Cemeteries and sustainability
In recent years, sustainability has become one of the most defining global priorities. Across Europe and the world, institutions, businesses and communities are realigning their actions to support environmental protection and social responsibility. Cemeteries, as places of remembrance and cultural heritage, can actively contribute to this transformation. They protect local biodiversity, promote sustainable tourism, and preserve stories from the past that strengthen community identity. Recognizing the potential for positive impact, the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) acknowledges sustainability as a fundamental principle in long-term cemetery management and public interaction.
About the Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe initiative
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global plan adopted by all UN member states in 2015 to improve the quality of life for people everywhere while safeguarding the planet for future generations by 2030. At its core are the 17 sustainable development goals, which cover a wide spectrum of priorities including cultural preservation, climate adaptation, education, equality, peace, and urban resilience. The 2030 Agenda calls for cooperation among governments, institutions, communities, and organizations of all sizes to build a sustainable and fair future together.
Building on this foundation, ASCE launched the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative in 2024 to actively support and promote the values and objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda. This long-term initiative highlights the unique role of cemeteries as multifunctional public spaces, contributing to sustainability efforts while raising awareness and inspiring similar initiatives across Europe.
Each year, ASCE governing bodies select one of the UN 2030 Agenda goals that ASCE members and cemetery managers can actively pursue. This chosen goal guides key activities, partnerships, communications, and project priorities throughout the year. The commitment remains continuous. Even as new goals are selected in future years, ongoing efforts continue to support goals from previous years, ensuring long-term and meaningful progress.
The initiative and related ASCE projects
Since 2024, the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) has been one of the central projects supporting the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative, with the annual WDEC theme corresponding to the selected UN 2030 Agenda goal. Through guided tours, educational programs, digital content, open days, workshops, community gatherings, and other activities, WDEC invites the public to rediscover cemeteries as places that protect cultural heritage, promote environmental sustainability, and foster community engagement.
The objectives of the initiative also intersect with other ASCE projects, such as Schools on Cemeteries and the Peace Tree Project. By aligning these projects and objectives, ASCE can build stronger connections, share resources and expertise, and enhance the overall impact of its work on sustainability and community engagement across Europe.
Get involved
ASCE members are invited to share their past and upcoming activities using the form below. Designed for WDEC, the form covers projects linked to the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative or organized as part of WDEC, regardless of the year’s specific theme.
All submitted activities will be featured on the ASCE website and shared on ASCE social media, showcasing our members’ collective efforts to drive sustainable change and encouraging wider participation.