A greener way to say goodbye
Every farewell is a chance to honour life, love and the planet that sustains us. From day one, Candour has worked to prove that meaningful funerals and environmental care can walk hand in hand. Partnering with Australian climate-tech company Trace is just one way we make that commitment real.
How Trace helps us walk the talk
Rather than guessing or assuming, Trace helps us calculate the actual carbon footprint of everything we do – from the energy powering our workspace to the flowers on a casket. That data gives us a roadmap to:
- choose local suppliers over long-haul logistics
- switch to renewable energy sources
- invest in verified climate projects that restore ecosystems and support communities
It’s not just about numbers—it’s about making better choices, right from the start.
A strong start
We opened in November 2024. Within just eight weeks, we measured our emissions and overcompensated for them—offsetting 154% of our carbon footprint. It might seem small now, but it was a big statement for us: we’re serious about starting as we mean to continue.
What “Climate Positive” means for your family
When we say every Candour service is climate positive, we mean that you’re actively helping the planet just by choosing us. Through Trace, we support:
- Mount Sandy Conservation, South Australia – protecting 200 ha of Ngarrindjeri land and wildlife.
- Cool Fire Traditional Land Management, Northern Australia – reducing late-season bushfires using Indigenous fire practices (10% of our offsets).
- Coorong Lakes Biodiversity Conservation, SA – restoring wetland habitat (27%).
- Generating Clean Wind Energy, India – displacing coal with renewable power (5%).
- Efficient Cookstoves, Nepal – lowering household smoke pollution while cutting emissions (24%).
- Katingan Peatlands Conservation, Indonesia – safeguarding one of the world’s largest carbon sinks (34%).
Each project is independently verified, aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, and delivers social co-benefits such as local employment, health improvements and Indigenous stewardship.
You might already feel the difference
You don’t have to ask about our values—you’ll see them in the little details:
• We never use floral foam, plastic wrappings, or imported stems—only local, seasonal flowers grown here on the Mornington Peninsula.
• Our booklets are printed on FSC-certified EcoStar paper with environmentally responsible inks—an elegant touch that doesn’t cost the Earth.
• We encourage digital-first options like online photo galleries and tribute portals to reduce unnecessary printing while helping friends and family connect from anywhere.
We’ve also made public commitments you can read at candourfunerals.com.au/sustainability. These include sourcing native flowers, reducing waste, using recycled and recyclable materials, supporting our local economy, and constantly reassessing our impact as we grow.
What’s next?
This is just the beginning. Here’s what’s on our 2025–26 roadmap:
- A hybrid-electric hearse trial for urban services
- Support for solar-powered backup systems at key sites
- A supplier code of conduct focused on reducing waste and emissions
- An optional carbon calculator for families wanting to offset travel
- A transparent public report every year so you can track our progress
Simple ways to take part
You don’t have to be an expert in sustainability to contribute:
- Choose a sustainably sourced coffin or natural shroud
- Request seasonal flowers or a living plant tribute
- Encourage guests to car-share or join online
- Add a tree planting dedication to your memorial
Every little decision adds up—and we’re here to help you make them feel meaningful.
See for yourself
You can explore our live sustainability stats and project details at any time via our Trace dashboard: Candour on Trace.
A final word
Why it matters – and how you’re part of it
We don’t see sustainability as an extra. It’s simply part of how we show respect—for people, places, and the planet. By choosing Candour, you’re helping reimagine what a farewell can be: gentle, beautiful, and future-minded.
If you’re planning a farewell and want to explore options that honour both your loved one and the planet, we’d love to support you.
Whether it’s local blooms, a tree planted in memory, or just knowing your choices are climate positive—we’re here to help you find what feels right.
Contact us to start the conversation.
Thank you for joining us on the journey.
