CREMATORY AS HEATING SOURCE

PIPING HOT from the BIG CHILL

Here’s a question for you to ponder:  Why waste the heat generated by combustion of bodies in crematoria?  The smokestacks that channel byproducts of such operations emit a valuable resource in addition to the residual elements so often denounced as atmospheric contaminants.  But it is common practice to ignore the potential for utilization of this wellspring of heat energy.  

However, in Sweden the concept has come to fruition in a number of towns.  It gets cold in Sweden.  Provisions for keeping living bodies warm are mighty important.  Outdated, energy-inefficient cremation equipment that didn’t meet modern regulations for emission control caused town Fathers and facility operators to contemplate alternatives to standard operations.  One of their solutions was to harness heat from their crematoria rather than allowing it to be wastefully dispersed into the air.  The inaugural intention a few years ago was to heat their own premises first and then route it via a network to other local buildings, including homes.  Churches and other public facilities have been instilled with warmth this way.  Through a filtration system, toxins are removed prior to distribution. 

It is energy derived from fuel, not from the bodies, that provides the heat. High temperatures are necessary to complete the cremation process, so provisions are aplenty.   

Next time you are socially engaged in conversation with a local utility company executive (or a crematory operator), keep this in mind as a possible topic to introduce.  You might ignite a sizzling conversation!
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