Urban World Heritage Management and Climate Change Preparedness

Abstract

This thesis investigates the challeges of conserving the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Seventeenth Century Canal District of Amsterdam while attempting to become climate neutral by 2050. This thesis will start by explaining the background information necessary on the Seventeenth Century Canal District of Amsterdam’s cultural significance to become a WHS. Then, Amsterdam’s current management strategies towards conservation of the heritage site along with its sustainability development plans is investigated; consequently, exposing the discrepancy between the two ambitions in the case study. Later, though a literature-based research, a theoretical framework is created to assist in finding solutions for the conflicting aims of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability development. This is done using the Canal District of Amsterdam as the context for the discussion. Having the theoretical framework, this thesis concludes by providing practical recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the district while maintaining the core values that make the site culturally significant.