Families are actively seeking green burial options, and cemeteries that earn proper certification are positioned to capture that demand. Getting certified isn't just a credential—it's a competitive signal that builds trust and opens doors to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers. Here's what cemetery operators need to know to get certified and run a compliant, profitable natural burial ground.
Understand the Certification Landscape
The most recognized certifying body in North America is the Green Burial Council (GBC). They offer tiered certification for burial grounds:
- Hybrid Burial Ground – Conventional cemetery that dedicates a section to green burials; allows embalmed remains and vaults in other areas
- Natural Burial Ground – No embalmed remains, no concrete vaults; all burials use biodegradable containers
- Conservation Burial Ground – The highest tier; requires a formal conservation partnership with a land trust and a long-term stewardship plan
Each level has distinct operational, ecological, and documentation requirements. Choosing the right tier depends on your land, your existing infrastructure, and how deeply you want to commit to the green burial model.
Meet the Core Requirements
Green burial cemetery certification through the GBC involves a detailed application process. Before you apply, you'll need to address the following:
- Land assessment – Document soil type, drainage, water table depth, and proximity to water sources. Most states require burials at least 50–100 feet from water and at a minimum depth of 2–3 feet.
- No embalming or toxic preservatives – You must have a written policy prohibiting chemically embalmed remains in certified sections.
- Biodegradable containers only – Approved options include shrouds, wicker or willow caskets, untreated wood coffins, and cardboard containers.
- No concrete vaults or liners – This is a hard line for Natural and Conservation tiers.
- Conservation documentation – For Conservation Burial Ground status, you'll need a conservation easement or partnership with an accredited land trust.
The GBC also reviews your consumer disclosure policies, pricing transparency, and staff training. Plan for a review process that can take 3–6 months from application to certification.
Secure the Legal and Regulatory Foundation
State regulations vary significantly. Before pursuing certification, consult with a cemetery attorney and your state's cemetery regulatory board. Key legal steps include:
- Obtain or update your cemetery operating license
- File a cemetery plat or map designating the natural burial section
- Review your state's Funeral Rule compliance requirements for pricing disclosures
- Check zoning laws—some counties restrict new cemetery development or require conditional use permits
If you're converting an existing cemetery to include a natural burial section, zoning amendments may be required. Budget $2,000–$10,000+ for legal and permitting work depending on your jurisdiction.
Build Operations That Support the Model
Running a certified green burial cemetery means your day-to-day operations need to match your certification. Practically, that means:
- Training staff on proper handling of unembalmed remains, which decompose faster and require prompt burial
- Investing in grave-marking alternatives like native plantings, fieldstones, or GPS-coordinated coordinates instead of granite headstones
- Maintaining native vegetation rather than mowing with conventional lawn care—this is a selling point, not a cost center
- Keeping detailed burial records with GPS data, body orientation, and depth for long-term stewardship
Many natural burial grounds find that operational costs are lower than traditional cemeteries—no mowing chemicals, no concrete installation, fewer heavy equipment needs—but initial land restoration and mapping can run $5,000–$30,000 depending on acreage.
Price and Package Your Services Strategically
Green burial plots typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on region, conservation status, and land value. Conservation burial grounds in desirable natural settings can command premium pricing. Consider bundling:
- Plot + shroud or biodegradable casket packages
- Family-led burial options (many families want to participate)
- Memorial tree or wildflower seeding add-ons
- Pre-need planning programs
Transparent, itemized pricing is required under the FTC Funeral Rule and expected by the eco-conscious buyers you're targeting.
Get Found by the Right Families
Once you're certified, visibility matters. Listing your cemetery on a marketplace like Mercoly puts your services in front of families actively searching for green burial options, helping you generate leads and showcase your certification, plots, and burial packages all in one place.
Beyond that, build local partnerships with hospices, death doulas, home funeral guides, and estate attorneys. These referral sources are deeply embedded in the natural death care community and consistently connect families with certified providers.
The Certification Is Just the Beginning
Maintaining your GBC certification requires annual reporting and adherence to evolving standards—treat it as an ongoing operational commitment, not a one-time box to check.
Start your GBC certification application today and position your cemetery as a trusted, verified destination for families choosing a meaningful return to the earth.