disruption in live, sensitive environments, from schools to residential areas, using strategies such as tailored traffic management, dust and noise reduction, and proactive communication with stakeholders.
3. Spaces that reflect modern mourning
The growth of direct cremation and digital tributes means facilities must cater for diverse service types. We work with clients to deliver chapels that are flexible, technology-enabled and welcoming to multi-faith communities. Landscaped memorial gardens, thoughtful circulation routes and intuitive AV integration are all part of ensuring that families find comfort and dignity in difficult times.
At Waseley Hills Crematorium & Cemetery in Bromsgrove, we delivered a striking, dual-ellipse design with a green roof, designed to maximise natural light and calm. Meanwhile, our turnkey project at Lichfield & District Crematorium included chapel, crematory, AV systems, FF&E and landscaped memorial gardens—all designed for flexibility, technology integration and community remembrance.
Our specialist joinery business Lawford Bespoke Joinery further ensures high-quality finishes seen in oak joinery for chapels at Shepton Mallet and Lichfield, creating dignified, warm spaces for families at difficult times.
4. Proven delivery with specialist partners
From new builds such as Waseley Hills and Fenland, to upgrades at Exeter and Devon Crematorium, our teams understand the interface between building and cremator technology. Collaborating with market-leading equipment suppliers, we integrate cremators, abatement and building services seamlessly de-risking delivery and safeguarding operational resilience.
At Exeter & Devon, our alterations included raising roof levels, constructing a precise steel portal frame, and installing advanced abatement technology, all without disrupting ongoing operations. At Shepton Mallet, our early collaboration with the Environment Agency and utility providers meant successful diversion of a high-voltage cable and construction of a stormwater attenuation swale, mitigating environmental and regulatory risks.
5. Long-term value through stability and collaboration
Stepnell’s 157-year heritage, £40m+ net assets, and 72% repeat business mean clients can trust us to deliver complex, high-stakes projects. More importantly, our collaborative Teamship ethos ensures consultants, suppliers, operators and communities work as one team.
Looking ahead
As crematoria design evolves to meet carbon goals, regulatory shifts and community expectations, the projects that succeed will be those that integrate sustainability, sensitivity and technical expertise from the outset.
That is why Stepnell is uniquely positioned: combining deep sector knowledge with renewable energy expertise, and a proven ability to engage communities and regulators alike.
Because for families, operators and communities, crematoria are more than buildings, they are places of comfort, remembrance and resilience for generations to come.
