A crematorium is weighing up a switch to a greener alternative.

Astwood Crematorium, owned by Worcester City Council, is considering replacing its three gas cremators with two electric alternatives.

The scheme would see the end of the cremators' operational life, which dates back to 1997.

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The proposal suggests replacing the current cremators to minimise the risk of operational downtime and ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

Electric cremators are more energy efficient than their gas counterparts, generating significantly less carbon and nitrogen oxides emissions.

Plans also include the removal of the existing gas boiler, which heats the building, with a heat exchanger linked to the electric cremators now providing the warmth.

Any electricity bought by the councilis certified as zero-emission and from renewable sources.

The new cremators also have the capacity to cope with increased demand, and a provision for a third cremator if required has been made.

Lloyd Griffiths, the council's corporate director of operations, homes and communities, said: "Astwood Crematorium has a vital role to play in the city.

"This work would ensure that families can continue to be supported at what is one of the most difficult and sensitive times we face, whilst significantly improving the green credentials of the facility and the council."

The project would also save around £20,000 per year in energy costs by switching from gas to electric cremators.

The estimated carbon savings from the proposed switch would be equivalent to nearly 300 petrol cars, leading to an 18 per cent reduction in the council's calculated carbon footprint.

The initiative has been driven by a successful bid of £1.497 million to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by the UK Government-owned body, Salix.

This grant will be set against the £5.5 million capital cost of the scheme.

The Policy and Resources Committee will consider the proposed transition in their next meeting on Tuesday, May 21.

If approved, feasibility reports will be conducted before a formal planning application is submitted.