In April 2026, the VDI guideline VDI 3891, “Emission Reduction – Human Cremation Facilities,” was published. It represents an important milestone for the environmentally and climate-friendly operation of cremation facilities. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Gebhard Schetter’s working group, and with Peter Plegnière serving as representative of the VDI/DIN Commission for Air Quality (KRdL), our colleague Christopher König from our Reutlingen branch actively contributed to the technical and substantive development of the guideline.
The new directive is of great significance: cremation is steadily increasing nationwide and now accounts for over 70 percent of all funerals. In Germany, there are currently almost 200 human crematoriums operated by municipal and private operators. If these facilities are inadequately designed or operated, they can have significant impact on people, the environment, and the climate.
State of the art, environmental and climate protection, and ethical principles
VDI 3891 describes the current state of the art in the process technology of human cremation facilities and outlines specific measures to prevent or effectively mitigate potential harmful effects. In doing so, the guideline deliberately goes beyond purely technical considerations:
In addition to emission and technical requirements, it takes into account ethical principles as well as aspects of treating the deceased with dignity and respect.
Another key component of the guideline is the specific technical guidance on monitoring facilities in accordance with the 27th BImSchV, which provides operators, authorities, and testing institutions with a practical and uniform framework.
Important changes and key points of the revision
In the current revision of the directive, particular attention was paid to the following points:
- Recommendations for compliance with and monitoring of the CO limit value
- Guidelines for optimized and environmentally friendly operations
- Measures for resource conservation and climate protection
- Latest findings on temperature reduction in the post-combustion zone
- Requirements for coffins, coffin fittings, and grave goods
- Current findings on the handling of radioactively contaminated deceased persons
- Options for reducing mercury emissions
- Assessment of the effects of interred ashes on soil and groundwater
In this way, the directive makes a significant contribution to limiting emissions and further optimizing facility operations, while at the same time taking environmental, health, and climate protection aspects fully into account.
Tools for practice and authorities – Significance for the further development of environmental protection law
VDI 3891 is intended for a wide range of users. It serves as a working and reference guideline for:
- Building owners and operators of cremation facilities
- Designers, contractors, and plant manufacturers
- Manufacturers and suppliers of coffins and funeral accessories
- Regulatory and supervisory bodies
- Testing institutions and government agencies
Furthermore, the directive serves as an important source of information for the planned amendment to the 27th BImSchV and thus makes a significant contribution to the further development of the legal framework.
We are pleased that our colleague Christopher König was able to actively contribute his technical expertise to this important regulatory process—and thereby help ensure the sustainable and responsible development of this sensitive type of facility.