The Midcounties Co-operative has made a significant investment establishing their ‘greenest’ funeral home in the group’s history.
The brand new environmentally friendly funeral home in Kingswinford includes carpets made from goat hair and timber sourced from sustainable forests.
On the outside of the building, the roof has been constructed from recycled tiles and includes a sun tube which absorbs and amplifies natural daylight.
All of the tables inside have been sourced from sustainable timber and there is also advice on hand for environmentally friendly funeral packages.
A dedication service was held by Deacon John Brindley, Rev. Giles Kendall, Rev. Michael Williams and Rev. Jayne Adams to mark the opening of the ‘green’ funeral home
Zoe Ketch, District Manager for The Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “Midcounties Co-operative have always invested in eco products and building materials. During the design stage the team involved the Society’s Environmental and Energy Manager to advise what were the most suitable products and materials to use.
“But this is the first time so many ‘green’ materials and designs have come together.
“This is our 73rd Funeral home and we are proud of being able to provide a full service, sensitive funeral care whilst making as little impact on the environment as possible.
“Our focus is on bringing a caring and professional service for families in the local community, ensuring funeral arrangements meet their individual requests.”
The funeral home will be staffed by Diane Marsh and Lara Harbord, both Assistant Funeral Directors and Stan Sutton, Funeral Assistant.
Facilities include a quiet area for families to use in private before or after visiting their loved ones in the chapel of rest, as well as an arrangement room and reception area. The funeral home also has a display of memorials along with a comprehensive brochure with colleagues providing advice when required.
The Midcounties Co-operative Funeral Group is the largest funeral director in the region and carries out more than 8,000 funerals each year across the group.