Key findings

1. 1. Number of heritage buildings: Amsterdam has approximately 9,000 national and provincially registered monuments, including buildings in UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Canal District. London has around 27,000 listed buildings, representing almost 20% of the nation's registered buildings, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
2. Approach to heritage conservation: Both Amsterdam and London have a long history of heritage conservation. The UK's approach, influenced by organisations like the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, focuses on sympathetic repair and maintenance rather than extensive restoration. In the Netherlands, heritage conservation became part of a broader movement for urban regeneration and social-economic development. The Heritage Act 2016 in the Netherlands provides regulations for the entire cultural heritage sector.
3. Management of heritage buildings: In the Netherlands, the Cultural Heritage Agency is responsible for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. In the UK, the management of heritage buildings is more decentralised, with organisations like Historic England and local governments overseeing heritage policies and decision-making.
4. UNESCO sites: Amsterdam and London both have UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Amsterdam, retrofitting focuses on but is not limited to maintaining comfort and thermal performance due to the constant occupation and varied uses of the buildings. In London, the retrofitting focus is on limiting environmental impact and reducing operational costs, as many of the UNESCO sites are not buildings in contemporary use.
5. Heritage designations: Amsterdam categorises monuments as national, municipal, provincial, or town/village protected, each with specific guidelines and requirements. In the UK, buildings can be nationally listed or locally listed based on their architectural, social, cultural, or historic interest.
6. Funding for retrofitting: Funding for retrofitting listed buildings is a common barrier. In the UK, organisations like Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund provide funding options. In the Netherlands, there are more funding options available, including subsidies for green technologies, low-interest loans from the Restoration Fund, and affordable loans and mortgages for property owners.