Iberdrola España and Grupo Iniciativas Alcaesar are working in Extremadura to reduce the carbon footprint of funeral homes

• These actions could reduce electricity consumption by up to 50% and lead to significant savings on electricity bills.
• The proposed measures are aimed at reducing energy consumption and the self production of renewables.
• The morgues of Cáceres, Mérida, Plasencia and Navalmoral de la Mata have solar panels with the capacity to generate 407 MWh.

Iberdrola España and the main group of funeral companies in Extremadura, Grupo Iniciativas Alcaesar, are working together to reduce the carbon footprint of different funeral homes in the region through a customized decarbonization plan. The objective, set by the National Association of Funeral Services (PANASEF), is to progressively decarbonize the sector, with the aim of reaching carbon neutrality in 2040.

In Extremadura, Grupo Iniciativas Alcaesar has four morgues (Cáceres, Navalmoral de la Mata, Plasencia and Mérida) and a customised plan is being designed to reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption.

The plan includes two tracks. The first includes energy efficiency and electrification measures, aimed at reducing energy consumption. The second focuses on renewable energy production.

These improvements, developed jointly by Grupo Iniciativas Alcaesar and Iberdrola España, will reduce energy consumption by 25% in the short term and by nearly 50% in the medium term, with significant savings on the annual bill. There will be an estimated 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current levels.The reduction in CO2 emissions is estimated at around 50% compared to current levels.

From Iberdrola España, the commercial representative in Extremadura and Andalusia, Borja Cañas, has spoken of "the major opportunity" to improve the integration of the industry in nearby towns thanks to the solar communities like those in Extremadura, which are pioneers in Spain.

For his part, Fernando Yaybek, the CEO of Grupo Iniciativas Alcaesar, highlighted the industry's commitment to decarbonisation and reducing its carbon footprint, while improving and adapting services to new demands. This includes offering users the possibility of recharging their electric vehicle at the mortuary itself and sharing the power generated at its facilities with nearby communities, allowing them to enjoy local and 100% sustainable energy.

As part of the partnership between Iberdrola España and the funeral parlour industry (Panasef), a free “carbon footprint calculator” has been made available to all associates (www.mihuellacarbono.com/panasef) to help define a personalised route towards decarbonization. 

Extremadura funeral parlours in solar communities

The four mortuaries in Extremadura have more than 600 photovoltaic panels on their roofs, generating 407 MWh of 100% sustainable energy per year.

Part of this energy is used for the funeral parlours' the own consumption, while the surplus is distributed to the users, within a radius of two kilometers in the form of community self-consumption of solar communities, who have access to 100% renewable electricity.

The Cáceres facility at the San Pedro de Alcántara Funeral Home, has 99 panels that generate 65,975 kWh of energy per year. This prevents the emission of 13 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere, equivalent to 528 trees. More than 70 families will benefit from energy production by signing up to the solar community. 

The Plasencia Mortuary has 261 panels and generates 164,280 kWh annually, preventing the emission of 33 tons of CO₂, equivalent to 1,314 trees. Around 180 residents are expected to be supplied with clean energy.

In Mérida, the Santa Eulalia Funeral Home has 151 solar panels that generate 109,088 kWh annually. Nearly 100 neighbors benefit from this installation, which will prevent the emission of 22 tons of CO₂, equivalent to 873 trees.

For its part, the Inmaculada de Navalmoral de la Mata Funeral Home has 115 panels that supply an annual energy of 67,946 kWh, avoiding the emission of 14 tons of CO₂, equivalent to 544 trees. Up to 80 neighbors can benefit from this solar community.

Energy for the future 

Thanks to these four solar communities, around 400 families, who are within approximately two kilometers of one of the four locations can sign up and save on their electricity bills by locally consuming some of the renewable energy produced by this installation. 

Cáceres was named the first solar city in Spain, as any citizen can join an Iberdrola España Solar Community.

Users can calculate the economic and environmental savings and join the solar community through Iberdrola España's Solar Communities website, by visiting one of Iberdrola España's service points or by calling toll-free 900 92 33 33.