The Sustainable Heating of Amsterdam’s Historic Buildings

Abstract (2021)

Authors

M.K. Dang Climate Design and Sustainability - Architecture and the Built Environment
A.A.J.F. van den Dobbelsteen Climate Design and Sustainability - Architecture and the Built Environment
L.J.J.H.M. Gommans Climate Design and Sustainability - Architecture and the Built Environment
Research Group
Climate Design and Sustainability (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Department

Architectural Engineering +Technology

Research Group

Climate Design and Sustainability

Abstract

By the year 2040, Amsterdam aims to be independent from natural gas, and by 2050 the entire city needs to be carbon neutral; to meet these ambitions it is crucial to define a long-term strategy for the historical city centre, the area with the highest heat demand density. The inner city, designated as UNESCO World Heritage site, is now mainly served by natural gas boilers and an extensive energy renovation is difficult due the lack of space and the monumental status of many buildings.
The project presented intends to support the municipality in identifying energy measures allowing for maximum impact while preserving the city’s historic and aesthetic values. By identifying key recommendations and collective measures, the work proposes a generic approach on energy retrofit decisions for historical buildings and it explores opportunities for sustainable heating solutions available locally, such as aquathermal energy from canal water, residual heat and other forms of low-temperature heat.
The research contributes to develop knowledge for the gradual energy transition of the historical city centre of Amsterdam but ultimately, the planning approach can be applied to similar urban areas.