Nuria Capdevila Roig
The Role of Cemeteries in Environmental Sustainability and the Fight against Climate Change: Insights from Spain
Speaker
Nuria Capdevila Roig is the founder and CEO of CIRCLE Corporation, a pioneering consultancy in sustainability applied to the funeral sector.
With over 20 years of experience in industry and eco-design, she has developed a systemic vision that integrates ESG criteria, cultural heritage, and environmental efficiency into funeral services. She serves as an ESG expert on the Sustainability Committee of FIAT-IFTA and is an active researcher in the Cemetery Research Group, an international academic network focused on cemeteries and funeral practices.
She collaborates with universities and technology centers to foster dialogue between sustainability, innovation, and funeral tradition. Her work aims to strengthen the relationship between the funeral sector and society, contributing to the development of more resilient, ethical, and sustainable models.
In the academic field, she supervises Master’s theses at the Valencia International University (VIU) and has been a guest lecturer at institutions such as Elisava, UPC, and ITENE.
Selected Academic Background:
• Master’s Degree in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development – Valencia International University.
• Master’s Degree in Occupational Risk Prevention Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
• General Management Program (PDG) – IESE Business School, University of Navarra.
• Industrial Design Engineering – TU Delft / Elisava
• Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations – Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Introduction
Cemeteries, traditionally conceived as mere places of eternal rest, are undergoing a paradigmatic transformation, establishing themselves as key spaces for environmental sustainability and active agents in the fight against climate change. This lecture will focus specifically on environmental aspects (excluding social and governance dimensions), while incorporating ethical reflections related to environmental responsibility and social commitment, which are essential elements for guiding truly sustainable practices.
The presentation is based on a comprehensive dossier prepared in 2024 for the AFCM (Association of Funeral Homes and Municipal Cemeteries), offering an in-depth analysis of innovative practices implemented by leading Spanish cemeteries. Their strategic alignment with global sustainability goals such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the principles of the Circular Economy will be highlighted.
The presentation will begin with a brief historical and cultural contextualization of cemeteries and funeral practices in Spain, emphasizing their evolution and the growing social awareness of their environmental impact. Concrete cases will be presented illustrating pioneering initiatives such as the adoption of renewable energy, biodiversity protection, efficient water management, responsible waste treatment, and the progressive electrification of vehicle fleets.
Furthermore, the concept of "neo-cemeteries" will be explored in depth, a term coined by our speaker, Nuria Capdevila, to define spaces that integrate ecological sustainability, digital innovation, and cultural inclusion. These future-oriented cemeteries not only aspire to environmental neutrality but also to generate a net positive impact, benefiting both ecosystems and community well-being.
Participants will gain an updated and forward-looking understanding of the role of cemeteries in Spain and how public policies and corporate strategies within the funeral sector actively contribute to sustainability. The lecture will conclude with reflections on future opportunities and challenges, highlighting the essential role of cemeteries as fundamental urban infrastructures (due to their land area and potential for hosting renewable energies) within the municipal strategy of cities—large, medium, or small—against climate change, adding environmental value to their undeniable historical, heritage, cultural, and memorial significance.