Who We Are

Our Mission

The Green Burial Council is a nonprofit environmental certification and education organization that sets standards for natural burial in North America. Our mission is to promote the protection of worker health, reduction of carbon emissions, conservation of natural resources, preservation of habitat, and community/family involvement with environmentally responsible after-death practices. We aim to set trustworthy standards for green burial through third-party certification; and support families, professionals, and communities with educational resources that make sustainable, meaningful deathcare possible.  

Our Vision

A future where everyone understands what green burial truly is and where informed choices drive meaningful change. We believe that with widespread awareness, demand for authentic green burial will grow, encouraging the funeral industry to offer it as a standard, accessible, and transparent option. Our mission is to dispel myths, challenge greenwashing, and ensure that green burial is recognized as a safe, dignified, and environmentally-restorative practice available in every community.

Our Values

  • Respect
    For rituals that create meaning for both the living and the dead
  • Reverence
    For the earth, funeral/burial traditions, and sacred cultural practices
  • Integrity
    In all aspects of our work by holding ourselves to the highest standards
  • Sustainability
    Both environmentally and operationally so that future generations may benefit from our work
  • Leadership
    Making certifiable, sustainable death-care practices available to all

What We Do

Certification & Directory

We offer certification programs for burial funeral homes, cemeteries, burial products, and body care products. Our certification recognizes providers and products committed to sustainable practices in the funeral industry and the preservation of land through environmentally responsible burial. You can learn more on our [What Is Green Burial?] and our GBC Certification pages.

Green Burial Resources

If you're exploring green burial for yourself or working to offer more sustainable options professionally, our resources can help you make informed, eco-conscious decisions. Discover handouts, checklists, and tips for ensuring burials are truly green with the pre-planning tools found on our Plan a Green Burial page. Visit our Provider Resources page for cemetery start-up guidance, grave maintenance practices, and more.

Educational Webinars

Whether you're curious about green burials and want help navigating the mixed messages in the media, or you're an industry professional seeking to offer more sustainable options, our monthly webinars are here to support you. These free educational sessions feature insights from experts in green burial and related fields. Visit our Events page to learn about upcoming webinars, and check out past sessions on our YouTube channel.

Media & Academic Consulting

We aim to be the leading authority on green burial, dedicated to defining and upholding environmentally sound, evidence-based end-of-life practices. In a landscape filled with greenwashing and misconceptions, the Green Burial Council helps media outlets, researchers, and the public distinguish truly sustainable options from misleading claims—promoting clarity, credibility, and integrity. See where we’re quoted and cited on our News and Research pages.