Andrew and Pippa Leverton, directors at Leverton & Sons, with their Greener Globe Funeral Standard Gold certificate

ECO-HEARSES and biodegradable coffins are part of an award-winning funeral director’s carbon-cutting response to the climate crisis.

Leverton and Sons which has a history dating back several generations in Camden, said it is focused on making send-offs and its own company practices more sustainable.

The family-run business, which has national recognition for organising many high-profile funerals over the year, has won a “gold” industry accolade for its eco-conscious approach to burials in what is typically a very traditional sector.

Hannah Leverton, a spokeswoman for the company with offices in Mornington Crescent, said: “We’ve been committed to green funeral practices for many years. For example, we were the first funeral director in the UK to offer an electric hearse to bereaved families. So, it’s fantastic to receive recognition for our work in this area.

“But the journey doesn’t end here. We’ll be building on this award with additional environmental initiatives, such as more zero-emission vehicles, sustainable coffin types and reductions in energy and water consumption.”

Sustainable coffins are made out of ­bio­degrad­able materials – cardboard, bamboo, willow and sea grass. The company has said carbon-zero funerals “do not exist” but it was possible to make greener choices.

Cremations are often thought of as less environmentally friendly than burials, but do “quickly achieve a process that takes many years to achieve” and do not “use up precious urban or agricultural space.

The Eco-Hearse is capable of making a 200 mile journey to woodland burial site on a single charge.

Ms Leverton added: “With demand for greener funerals growing, it’s vital that funeral directors not only offer eco-friendly options but can also dem­onstrate broader sustainable practices in the running of their businesses.”

The Greener Globe Funeral Standard initiative was launched by a former crematorium manager Brendan Day, who said: “We’re pleased to see such a renowned funeral director as Leverton & Sons receive our Gold award. It’s very well deserved.”

Leverton & Sons was established in 1789 by John Leverton and runs offices in Camden Town, Golders Green, Belsize Park, Kentish Town and Muswell Hill.

The company was among the first to allow women to become funeral directors.